Chris M Chapman Email & Phone Number

Seattle, Wa, Us

Western United States

Melbourne, Australia

Advised small businesses and individuals on strategic issues focusing on long-term implications of decisions. Reviewed, identified, and analyzed potential contract risks and recommended risk mitigation strategies.Secured sole control of Endota Group of Companies for client by negotiating sale of co-founder shares in $50M deal● Initiated shareholder lawsuit against co-founder based on breaches of Corporations Act and fiduciary duties ● Coordinated access to data-room for prospective investors to review contractual and risk matrices ● Oversaw negotiations with investors and exiting party and reviewed new shareholder agreements

Melbourne, Australia

Led general litigation and advised on contractual disputes including small business claims, real and personal estates, and wills and trusts.

Moorodoc, Australia

Oversaw all aspects of legal function including risk monitoring, insurance obligations and compliance reviews. Authored and negotiated contracts such as retail leases, supplier contracts, acquisitions, and ad hoc agreements. Developed and implemented systems to align franchise network compliance to standards and obligations. Performed corporate secretarial duties including coordination of annual general meetings (AGM) and communications with Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).Reduced risks for external investors and improved compliance by renegotiating 75 contracts and agreements● Reviewed agreements and verified compliance with all obligations and applicable legislation and regulations ● Renegotiated agreements to remove excessive obligations and withdraw founders as personal guarantors ● Trained staff on contracting requirements, dollar value authorities, and other contracting system conceptsMinimized risks of aggressive business growth by standardizing 46 franchise agreements● Drafted standardized franchise agreement to protect franchisor and align with Australian franchise regulations ● Reviewed existing agreements and documented deviations from new standard● Monitored expiry and key triggers to move franchisees to new standard agreement as soon as possibleDecreased business risks by exiting 7 underperforming and non-compliant franchisees from network● Coordinated with business owners and franchisees to investigate underperformance and lack of compliance● Reviewed communications and contracts to identify potential contractual triggers for ending relationship● Led removal process of franchisees unwilling to comply with obligations and company standards

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Commercial Litigator - Advised in dispute resolution of small to medium size enterprises and high-net-worth individuals.

Sydney, Australia

SENIOR ASSOCIATE: Represented clients as commercial litigation advisor for complex disputes in Supreme Courts of New South Wales and Victoria, Federal Court of Australia, and High Court of Australia. Defended clients in cases involving product warranty disputes, breach of contract, complex questions of jurisdiction, implied contractual terms of good faith, allegations of fraud and conspiracy, and contempt proceedings.Reviewed 2.1M documents in 4 months by overseeing collaboration workflow with 120 lawyers across 2 continents● Negotiated contract with Indian legal services supplier to comply with Victorian Supreme Court deadline● Collaborated with document management software provider to align requirements with legal considerations● Delivered internal training and directed workflow management of 120 lawyers across India and Australia.SECONDEE FOR VIRGIN MOBILE AUSTRALIA – GENERAL COUNSEL (11/2010-12/2010): Provided 6-week cover for General Counsel by supervising all aspects of legal function and participating with senior management in day-to-day running of organization. Negotiated several strategic agreements central to company growth plans. SECONDEE FOR SINGTEL OPTUS PTY LTD – CONTRACT MANAGER (06/2008-08/2009): Reviewed and approved international agreements for SMS and video on demand products. Coordinated with outside counsel on to resolve disputes with customers. Led negotiations for access to national database of public phone numbers. Authored contracts for services associated with communications satellites. Supported business sales team in reviewing compliance with bid conditions. Directed negotiations and finalization of 55 contracts per month by standardizing agreement forms● Reviewed contract policy and liaised with commercial contacts to build working relationships● Mapped differences with existing contracts and drafted standard contract according to current policies● Introduced and implemented new standardized form to streamline contract review

Jd, Law

Mba, Business, Organisational Management

Ba, Business Leadership