About Christopher
Christopher Durbin is a Seattle-based lawyer who approaches complex courtroom work with a steady, methodical style. He favors clear argument and meticulous preparation. Colleagues describe him as concise in court and thorough behind the scenes.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University, earning a B.A. in English Literature in 1997. He then attended the University of Washington School of Law and received his J.D. in 2001. Those years shaped his legal foundation and his approach to written and oral advocacy.
Durbin is a partner at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP and practices from the firm's Seattle office. In that role he appears in a variety of federal forums. He is admitted to practice before several courts and circuits, including the Ninth, First, Second, Fifth and Federal Circuits; the Federal Circuit; the District of Columbia; and the state bars of California and Washington. His admissions extend to multiple U.S. district courts, among them the Central, Northern and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington, the Northern District of California and the District of Columbia.
His work involves both trial and appellate proceedings in federal courts. He prepares pleadings, manages discovery, argues motions and presents oral argument at the appellate level. He often handles matters that require coordination across districts and circuits, moving cases through district courts and on to higher courts when necessary.
Peers and clients note that he is comfortable in complex procedural settings. He routinely handles multi-jurisdictional filings and coordinates appearances in different federal venues. That practical experience informs how he structures litigation strategies and prepares witnesses and exhibits for court.
Durbin also places emphasis on written advocacy. His background in English literature and his law school training contribute to a careful attention to drafting. He spends time refining briefs and motions so the legal narrative is persuasive and the factual record is accessible for judges and clerks.
He maintains an active trial and appellate practice from his Seattle office, representing clients in federal district courts and courts of appeals across multiple jurisdictions. He currently handles federal trial and appellate litigation from his Seattle office.
