Atty. Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney

Atty. Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney

Chris Whitney has more than 30 years of experience as a commercial litigation attorney, with extensive trial experience, jury and non-jury, in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has also successfully mediated and arbitrated countless disputes.

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Profile Summary

About Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney at a glance

Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney is a construction attorney based in Providence, Rhode Island, practicing at Pierce Atwood LLP. Admitted to practice in United States, Massachusetts and United States, Rhode Island. Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 1983) and Dartmouth College (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Providence, RI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Chris Whitney has more than 30 years of experience as a commercial litigation attorney, with extensive trial experience, jury and non-jury, in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
  • He has also successfully mediated and arbitrated countless disputes
  • Cases he has handled include bankruptcy and state receivership actions, insurance coverage disputes, corporate divorce/shareholder litigation, partnership disputes, class actions, real estate title disputes, products liability actions, unfair trade practices claims, probate estate litigation, ERISA disputes, and employment matters, including non-compete and gender, age, race and handicap discrimination claims
  • Chris has also established a reputation as one of New England’s leading construction law attorneys, having been involved in most of the cutting-edge legal issues affecting the construction industry
  • He represents all facets of the industry, including owners, developers, construction managers, sureties, subcontractors and suppliers, and architects and engineers
  • He helps his clients choose the appropriate project delivery system, negotiates construction contracts, and provides practical advice to his clients as problems arise during and after construction
  • He is one of the first attorneys in New England to implement the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach to deliver a large commercial project
  • Chris also helps his clients to navigate the regulatory scheme that governs the construction industry, both public and private, including compliance with applicable licensing and prevailing wage laws, OSHA regulations, apprenticeship requirements, public project prequalification and bidding requirements, and mechanics’ lien laws

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Construction Law

Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Rhode Island →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Rhode Island

Practicing law in Rhode Island. Legal matters in Rhode Island are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Providence are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Rhode Island state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Rhode Island brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Rhode Island courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Rhode Island attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Providence or all attorneys in Rhode Island.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney

Where is Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney's law office located?
Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney's law practice is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The firm is Pierce Atwood LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney handle?
Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney focuses on construction. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Rhode Island.
Where did Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney go to law school?
Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney earned their education at (J.D., 1983); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney received?
Christopher C. "Chris" Whitney's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:.

Education

J.D.
Georgetown University
- 1983
B.A.
Dartmouth College
- 1979

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Architects and Engineers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Development
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Disputes
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Contract Review and Negotiation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Contractors
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Design
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Residential Development
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Surety
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell.
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Construction (Providence)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Construction (Providence)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

United States, Massachusetts
United States, Rhode Island

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