Christopher S. Milligan

Christopher Milligan is of counsel in the Riverside, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Prioritizing communication and transparency when counseling employers allows Chris to develop tailored solutions that acknowledge and are geared toward compliance with California’s foresight and employee-friendly employment landscape. 

Having previously served as in-house counsel at a national insurance company enables Chris to craft a cost-sensitive and claims-aware approach to litigation strategy and resolution. Chris defends employers in wage and hour class and representative actions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), as well as in claims under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and wrongful termination disputes. With a focus on litigation avoidance, he advises in-house counsel and human resources professionals on employee discipline, leave management, and workplace accommodations. Chris partners with employers to create sector-specific, practical policies for clients of retail, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction organizations, with a focus on proactive compliance. 

Chris has also assisted with several appellate matters, including: 

• A published California Court of Appeals decision establishing precertification communication protocols with class members in wage and hour class actions.
• Representing a construction employer in an appellate case interpreting California’s meal period rules and clarifying the standards under applicable wage orders.
• Preparing appellate briefing in a case involving class certification and employee misclassification claims in the telecom sector.
• Defending against a trust fund’s claims for ERISA benefit contributions in federal court, resulting in a favorable published decision for the client. 

During law school, he served as Senior Editor of the Interdisciplinary Law Journal, authored a published note titled “Facial Recognition Technology, Video Surveillance, and Privacy,” and completed judicial externships with the Michigan Ninth Judicial Circuit Court and the Los Angeles Superior Court. Outside the office, Chris enjoys coaching, refereeing, and playing soccer, and spending time with his wife and children.

Honors and Recognitions

• California Super Lawyers®, "Rising Star" (2011-2012)

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• AYSO Soccer, Coach and Referee
• Boy Scouts of America, Adult Leader and Merit Badge Counselor

Published Works

• "U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Bostock v. Clayton County Extends Title VII Protections to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," The Authority - California Joint Powers Insurance Agency (Jun 1, 2020) [Author]
• "ERISA Survey of Federal Circuits – Ninth Circuit," American Bar Association (Jan 1, 2011) [Author/Contributor]
• "Missed Meals and the Law: Supreme Court Will Review Brinker; Court of Appeal Issues Brinkley Opinion," California Framing Contractors (Jan 1, 2009) [Author]
• "Court of Appeal Provides Limited Victory in California Wage and Hour Wars," California Framing Contractors (Jan 1, 2008) [Author]
• "Wal-Mart Case Sends Message to Employers," East Bay Business Times (Jan 1, 2006) [Co-author]
• "Facial Recognition Technology, Video Surveillance, and Privacy," 9 S. Cal. Interdisc. L. J. 295 (1999-2000) (Jan 1, 2000) [Author]

Speeches

• "Employee Recruitment Strategies to Increase Diversity," 2020 ACSA Personnel Institute (Los Angeles, Sep 28, 2020) (Speaker)