Ottele, Christopher, L.

Solves employers’ workplace challenges and employment law disputes.

Chris Ottele advises employers to help solve their workplace problems. He first counsels on practical ways to address employment matters, providing advice to human resources, internal counsel and company leadership on compliance with ever-changing laws and sensitive situations, including conducting workplace investigations into employee misconduct.

When litigation ensues, Chris fights for clients, ensuring they make informed choices about risks, costs and rewards at every stage. He litigates in all areas of employment law, but has developed particular skill advocating for clients in claims involving restrictive covenants, wage and hour law, retaliation, discrimination and wrongful termination. He regularly defends class and collective actions. While focusing on his home state of Colorado, Chris has practiced throughout the country, litigating for sophisticated employers in more than two dozen jurisdictions. His experience often translates to complex commercial disputes, including breach of contract and trade secret claims.

Chris leverages his extensive knowledge of employee compensation schemes and executive agreements to represent C-suite executives, founders and other leaders when negotiating and litigating equity grants, equity valuation, incentive compensation and restrictive covenants. He testifies before the Colorado General Assembly on proposed employment legislation and submits amicus briefs to appellate courts on significant cases.

Chris chairs the firm’s employment litigation group.   

Education

J.D., University of Chicago Law School

B.A., Claremont McKenna College, cum laude

Admissions

Colorado

Washington

AWARDS:

“Chris has strong commercial acumen and is consistently responsive to any issue. It is a real pleasure to work with him.” – Chambers USA, 2025

“Chris is an incredible attorney. He has a deep knowledge of the law and is strategic in the application of this knowledge.” – Chambers USA, 2025

Chambers USA, 2025

Best Lawyers in America, 2021-2025