Chris Dove
Of Counsel
,Direct: 713.951.6228
Fax: 713.951.3720
Direct: 713.951.6228
Fax: 713.951.3720

Chris is a board-certified appellate specialist with nearly 25 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes, complex disputes across a wide range of industries.
Known for his ability to distill intricate legal issues into clear, persuasive arguments, Chris has appeared before the Texas Supreme Court and multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, having argued more than 40 appeals across commercial and business litigation.
His practice has particular depth in financial services and complex commercial matters. He regularly advises trial teams on strategy, error preservation, and briefing critical motions, ensuring that cases are positioned for success at every stage of litigation.
Chris has secured significant victories for his clients in both state and federal courts, including recent wins in the Fifth Circuit and New York appellate courts. His successful arguments have shaped the law on issues ranging from FLSA collective actions and arbitration to banking disputes and the scope of federal maritime jurisdiction.
His dedication to the craft of appellate advocacy and his commitment to client service have earned Chris a reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate. His approach combines rigorous legal analysis with a practical understanding of the business and strategic interests at stake.
A recognized authority on appellate advocacy, Chris is a frequent speaker and author on appellate litigation, judicial qualification, and legal writing. He is regularly invited to present at leading industry conferences and bar association events, sharing insights on the latest developments in appellate law.
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Representative experience
- Klick v. Cenikor Foundation, 94 F. 3d 362 (5th Cir. 2024). Reversing certification of an FLSA collective action and adopting a new legal test for FLSA certification.
- Civelli v. JP Morgan Securities, L.L.C., 57 F. 4th 484 (5th Cir. 2023). Affirming summary judgment in a complex banking dispute.
- Blue Sage Capital, L.P. v. Alfa Laval U.S. Holding, Inc., 168 A.D. 3d 645, 92 N.Y.S. 2d 268 (N.Y. App.—1st Dep’t 2019), leave denied, 33 N.Y. 3d 904 (N.Y. 2019). Affirming the application of New York’s “prevailing party” test for attorneys’ fees.
- Justice v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 15-20615, 674 F. App’x 330 (5th Cir. Dec. 14, 2016), cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 133 (Oct. 2, 2017). Holding that a mortgage pooling trust’s citizenship was that of its trustee, notwithstanding Americold Realty Trust v. Conagra Foods, Inc., 136 S. Ct. 1012 (2016).
- Johnson v. GlobalSantaFe Offshore Servs., Inc., 799 F. 3d 317 (5th Cir. 2015). Limiting the scope of “employer” status in federal maritime litigation.
- Mira Overseas Consulting, Ltd. v. Muse Family Enters., Ltd., 237 Cal. App. 4th 378 (Cal. App. 2015). Clarifying the role of fraudulent transfer in lis pendens actions.
- Man Industries (India), Ltd. v. Midcontinent Exp. Pipeline, LLC, 407 S.W. 3d 342 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, pet. denied). Affirming victory in a dispute regarding the fraudulent presentation of a letter of credit.
- Weingarten Realty Investors v. Miller, 661 F. 3d 904 (5th Cir. 2011). Affirming and addressing the circuit split on a district court’s authority to decide the merits during an appeal from the denial of a motion to compel arbitration.
- In re GlobalSantaFe Corp., 275 S.W. 3d 477 (Tex. 2008). Holding that the federal Jones Act did not preempt portions of Texas’ statute governing silica-related injuries.
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Honors & Awards
- Business Today, Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigator (2023)
- Chambers USA: Litigation: Appellate, Texas (2020-2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America®: Appellate (2013-2025)
- Super Lawyers: Texas, Appellate (2014-2023)
- Super Lawyers: Texas Rising Star (2004-2005, 2007-2010)
- State Bar of Texas Appellate CLE, Texas Appellate Hall of Fame (2023)
- State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course, Helen Cassidy Award for Best Presentation (2018-2022)
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Publications & Presentations
- Who Judges the Judges? Judicial Qualification and Recusal, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Sept. 5, 2024), Texas Bar College Summer School (2025)
- Judges as Historians: Bruen’s New Rules, State Bar Advanced Civil Appellate Course (September 2023) and The Appellate Advocate (January 2024)
- The Ten Cases Every Trial Judge Should Know, Harris County Civil Judges Retreat (2022), TACTAS meeting (2023) and Texas Association of Defense Counsel retreat (2023)
- Mandamus and Jurisdiction After Panda Power, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2022)
- Getting and Keeping Appellate Jurisdiction, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Aug. 17, 2022)
- Charging the Jury on Piercing the Veil, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Sept. 10, 2020)
- Anti-SLAPP in the Oil Patch, SBOT Oil and Gas Law course (2020)
- Mootness in Texas, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2019), winner of the 2020 Helen Cassidy Award
- Crafting the Final Judgment, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2018), published in The Appellate Advocate (Winter 2018), and winner of the 2019 Helen Cassidy Award
- Hot Topics In Interlocutory Appeals, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2017) and SBOT Texarkana Main Event course (2019), winner of the 2018 Helen Cassidy Award
- Finding Our Way Through Findings Of Fact, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course (2013)
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Professional Activities & Memberships
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Pattern Jury Charge Committee, Business, Consumer, Insurance, and Employment
- State Bar of Texas Appellate Section Council
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Member, Texas Bar College
- Member, Houston Bar Association
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Community Involvement
- South Main Baptist Church
- Sunday school teacher
- Finance/personnel committee
- Legacy fundraiser, World Vision International
- Marathon runner and member, Houston Area Road Runners Association, Houston Harriers Running Club
- Black Belt, Soo Bahk Do and Taekwondo
- South Main Baptist Church




Chris Dove
Of Counsel,
Houston
Direct: 713.951.6228
Fax: 713.951.3720
Direct: 713.951.6228
Fax: 713.951.3720

His practice has particular depth in financial services and complex commercial matters. He regularly advises trial teams on strategy, error preservation, and briefing critical motions, ensuring that cases are positioned for success at every stage of litigation.
Chris has secured significant victories for his clients in both state and federal courts, including recent wins in the Fifth Circuit and New York appellate courts. His successful arguments have shaped the law on issues ranging from FLSA collective actions and arbitration to banking disputes and the scope of federal maritime jurisdiction.
His dedication to the craft of appellate advocacy and his commitment to client service have earned Chris a reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate. His approach combines rigorous legal analysis with a practical understanding of the business and strategic interests at stake.
A recognized authority on appellate advocacy, Chris is a frequent speaker and author on appellate litigation, judicial qualification, and legal writing. He is regularly invited to present at leading industry conferences and bar association events, sharing insights on the latest developments in appellate law.
-
Representative experience
- Klick v. Cenikor Foundation, 94 F. 3d 362 (5th Cir. 2024). Reversing certification of an FLSA collective action and adopting a new legal test for FLSA certification.
- Civelli v. JP Morgan Securities, L.L.C., 57 F. 4th 484 (5th Cir. 2023). Affirming summary judgment in a complex banking dispute.
- Blue Sage Capital, L.P. v. Alfa Laval U.S. Holding, Inc., 168 A.D. 3d 645, 92 N.Y.S. 2d 268 (N.Y. App.—1st Dep’t 2019), leave denied, 33 N.Y. 3d 904 (N.Y. 2019). Affirming the application of New York’s “prevailing party” test for attorneys’ fees.
- Justice v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., No. 15-20615, 674 F. App’x 330 (5th Cir. Dec. 14, 2016), cert. denied, 138 S. Ct. 133 (Oct. 2, 2017). Holding that a mortgage pooling trust’s citizenship was that of its trustee, notwithstanding Americold Realty Trust v. Conagra Foods, Inc., 136 S. Ct. 1012 (2016).
- Johnson v. GlobalSantaFe Offshore Servs., Inc., 799 F. 3d 317 (5th Cir. 2015). Limiting the scope of “employer” status in federal maritime litigation.
- Mira Overseas Consulting, Ltd. v. Muse Family Enters., Ltd., 237 Cal. App. 4th 378 (Cal. App. 2015). Clarifying the role of fraudulent transfer in lis pendens actions.
- Man Industries (India), Ltd. v. Midcontinent Exp. Pipeline, LLC, 407 S.W. 3d 342 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, pet. denied). Affirming victory in a dispute regarding the fraudulent presentation of a letter of credit.
- Weingarten Realty Investors v. Miller, 661 F. 3d 904 (5th Cir. 2011). Affirming and addressing the circuit split on a district court’s authority to decide the merits during an appeal from the denial of a motion to compel arbitration.
- In re GlobalSantaFe Corp., 275 S.W. 3d 477 (Tex. 2008). Holding that the federal Jones Act did not preempt portions of Texas’ statute governing silica-related injuries.
-
Honors & Awards
- Business Today, Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigator (2023)
- Chambers USA: Litigation: Appellate, Texas (2020-2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America®: Appellate (2013-2025)
- Super Lawyers: Texas, Appellate (2014-2023)
- Super Lawyers: Texas Rising Star (2004-2005, 2007-2010)
- State Bar of Texas Appellate CLE, Texas Appellate Hall of Fame (2023)
- State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course, Helen Cassidy Award for Best Presentation (2018-2022)
-
Publications & Presentations
- Who Judges the Judges? Judicial Qualification and Recusal, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Sept. 5, 2024), Texas Bar College Summer School (2025)
- Judges as Historians: Bruen’s New Rules, State Bar Advanced Civil Appellate Course (September 2023) and The Appellate Advocate (January 2024)
- The Ten Cases Every Trial Judge Should Know, Harris County Civil Judges Retreat (2022), TACTAS meeting (2023) and Texas Association of Defense Counsel retreat (2023)
- Mandamus and Jurisdiction After Panda Power, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2022)
- Getting and Keeping Appellate Jurisdiction, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Aug. 17, 2022)
- Charging the Jury on Piercing the Veil, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Appellate Course (Sept. 10, 2020)
- Anti-SLAPP in the Oil Patch, SBOT Oil and Gas Law course (2020)
- Mootness in Texas, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2019), winner of the 2020 Helen Cassidy Award
- Crafting the Final Judgment, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2018), published in The Appellate Advocate (Winter 2018), and winner of the 2019 Helen Cassidy Award
- Hot Topics In Interlocutory Appeals, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate course (2017) and SBOT Texarkana Main Event course (2019), winner of the 2018 Helen Cassidy Award
- Finding Our Way Through Findings Of Fact, SBOT Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course (2013)
-
Professional Activities & Memberships
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Pattern Jury Charge Committee, Business, Consumer, Insurance, and Employment
- State Bar of Texas Appellate Section Council
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Member, Texas Bar College
- Member, Houston Bar Association
-
Community Involvement
- South Main Baptist Church
- Sunday school teacher
- Finance/personnel committee
- Legacy fundraiser, World Vision International
- Marathon runner and member, Houston Area Road Runners Association, Houston Harriers Running Club
- Black Belt, Soo Bahk Do and Taekwondo
- South Main Baptist Church



