Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to welcome Christopher F. (Chris) Hamilton to the firm’s Tampa, Florida, office as of counsel in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group.
Chris brings a unique perspective to the firm, combining more than a decade of high-level litigation experience with recent leadership as Deputy General Counsel and operations executive for a national private holding company. An accomplished litigator at his core, he has represented clients in complex business, transportation, maritime, environmental, and real property matters before state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.
Chris diligently helps clients navigate everything from contract disputes to business tort claims to real property litigation. Today, he leverages his combined litigation and business experience to align legal strategy with a business’s operational objectives and client’s goals.
With a specific focus on admiralty and maritime law – a passion sparked during his time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he competed on the varsity sailing team – Chris brings extensive experience in dispute resolution and transactions for both commercial and private clients, covering matters such as maritime liens, charter party negotiations, vessel documentation, dock permitting and design disputes, vessel arrests and attachments, limitation of liability actions, collisions and allisions, and personal injury and wrongful death claims.
“Chris joins us with a broad background handling both routine and highly complex disputes while nimbly shifting between a wide-ranging client base,” said Kirby McDonough, office managing partner for Spencer Fane in Tampa. “On top of that, he is highly adept in compliance counsel, contributing to a well-rounded practice that we look forward to integrating with our talented team here in Tampa and across our national footprint.”
Following his training at the U.S. Naval Academy, Chris obtained bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics from the University of South Florida and thereafter earned his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Stetson University. Beyond private practice, he has held leadership positions within the American Bar Association, TIPS Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee; Association of Corporate Counsel, Tampa Bay Chapter; and, International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Tampa, Inc.