CHRIS BARNES represents clients in complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country, and at all stages of the litigation process. Chis has substantial experience in discovery and pre-trial matters, including drafting and responding to written discovery, preparing lay and expert witnesses, and taking and defending depositions. He has also briefed numerous motions at the trial and appellate levels.
Chris maintains an active pro bono practice, focusing on the representation of prisoners in civil rights cases. As part of his pro bono practice, he has directed the briefing of several cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, including successfully arguing several briefs before panels of that court. In 2023, Chris received the “Thomas H. Morsch Award for Pro Bono Achievement,” and an award for “Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service” from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Prior to joining Sidley, Chris completed a Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) Fellowship with the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice.
Chris graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, where he received certificates of merit for the highest scoring exam in both torts and property.