Christian B. W. Stephens

Christian B. W. Stephens is a practiced civil litigator with considerable experience in Massachusetts and Rhode Island courts on both the state and federal levels. He also regularly conducts depositions and participates in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. His practice includes professional liability defense, business and employment litigation, and construction law. Mr. Stephens has enjoyed representing accountants, insurance brokers, financial planners, product manufacturers and health care providers in disciplinary proceedings and government investigations, as well as formal civil litigation.

Representative Accomplishments

Mr. Stephens recently persuaded the Rhode Island Supreme Court to deny a petition for a writ of certiorari challenging a trial court ruling he obtained regarding the payment of expert witnesses by an opposing party. He persuaded a Rhode Island trial court shortly before trial to dismiss all claims against an emergency room physician who was accused of failing to diagnose a rare eye condition.

He has successfully crafted effective dispute-resolution strategies outside of traditional legal mechanisms. For example, based on his ability to conduct efficient discovery and investigation without the need for issuing formal discovery requests, Mr. Stephens recently obtained a favorable, prompt settlement for a financial planning corporation in an ERISA action filed by a profit sharing plan. Mr. Stephens also persuaded a plaintiff through an informal meeting between the parties to voluntarily dismiss her claims against a Rhode Island surgeon after demonstrating that her alleged injuries were not the result of any medical error by his client.

Mr. Stephens also has considerable experience successfully litigating various construction disputes and employment law matters. Recently, he has enforced Rhode Island mechanics’ liens on behalf of a multinational corporation and obtained a favorable settlement at mediation for Massachusetts homeowners against an out-of-state architectural firm based on their consumer protection claims. He has also represented employers in several wrongful termination and wage and hour claims.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

Mr. Stephens is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, as well as the Rhode Island Carolina Club.