Chris Davis serves as Gray Reed's Government Investigations & Compliance Practice Group Leader. Chris guides businesses and individuals through high-stakes investigations, criminal proceedings and civil enforcement actions brought by various federal and state agencies, including those involving allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, healthcare fraud, FCPA violations, False Claims Act violations and pay-to-play schemes. He also helps his clients resolve a variety of complex commercial disputes, both before and after litigation has been filed. Chris represents clients across the country and internationally spanning several industries, including healthcare, energy, financial services, fintech, real estate, technology and retail.
As a former government trial lawyer, Chris brings unique experience and an insider perspective to the firm’s white-collar defense practice. He previously served as a Senior Trial Counsel in the SEC's Fort Worth Regional Office, which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. In that role, he was responsible for leading litigation efforts throughout the country against individuals and entities charged with violating the federal securities laws. Chris investigated and prosecuted many cases involving a variety of high-profile and first-impression matters, ranging from cryptocurrency-based securities and Ponzi schemes to accounting fraud and insider trading.
A licensed CPA since 2000, Chris spent seven years in the private sector before entering law school, primarily in management consulting for a Big Four accounting and consulting firm. Chris leverages his experience as a government regulator, CPA and management consultant to advise clients on best practices for minimizing regulatory and business risks. In addition to helping clients develop proactive compliance policies and procedures, Chris conducts internal investigations to defuse compliance issues quickly before they give rise to an investigation or litigation.
Before joining the SEC in 2010, Chris worked in the trial department of a large international law firm. He has deep experience as lead counsel in civil and commercial litigation matters involving a broad range of issues, including claims arising from his white-collar practice, intellectual property, contract disputes, professional malpractice, plus many more.
Chris is a regular presenter on cutting-edge topics such as cybersecurity and digital currencies, as well as government enforcement and compliance issues.