hris Yvars, a Firm shareholder, brings a variety of defense litigation and risk management experience to The Hustead Law Firm. He began his law practice participating in a broad range of civil practice with an emphasis in litigation, including medical and legal malpractice defense and construction defense related matters. Thereafter, he became associated with the firm of Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLC, where his practice was almost exclusively devoted to civil litigation with an emphasis on construction defect litigation for large construction and development companies, personal injury and general casualty defense. During his time there, Chris was actively engaged in all aspects of litigation, including court appearances and negotiating large multi-party settlements.
In 2003, Chris took his enthusiasm and proficiency in personal injury defense, his love of the mountains and his personal experiential background as a ski racer, avid mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, to Dillon, Colorado, where he joined The Rietz Law Firm, LLC. His practice involved defense litigation representation, inception through mediation and/or trial, in a wide variety of matters for numerous ski resorts and corporations nationwide. He also represented several other recreational activity outfitters, sports product manufacturers, shops, and insurers. He has handled large personal injury, wrongful death and civil assault cases, and he has further been involved in overseeing & consulting on cases for national insurance broker & carrier programs. In 2004, on behalf of Colorado’s ski industry, and in conjunction with their local and national trade organizations, Chris assisted in drafting the revisions to The Colorado Ski Safety Act; a statute that has served as a model for similar legislation enacted in other states.
Chris’ experience also extends to risk management matters. He has taught, advised and worked with corporate risk management programs regarding claims handling, policies, procedures, manuals and operations for private and publicly traded companies. He has presented and consulted on Crisis Management/Emergency Response Plans, as well as served as counsel in crisis/emergency situations, with the primary goal of minimizing potential claims and exposure, while also seeking to prevent and/or minimize OSHA or other regulatory agency citations. He has also been involved with and assisted in media releases, media exposure, police investigations, and matters involving Colorado regulatory agencies and the National Forest & Park Services.
Chris was born in 1971 in Philadelphia, PA. He was raised in the Northeast in Pittsfield, MA. Chris started skiing at the age of three, and took up ski racing at the age of eight. Growing up he competed in USSA racing throughout the United States. Throughout his racing career, he has competed in USSA races on a national level, in the Junior Olympics, and in collegiate conferences and Nationals.
Chris received his undergraduate degree in History from Boston College in 1993.
