Christopher M. "Chris" Walters, Construction Attorney in Portland, Oregon
focused on Construction, General, and Real Estate
Portland, OR
Trusted construction attorney serving Portland.
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Christopher M. "Chris" Walters?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Christopher M. "Chris" Walters is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Real Estate.
- Based in
- Portland, OREGON
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Construction · General · Real Estate
- Handles Construction, General, and Real Estate matters from Portland, OREGON.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law (2026).
About Christopher M. "Chris" Walters: Christopher M. "Chris" Walters is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Christopher M. "Chris" Walters
Christopher concentrates on construction, general, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
View other Construction attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
Construction cases in Portland, Oregon
Christopher takes construction matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
General cases in Portland, Oregon
Christopher takes general matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Portland, Oregon
Christopher takes real estate matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Christopher M. "Chris" Walters — Attorney of Oregon construction experience
Christopher M. "Chris" Walters is an attorney based in Portland, OREGON. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Real Estate.
A partner with Ball Janik LLP, Chris Walters has practiced at the firm for over 25 years. His areas of practice include real estate, construction, finance, sales and leasing, venture formation and representation, public contracting, and all aspects of project funding, development and management. He has assisted developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders, corporations, public agencies, contractors, design professionals, health organizations, resort and hospitality providers, and religious, nonprofit and community associations in a wide variety of matters. His representation of public agencies has included the State of Oregon, the City of Portland, the Portland Development Commission, the City of Vancouver, and several Oregon school districts. He has established and represented community associations in all aspects of their operation, governance, construction activities, and claims management. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Walters has earned the AV® Preeminent™ Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, American Registry. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Construction Law.
While Mr. Walters has provided professional guidance on many high profile matters throughout the Pacific Northwest, much of his work supports clients with smaller, unique, and innovative projects. He has experience with a wide range of developments, including office towers, condominiums, subdivisions, hotels, retail centers, sports facilities, stadiums, mixed-use developments, energy projects, infrastructure projects, industrial, warehousing and high-technology facilities, hospitals, and schools.
Prior to joining Ball Janik in 1990, Mr. Walters practiced for four years with Pillsbury Winthrop, a large San Francisco law firm. During his career in Portland, he has served as the chair of the Oregon State Bar Real Estate and Land Use Executive Committee. He has co-authored the Commercial Association of Brokers® legal forms package and the lease package published by the Portland Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and has served as editor of the Oregon State Bar manual, Real Estate Disputes. Mr. Walters served on the panel that authored the State of Oregon’s model rules for alternative contracting methods. Mr. Walters is a frequent speaker on real estate and business law topics, and serves on BOMA's program committee.
A long-time resident of Portland, Mr. Walters enjoys spending time with his family and friends and participating in his children’s school functions.
Christopher's approach to construction cases
A partner with Ball Janik LLP, Chris Walters has practiced at the firm for over 25 years. His areas of practice include real estate, construction, finance, sales and leasing, venture formation and representation, public contracting, and all aspects of project funding, development and management. He has assisted developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders, corporations, public agencies,…
The kind of cases Christopher takes
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and real estate matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Christopher M. "Chris" Walters's legal education and bar admissions
University of California Berkeley
J.D. · 1986
Jurisdictions
Christopher's state bar admissions
Washington, 09/28/20
ACTIVE
Oregon, 4/27/1990
ACTIVE
California, 12/11/19
ACTIVE
Christopher studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Christopher M. "Chris" Walters
Christopher has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent™ Rating Martindale-Hubbell, American Registry
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Community Association Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
Christopher M. "Chris" Walters's office in Portland
Christopher's primary office is at 851 Southwest Sixth Avenue, Suite 1500, Portland, Oregon, 97204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christopher M. "Chris" Walters
Christopher has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Christopher M. "Chris" Walters can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christopher M. "Chris" Walters — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher
Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christopher M. "Chris" Walters
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Christopher is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new construction clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Christopher handles construction matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in Oregon
If Christopher's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
