As a member of the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups, Chris has a breadth of experience to assist clients in these often-intertwined areas of law. Chris understands that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addressing any one particular client matter and makes sure to take the time to understand the client’s specific goals and objectives.

Business
Chris counsels businesses – from start-ups to global manufacturers – in all aspects of business including general corporate governance and drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements. Chris is proud to work with several of the area’s preeminent businesses, often serving as outside general counsel for all of their business needs.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Chris also handles mergers and acquisitions on both the buy-side and sell-side, helping clients through the complex process from the letter of intent, due diligence, and consummation of the transaction. Chris has worked on transactions ranging from small sales/acquisitions up to multi-million-dollar deals.

Real Estate
As a real estate attorney, Chris handles a wide range of real estate matters, including residential and commercial transactions of all shapes and sizes, including sales, purchases and leases. Chris serves as a mediator for the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties’ (RAYAC) dispute resolution system. He brings his unique perspective and background having represented buyers, sellers and homebuilders in this process to guide the parties in resolving their dispute.

Land Use and Zoning
As a member of the firm’s Land Use Practice, Chris guides clients through all phases of the land development process including zoning. He has successfully secured needed zoning relief for clients of all sizes, including special exceptions, conditional uses, variances and rezoning. In addition, Chris has successfully defended numerous clients against alleged zoning violations. He also served as objectors’ counsel in opposing zoning matters, including through the appellate process. In this role, Chris has successfully opposed zoning and other land uses that would have adversely affected his client’s property and community.

Property Disputes
Chris has successfully represented clients in property disputes, including bringing and defending adverse possession and related claims, alleged encroachments, nuisances and the like.

Construction
Chris is the chair of the firm’s Construction Industry Group. In this role, Chris leads the dozens of attorneys who practice in all areas related to construction. Chris works with several homebuilders and developers on all facets of project development from acquisition to forming planned communities and home sales. Chris counsels homebuilders and remodelers on matters including contracts, compliance with the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), and related litigation. He also has experience representing clients in construction code matters, including interpretation and responding to alleged code violations.

Prior to joining Barley Snyder, Chris was director of government affairs for the York County Builders Association where he was responsible for keeping members informed of current laws or proposed changes affecting the residential building industry. Chris then went on to serve as executive director to the late State Senator Michael L. Waugh, working in the Senator’s capitol office where he was involved in policy development and legislation, including changes to the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.