Title: Partner
Company: Carney Badley Spellman, PS
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Christopher Wright, partner at Carney Badley Spellman, PS, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in commercial litigation and construction litigation.
Across nearly 30 years, Mr. Wright has excelled as a lawyer with a strong focus on construction litigation. Prior to beginning his legal career, his first work experience was as a landscaping contractor, providing him with some initial insight into the construction industry. Following that, Mr. Wright worked at The Wherehouse, a record store in Southern California, while he was enrolled in college. This job taught him how to work with people and answer questions from customers and clients.
Mr. Wright started his proper litigation journey in 1997, joining Ashbaugh Beal as a partner. Despite having limited previous experience with construction, he ended up quickly becoming an expert in that segment of the law through determination and hard work. After more than 10 years with Ashbaugh Beal, Mr. Wright became a partner at Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald LLP, a multistate firm specializing in construction and surety law. Over another near-decade with this firm, he further cemented his reputation as a reliable litigator doggedly pursuing the best outcome for his clients.
Culminating his professional trajectory, Mr. Wright has served as a partner at Carney Badley Spellman, PS, since 2017. He takes on cases representing general contractors or owners in construction disputes. Mr. Wright also aids his clients in upfront contract negotiations, helping them to avoid legal problems in the future. Showcasing his expertise, he has worked on cases in 15 different states as well as some involving overseas complications. After his first five years at Carney Badley Spellman, Mr. Wright was also promoted to the position of head of litigation. This role allows him to interact with and mentor younger lawyers in the firm, which he takes great enjoyment from.
Among his many achievements, Mr. Wright is especially proud of his trial work. He recalls one memorable case in an Idaho federal court, where he represented a medium-sized contractor against Wood International, a massive international corporation. In this example, Mr. Wright ensured that his client won the case that could have otherwise jeopardized the whole company. He has recently completed a three-month trial on behalf of the Seattle Convention Center, which has yet to be decided but wherein he has already had the opposing party’s claim significantly reduced.
Prior to embarking upon his professional journey, Mr. Wright sought a strong background in his academic world. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside, in 1993. Subsequently, Mr. Wright earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1996. In addition to his education, he credits his success to his enjoyment of his job and his genuine care toward his clients, which fuels a commitment to work hard on their behalf.
Well-regarded for his contributions in the field of construction law, Mr. Wright has been the subject of a number of accolades. He has been listed as one of the Top 100 Attorneys in the state of Washington and as a Washington Super Lawyer. In 2022, Carney Badley Spellman, PS, was named one of the Top 50 Construction Firms thanks to Mr. Wright’s leadership. He maintains membership in a number of industry organizations, including serving as the vice chairman of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association’s International Construction Projects Committee.
Beyond his career, Mr. Wright is a proud and loving father to two children, including his 23-year-old daughter Cora, who was recently accepted into medical school. In planning for the future, he is eager to continue mentoring the lawyer he considers his protégé, who joined him as an associate six years ago and was promoted to partner just over one year ago. Mr. Wright notes the importance of mentors throughout his own professional path, so he hopes to give back to others in honor of that.
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