Christopher Stombaugh
About
About Christopher Stombaugh
Chris Stombaugh is widely considered one of the top trial lawyers in America today. Recent results include a $102.6 million verdict against General Motors, a $40 million wrongful death verdict, and verdicts of $26 million and $13 million.
Chris also teaches lawyers throughout the country, sharing his expertise and experience. As the main instructor at Michigan Auto Law Trial Center, Chris finds the winning messages for cases through cognitive neuroscience-based use of focus groups, mock juries, and other methods of trial preparation. Chris has also been on the teaching faculty at the Trial Lawyers College, which is a 30-year-old non-profit organization that teaches lawyers from across the country how to master the art of persuasion and credibility to maximize jury verdicts and settlements for their clients.
Chris also speaks regularly at national legal conferences and seminars about modern and effective trial advocacy.
Chris is the past president of the Wisconsin Association for Justice. He is fluent in Spanish.
Honors
Education
- The University of Wisconsin – Platteville, B.A.
- Drake University School of Law, J.D., with honors
Bar Admissions
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Publications
- “Medicolegal Sidebar: Blowback: The Unintended Consequences of Medical Liability Reform,” Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016 Jan
Speaking Engagements
- “Off the Record: A Candid View from the Other Side,” National Webinar for Orthopedic Surgeons
- “Rules that Work and How to Work Them,” Trial School, National Webinar
- “Voir Dire and Opening Statements Workshop,” Trial School, Phoenix, AZ
- “Power Deposition with Chris Stombaugh and Charles Allen,” 360 Advocacy, Las Vegas, NV; Huntington Beach, CA; Atlanta, GA
- “Power Story with Chris Stombaugh and Bobby DiCello: Connect, Convince, Compel,” 360 Advocacy, New Orleans, LA; Las Vegas, NV
- “Power Preparation: Suggestion, Imagination, and Belief,” 360 Advocacy Ski and CLE Conference, Jackson Hole, WY
- “Power Preparation,” 360 Advocacy Ski and CLE Conference, Jackson Hole, WY
Memberships
- Wisconsin Association for Justice
- Iowa Association for Justice
- American Association for Justice
Notable Cases
- $102.6 Million – Verdict – Automotive defect class action lawsuit against General Motors
- $40 Million – Verdict – Wrongful death lawsuit
- $13.2 Million – Verdict – Wrongful death truck accident case
- $7 Million – Verdict – Construction accident caused by worksite safety violations.
- $5 Million – Verdict – Personal injuries caused by an electrical utility resulting in economic and noneconomic damages
- $2 Million – Verdict – PTSD lawsuit against Boeing after a traumatic mid-flight event
- $2 Million – Verdict – Wrongful death due to nursing home negligence
Client Testimonials
