Atty. Christopher J. Hayes

Atty. Christopher J. Hayes

Christopher Hayes represents clients in civil litigation and appeals. He focuses on business disputes, complex commercial litigation, and securities litigation.

San Rafael San Rafael 30 yrs experience 30 year
Call (415) 233-4571 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Christopher J. Hayes at a glance

Christopher J. Hayes is a Partner based in San Rafael, California, practicing at Ragghianti | Freitas LLP. They have 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Their practice focuses on insurance and appellate. Admitted to practice in California (1996), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1996), U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1996), and U.S. District Court, Central District of California (1998). Educated at Hastings College of the Law, University of California at San Francisco (J.D., 1996) and Stanford University (A.B. Political, 1991). Serands clients in San Rafael, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Christopher Hayes represents clients in civil litigation and appeals
  • He focuses on business disputes, complex commercial litigation, and securities litigation
  • Christopher also represents clients in litigation over governance and control of business entities such as corporations and limited liability companies
  • He helps clients obtain insurance coverage to defend against pending litigation and indemnify for settlements and judgments
  • Christopher’s insurance coverage practice includes litigating against insurance carriers for bad-faith denial of coverage
  • Christopher has extensive experience in securities litigation
  • He won a published decision of first impression in Madden v
  • Cowen & Company (9th Cir. 2009) 576 F.3d 957, interpreting the Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998
  • He has also litigated disputes over investment advisory services both in court and in FINRA arbitration
  • Christopher also counsels churches and other religious organizations in litigation, corporate governance, charitable trust law, tax exemption compliance, employment law, ecclesiastical law, and clergy discipline
  • Christopher serves as Chancellor to The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of California, which exercises ecclesiastical jurisdiction over more than 75 Bay Area congregations
  • As Chancellor, Christopher serves as general counsel, advising on external civil legal matters as well as internal issues of canon law and corporate governance
  • Christopher regularly teaches continuing legal education to other church lawyers, focusing on First Amendment issues, attorney ethics, clergy discipline, and employment laws affecting churches
  • Christopher has been a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2017
  • He is an avid runner

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher J. Hayes's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher J. Hayes handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Christopher J. Hayes is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in California →

Appellate Practice

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

Christopher J. Hayes is one of 86,319 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Rafael are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California 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 California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Rafael or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher J. Hayes

Where is Christopher J. Hayes's law office located?
Christopher J. Hayes's law practice is located in San Rafael, California. The firm is Ragghianti | Freitas LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher J. Hayes handle?
Christopher J. Hayes focuses on insurance, appellate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Christopher J. Hayes practiced law?
Christopher J. Hayes has 30+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1996.
Where did Christopher J. Hayes go to law school?
Christopher J. Hayes earned their education at (J.D., 1996); (A.B. Political, 1991).
How can I contact Christopher J. Hayes for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher J. Hayes 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.

Education

J.D.
Hastings College of the Law, University of California at San Francisco
- 1996
A.B. Political
Stanford University
- 1991

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1996
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Admitted: 1996
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Admitted: 1996
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Admitted: 1998
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Admitted: 1999
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
Admitted: 1999
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 2005

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