Christopher N. Tomlin is an associate in the Litigation Department and a member of the Commercial Litigation, Consumer Class Action Litigation, Consumer Financial Services, Franchise and Distribution, and Product Liability and Mass Tort Groups. Mr. Tomlin focuses his practice on product liability and consumer financial services litigation, including the defense of class actions.
Representative Matters
- Defending restaurant franchisors and corporate parent in a putative class action alleging statutory violations relating to the alleged failure to post drink prices at the point of sale
- Defending a lender in a putative class action alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act arising from the sending of alleged "junk faxes"
- Defending an owner of a luxury golf and country club against multiple lawsuits by former club members arising from the alleged failure to timely refund membership deposits
- Worked with a team of Ballard Spahr attorneys in successfully defending a motor vehicle manufacturer against class action consumer fraud and warranty claims arising from the sale and marketing of vehicle telecommunications services
- Obtained a summary judgment dismissing a Dram Shop complaint against a restaurant franchisor where the plaintiff alleged that the franchisor failed to adequately protect the plaintiff from attacks by intoxicated patrons
- Successfully represented a non-party expert witness on an interlocutory appeal of a trial court order compelling the expert to respond to burdensome discovery, including production of confidential financial and tax records
- Secured a favorable and early settlement on behalf of a dance studio franchisor on claims brought by a franchisee alleging breach of the franchise agreement and unenforceability of covenants not to compete
- Secured a favorable settlement for a manufacturer of modular office units on claims brought by a former customer alleging that the units contained excessive levels of formaldehyde
- Obtained a dismissal or summary judgment in a series of cases alleging common law and statutory fraud in connection with consumer loans
Pro Bono Eperience
Mr. Tomlin maintains an active pro bono practice, including the representation of asylum claimants, and works with the Rutgers Children’s SSI Pro Bono Program. He was a recipient of Ballard Spahr’s 2011 Pro Bono Award for his contribution to the Rutgers Children’s SSI Project, which appeals the denial of Social Security benefits to children suffering from physical, emotional, educational, and behavioral disabilities.
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. Joseph Rodriguez, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey