Atty. Christopher P. "Chris" Berka

Atty. Christopher P. "Chris" Berka

Chris Berka is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a practice focusing on environmental, real estate, energy, natural resources, product liability and contract matters. He has resolved more than two hundred cases for clients in a range of industries and sectors, including technology, aerospace, oil and natural gas, wind energy, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, higher education, transportation, news media, mining and consumer products.

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Profile Summary

About Christopher P. "Chris" Berka at a glance

Christopher P. "Chris" Berka is a litigation and environmental attorney based in Palo Alto, California, practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Admitted to practice in California, The State Bar of California. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1980) and Stanford University (BA, 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serands clients in Palo Alto, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Chris Berka is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a practice focusing on environmental, real estate, energy, natural resources, product liability and contract matters
  • He has resolved more than two hundred cases for clients in a range of industries and sectors, including technology, aerospace, oil and natural gas, wind energy, real estate development, pharmaceuticals, higher education, transportation, news media, mining and consumer products
  • In addition to his litigation practice, Chris has had extensive experience handling business transactions and regulatory proceedings before federal, state and local government agencies overseeing the investigation and remediation of environmental conditions, public health and safety and land use
  • The Legal 500 cites Chris as “client focused, cost-conscious and strategy driven.” As a writer, he has published more than 300 articles in legal publications on topics ranging from civil procedure to environmental law

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher P. "Chris" Berka's Areas of Practice

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

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Christopher P. "Chris" Berka is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Environmental Law

Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.

Christopher P. "Chris" Berka is one of 56,434 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher P. "Chris" Berka

Where is Christopher P. "Chris" Berka's law office located?
Christopher P. "Chris" Berka's law practice is located in Palo Alto, California. The firm is Perkins Coie LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher P. "Chris" Berka handle?
Christopher P. "Chris" Berka focuses on litigation, environmental. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did Christopher P. "Chris" Berka go to law school?
Christopher P. "Chris" Berka earned their education at (J.D., 1980); (BA, 1976).
How can I contact Christopher P. "Chris" Berka for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher P. "Chris" Berka 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 P. "Chris" Berka received?
Christopher P. "Chris" Berka's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Legal 500 US, Environmental Litigation (2011); Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Liability, Enforcement & Penalties Reporter, Advisory Board Member (2005–present).

Education

J.D.
The University of Michigan Law School
- 1980
BA
Stanford University
- 1976

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal 500 US, Environmental Litigation (2011)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Liability, Enforcement & Penalties Reporter, Advisory Board Member (2005–present)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers, Northern California (2004, 2006–2014)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — California Environmental Law and Regulation Reporter, Former Editorial Board Member
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The National Law Journal, “Top 20 Defensive Wins” (2002)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AmJur Award, Evidence, University of Michigan Law School
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — AmJur Award, Public Control of Land Use, University of Michigan Law School
- 2026

Bar Admissions

California, The State Bar of California

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