Christopher Wilkinson
- Firmwide Co-Chair, Educational Institutions & Services
- Washington, D.C.
Chris is a former senior government executive focused on solving clients’ employment-related compliance obligations.
Chris Wilkinson assists clients facing large-scale investigations by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), and other state and federal agencies.
Chris also conducts investigations into sensitive matters at all levels of the workplace, including high-ranking executives. His experience leading the civil rights branch in the DOL’s solicitor’s office informs his approach to investigations and evaluation of the root causes of workplace misconduct. Chris brings that perspective to his work advising clients of all sizes on their workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and AI compliance obligations.
Before joining the firm, Chris served as the associate solicitor for civil rights and labor management at the DOL. In this key role, Chris advised on equal employment opportunities, enforcement strategies, and policy initiatives, handling complex legal matters in federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition, he oversaw union election enforcement work, transit labor certification matters, and appellate matters related to labor union practices.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., Senior Editor, Journal of Law and Politics, 1991
- Rutgers University, B.A., 1988
Bar and Court Admissions
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California
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District of Columbia
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New York
Related Employment
- Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliff, Washington, D.C., Partner, 2015-2020
- U.S. Department of Labor, Civil Rights and Labor Management Division, Washington, D.C., Associate Solicitor, 2011-2015
- U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, San Francisco, CA, Counsel for Civil Rights Programs, 2006-2011
- U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, San Francisco, CA, Trial Attorney, 1999-2006
- Seyfarth Shaw, San Francisco, CA, Senior Associate, 1996-1999
- Gordon and Rees, San Francisco, CA, Associate, 1994-1996
- Hancock, Rothert and Bunshoft, San Francisco, CA, Associate, 1991-1994
Professional Recognition
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2020-2025
Named Top Lawyer by the Washingtonian, 2024
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Institute for Workplace Equality, Faculty Member
Community Involvement
- Washington Latin Public Charter School, Washington, D.C., Board of Governors, President, 2016-present
- Bridge Middle School, Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), Oakland, CA, Board of Directors, Secretary, 2008-2010
