Christopher Miles Kolkey
Senior Associate
Christopher Kolkey has a wealth of experience with all phases of litigation and is a passionate advocate for his clients.
With innovative strategy and efficient execution, Christopher assists his clients in resolving disputes cost-effectively, always aimed at achieving the most desirable outcome. Christopher has litigated cases on two continents, both the west and east coasts, in state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels. He has taken and defended depositions, drafted and argued dispositive motions, and tried cases. His clients include multi-million dollar companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals.
Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement
- Leadership Sacramento, Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, Class of 2021
- Sacramento County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning Section
- Sacramento Metro EDGE
- UCLA School of Law, faculty-selected writing adviser for first-year law students
- UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs, Chief Production Editor
Honors & Rankings
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
- Defended labor union in class action lawsuit filed in the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME Council 11, 138 S. Ct. 2448 (2018). Successfully drafted motion to dismiss, and successfully drafted opposition to motion for preliminary injunction.
- Defended a family member against a claim filed by trustee in federal court arising from alleged breach of quasi-contract. Successfully drafted and argued motion to dismiss on statute of limitations grounds.
- Second chair for arbitration over breach of contract, delivering the opening statement and direct-examining key witnesses. The client prevailed at arbitration on his breach of contract claim.
- Represented eight defendants in complex civil RICO case for $27 million against Taiwanese creditor, drafting 80-page motion for summary judgment, and managing millions of pages of written discovery with over 40 depositions on two continents and hundreds of discovery disputes before two court-appointed special masters. The defendants reached a favorable settlement for even less than the cost of trial.
- Represented Relativity Media against Netflix over breach of contract. Christopher’s representation included researching, drafting, and arguing an opposition to Netflix’s demurrer, which the Court overruled. Law360 published an article on May 16, 2017 about the high-profile hearing. See https://www.law360.com/articles/924515/netflix-fights-bankrupt-film-studio-s-suit-over-streaming.
- Second chair for arbitration in Georgia over alleged breach of employment agreement, direct-examining and cross-examining witnesses.
- Represented individual against insurance broker in lawsuit involving breach of contract and fraud claims. He drafted motions to compel discovery responses and opposed the insurance broker’s demurrer, all of which were successful.
- Researched and drafted successful motion for summary adjudication in a breach of contract lawsuit for over $1.6 million. The Los Angeles Daily Journal reported about the first-of-its-kind ruling, which relied, in part, on a 150-year old case.
Announcements
2 related itemsBlogs
9 related items-
March 15, 2022Schism Deepens on California Trust Modification
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October 11, 2021Trust Modification/Amendment Procedure Now Unsettled in California
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January 11, 2021Lights, Cabin, Action! A Showdown Over Jurisdiction and Venue
Trust on Trial -
July 29, 2020En Garde! A Trust’s Revocation Method May Not Be Enforced Unless It Explicitly States It’s the Exclusive Means of Revocation
Trust on Trial -
April 27, 2020Trustees May Not Need Lawyers to Seek Instructions from California Courts, But the Do-It-Yourself Approach Remains Hazardous
Trust on Trial -
March 19, 2020Mind Your Notice in California – Even Remote Contingent Beneficiaries May Need to Be Served
Trust on Trial -
October 28, 2019Don’t Rely on a Post-It® Note to Amend Your California Trust
Trust on Trial -
July 2, 2019California Probate Administration Is No Time for Napping
Trust on Trial -
February 6, 2019Free Rider No More — When Can a California Trust Beneficiary Shift Legal Fees to Other Beneficiaries?
Trust on Trial
The grandson of the artist behind beloved American staples such as Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, Christopher is a proud Sacramento-area native who is an avid runner. Specifically, he participates in races ranging from half-marathons to “Ragnars,” a 200-mile relay.
While not running, Christopher enjoys cheering for the Bruins (8-clap!) and traveling with his family. Christopher’s verve for traveling began when he studied abroad in London for a year during his time as an undergraduate student at UCLA, and he hopes to continue traveling with his wife.
Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement
- Leadership Sacramento, Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation, Class of 2021
- Sacramento County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning Section
- Sacramento Metro EDGE
- UCLA School of Law, faculty-selected writing adviser for first-year law students
- UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs, Chief Production Editor
Honors & Rankings
- Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society