Chris D. Wagner

Partner

Chris Wagner is a partner with Hoover Hull Turner LLP practicing in the areas of commercial litigation, business ownership and governance disputes, securities litigation, and professional liability matters. He represents businesses, business owners, management teams, and law firms in complex disputes involving substantial financial and operational exposure.

Chris is particularly experienced in representing clients in the real estate development, construction, manufacturing, and professional services industries, where disputes often carry significant business and reputational consequences.

Chris works closely with clients to evaluate objectives early and develop strategies designed to achieve those objectives while minimizing risk and liability. He approaches each matter with rigorous preparation, thoughtful analysis, and a trial-ready mindset, carefully assessing both vulnerabilities and opportunities as disputes evolve. Clients value his calm presence, strategic judgment, and ability to navigate high pressure situations with clarity and focus.

Awards & Recognition

  • Distinguished Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation

Experience

Though all cases vary and none is predictive, Chris’s experience includes:

  • Representing the seller of a subsidiary against claims of securities fraud, common law fraud, statutory fraud and deception, breach of contract, and damages exceeding $200 million.
  • Representing directors of a publicly traded bank against shareholder fiduciary duty claims arising from a merger transaction.
  • Defending a national retailer against contract claims in both the federal district court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • Representing a state environmental agency in the resolution of putative class action involving reimbursement claims from state underground petroleum storage tank trust fund.
  • Representing a national professional sports franchise against defamation claims.
  • Representing a Division I athletic conference in the enforcement of conference bylaws against a former member institution.
  • Representing national and regional law firms in professional liability defense matters in state and federal courts.

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., Washington and Lee University School of Law, Burks Scholar
  • M.Ed., Arizona State University
  • B.A., Economics, Indiana University Bloomington

Clerkship

  • Law clerk to the Honorable Richard L. Young, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Admissions

  • State of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Heritage Place of Indianapolis, board member
  • Indiana State Bar Association, member
  • Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar), member
  • Indianapolis Bar Foundation, member
  • McKinney Shepard Indianapolis Inn of Court, member

News & Insights

  • Presenter, “Representing Newco & Litigating the Deal,” ICLEF Advanced Mergers & Acquisitions Seminar, November 2019