Christopher Cortez practices in the areas of insurance, trucking and toxic tort defense. He has substantial experience in government contracts as well as Louisiana public bid law.
Before joining Wilson Elser in 2022, Chris worked for seven years as a Felony Lead Assistant District Attorney and Legal Advisor to the Governing Authority and Administrative Hearing Officer in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. As an Assistant District Attorney, Chris tried more than 100 judge and jury trials in Orleans and St. John the Baptist parishes and obtained convictions on 100 percent of first-chair jury trials. As Legal Advisor, he provided advice and opinions to the parish government on governmental ethics, contracts and public bid law. As Administrative Hearing Officer, Chris presided as trier of fact for hearings on violations of public ordinance.
Areas of Focus
Toxic Tort
In the area of toxic tort defense Chris has experience in asbestos and benzene litigation.
White-Collar Defense
As a former Senior Felony Assistant District Attorney, Chris is experienced in Louisiana criminal trials and can represent individuals and corporations in criminal matters including white-collar defense.