CHRIS KLEMENT, PARTNER

Chris Klement is a founding Partner focused on civil rights litigation, ranging from constitutional to employment discrimination litigation and business and commercial litigation. He represents and defends a variety of government and private clients. Mr. Klement brings a unique perspective to his practice, with prior work as in-house corporate counsel at a large Texas bank. He is known for his passionate and persuasive advocacy, going back to law school, where he was honored as the Best Graduating Advocate at SMU Dedman School of Law. 

Mr. Klement is a two-time Texas Rising Star recognized for his trial and appellate success as a civil rights litigator. His civil rights practice includes representing government entities and private companies in matters involving the United States and Texas constitutions, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Texas Tort Claims Act, and other federal and state statutes. These matters have included claims for unlawful arrest, excessive use of force, violations of procedural and substantive due process rights, unlawful takings, and discrimination based on age, gender, and race. While Mr. Klement’s practice focuses on civil rights litigation, he also represents and counsels clients on matters involving business and commercial litigation and specific legal issues in the banking industry. With over a decade of experience in the banking industry, which includes serving as corporate counsel for a publicly traded community bank, Mr. Klement’s clients benefit from having a trial lawyer who also knows how to develop efficient and practical solutions before a lawsuit is filed. 

· Chairman, Dallas Bar Association Government Law Section

· Member, Dallas Bar Association

· Member, Dallas Hispanic Bar Association

· Member, State Bar of Texas Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Section 

Mr. Klement graduated with Honors from the University of North Texas and later earned his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law. Chris continues to serve as an advocacy coach, a role he has filled at SMU Dedman School of Law since graduation from law school.

· SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D. (2013)

· Order of the Barristers

· Best Graduating Advocate, Board of Advocates

· University of North Texas, Bachelor of Arts and Science (2006) 

· Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2018 – 2020)

· Order of the Barristers 

Mr. Klement serves his community by providing pro-bono legal services and collaborating with community groups to support those in need. Examples of his service activities include the following:

· Finance Council, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

· Advisory Board, Emmett J. Conrad High School NAF Academies

· Provides pro bono legal services through a legal ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

· President, Sigma Chi Housing Corporation of North Texas

· Financial Secretary, Knights of Columbus, Council # 14810 

Raised in small Texas and New Mexico towns (Ponder, Callisburg, and Deming), Chris now lives in Plano with his dog, Hondo. He enjoys playing sports, camping, fishing, and bird hunting. He is also a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.