Christopher G. Barnes
Partner

Connecticut

Email: cgb@jordenusa.com
Phone: 860.392.5018
Fax: 860.392.5058

Christopher G. Barnes is a Partner in the Connecticut office of Jorden Burt LLP. His practice focuses on complex litigation matters and trials in state and federal court around the country, including class actions, on behalf of insurance companies and other financial institution clients. Chris also represents insurance company clients before state insurance departments in connection with market conduct examinations, and regulatory investigations and proceedings. He is currently vice-chair of the firm's National Trial Practice Team.

Following graduation from law school, Chris clerked for the Honorable Sidney S. Landau of the Connecticut Appellate Court and the Honorable Alfred V. Covello, former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut. After four years as an associate at two national law firms, Chris joined Jorden Burt LLP in 2002 as the first associate hired in the new Connecticut office.

His practice includes all aspects of litigation and alternative dispute resolution in the areas of insurance, reinsurance and ERISA, and has litigated claims involving allegations of breach of contract, fraud, inadequate disclosure, breach of fiduciary duty, state unfair trade practices and consumer protection statutes. His practice also includes handling insurance coverage matters involving D&O, E&O, EPL, STD, and LTD policies.

Chris most recently was involved in the defense of a nationwide class action in federal court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The case involved allegations of wrongdoing in connection with the marketing and sale of certain annuity products and grew to be one of the largest class actions against an insurance company, implicating over 400,000 policies. After a three-week trial, the jury found that the insurer's conduct had not caused loss or damage to any class member and returned a defense verdict.

In other matters, Chris obtained a defense verdict on behalf of an insurance company client following a week-long jury trial in Suffolk County (Boston), Massachusetts, Superior Court. Plaintiff had claimed that the insurer and its agent made misrepresentations and engaged in negligent conduct in connection with the sale of a $12 million second-to-die life insurance policy. Plaintiff also had claimed that the insurer negligently supervised its agent and claimed breach of contract against both defendants. After deliberating for less than four hours, the jury rejected Plaintiff's claims and request for a multi-million dollar damages award and returned a verdict in favor of defendants on all counts.

Chris was also part of a trial team that received a jury verdict in excess of $70 million in damages following a six-week jury trial for a financial institution client in Tennessee state court.

Representative Matters

• Linda L. Mooney, et al. v. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Case No.: 06-cv-00545 (D. Minn. 2009)
• Ann Castello, et al. v. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Case No.: MC03-20405 (D. Minn., 4th Judicial District. 2006)
• Anthony J. Iorio, et al., v. Allianz Life Insurance of North America, Case No.: 05-cv-0633 JLS (CAB) (S.D.Cal. 2010)
• Paul E. Reddish v. Joseph Statuta et al., Civ. No. 03-1775-G (Mass. Cmmw. June 15, 2006)
• Caremark PCS v. Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, Case No.: 04-cv-2210-PHX-NVW (D. Ariz. 2006)
• Benefit Consultants, Inc. v. Fortis Cos., Case No. 28611 (Tenn. Ch. Ct. May 26, 2005)
• Levine v. Hartford Life Insurance Co., Civil Action No.: 3:02CV81 (CFD), 2002 WL 1608330 (D. Conn. June 28, 2002)
• Carret and Company, Inc., et al., v. Executive Risk Indemnity Inc., Houston Casualty Company, HCC Global Financial Products, LLC, Chubb & Son, Civil Action No.: 05-367 (Mass. Cmmw. 2006)
• Xanoptix, Inc. n/k/a Cubic Wafer, Inc. v. Federal Insurance Company, et al., Case No.: 06-E-0223 (N.H. Super. 2008)
• Scovin v. Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, Civil Action No.: 3:02-c-v01161 (AWT) (D. Conn. 2005)
• Phones Plus, Inc. v. Hartford Life Insurance Company et al., Civil Action No.: 3:06-cv-01835 (AVC) (D. Conn. 2009)
• Catherine P. Reese v. CIGNA Life Insurance Company of New York, Civil Action No.: 3:07-cv-00087(AWT) (D. Conn. 2008)

Speeches and Publications

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