Firm Chairman
Chris Hanslik

Contact Chris
With over two decades of experience as a litigator, Chris Hanslik’s practice has spanned the full spectrum of commercial and business litigation, including contracts, business torts, securities and corporate governance, oil and gas, lender liability, trade secrets, non-compete agreements and other employment-related disputes.
Areas of Focus
- Commercial litigation
- Business litigation
- Employment litigation
- IP litigation
Awards & Recognitions
- South Texas College of Law, Distinguished Alumnus Award (2020)
- Bryan ISD Education Foundation Hall of Honor (2019)
- Chambers & Partners, Chambers USA – Litigation: General Commercial (Texas) (2015-2021)
- US News & World Report - Best Lawyers – Commercial Litigation (2016-2022)
- Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers List (2015-2022)
- Texas Super Lawyers (2005-2023)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating
- Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2004-2005)
- H Texas Magazine Top Lawyer (2006-2007)
- H Texas Magazine Best Up-and-Coming Houston Lawyer (2004)
Featured Matters
- Won a multi-million dollar arbitration award on behalf of the owners of a software company against an oilfield services company who purchased their company. The claims and recovery related to misrepresentations made during negotiations and execution of a stock purchase agreement. After 15 days of evidence, the three-member panel ruled unanimously in favor of our client.
- Won a unanimous jury verdict for an owner of a hotel against a large group customer who canceled a series of contracts claiming the hotel’s service has diminished. The customer preemptively sued the client. Counter-claims were filed on behalf of the client and, at trial, the customer’s claims were dismissed via directed verdict. The jury rendered a verdict in favor of the client finding that the customer breached the contracts.
With over two decades of experience as a litigator, Chris Hanslik's practice has spanned the full spectrum of commercial and business litigation, including contracts, business torts, securities and corporate governance, oil and gas, lender liability, trade secrets, non-compete agreements and other employment-related disputes.
Recognizing that the last place most business clients want to be is in the courtroom, Chris strives to develop creative, practical, and value-driven solutions to complex problems and disputes from the outset. However, as a trial lawyer, he provides the skills necessary for success in the courtroom. Chris's courtroom experience ranges from state and federal court trials to arguments before the Supreme Court of Texas and all points in between. In the relentless pursuit of his client's best interest, Chris keeps one important value in mind — integrity.
Education
- JD, South Texas College of Law Houston
- Order of the Barristers
- Dean's Outstanding Advocate Award
- BBA, Southern Methodist University
Affiliations
- Houston Bar Association
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- State Bar of Texas Litigation Section
- State Bar of Texas, Administration of Rules of Evidence Committee
- American Bar Association
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel, Board of Directors (2014-2016)
- The Entrepreneurship Institute, Board of Directors, Houston Chapter (2007-2012)
- Smart Litigator Texas Board (2011-2012)
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Leadership Council (2010)
- Greater Houston Partnership, Professional Services Council (2009)
- Greater Houston Partnership, Federal Relations Committee (1999-2001)
Community
- Houston Host Committee for the College Football Playoff National Championship, (2023-2024)
- Houston Super Bowl LI Host Sub-Committee
- The Texas Bowl, Board of Directors (2012-Present), Chairman (2014-2015)
- South Texas College of Law Houston, Board of Directors (2017-present)
- South Texas College of Law Houston, Alumni Board of Directors (2012-2015)
- Coalition for the Homeless, Board of Directors, (2021-Present), Vice Chairman (2022-Present)
- SEARCH Homeless Services, Board of Directors (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-2021)
- SEARCH Homeless Services, Annual Luncheon Chair (2013)
- SEARCH Homeless Services, Friends of Picnic in the Park Host Committee (2010-Present)
- Center for Houston's Future, Business/Civic Leadership Class (2011)
- Taste of the Texans, Steering Committee (2011-Present)
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Life Member, Speakers Committee: Committeeman (1997-2014), Vice Chairman (2006-2009), Team Captain (2003-2006), Business Speech Captain (2000-2003)
- SMU Alumni Association, Board of Directors (2005-2007)
- 06.01.23
BoyarMiller Secures Prominent Rankings in Chambers and Partners 2023 Research - 05.10.23
Vistage recognizes Chris Hanslik with a 2023 Impact Award - 01.12.23
Chris Hanslik Appointed to Host Committee for the 2024 College Football National Championship in Houston - 01.10.23
Houstonia Magazine Names 12 BoyarMiller Attorneys to 2022-2023 Top Lawyers List - 10.18.22
Eight BoyarMiller Shareholders Named in 2022 Texas Super Lawyers List - 08.18.22
The Best Lawyers in America© 2023 Recognizes 13 BoyarMiller Attorneys - 06.01.22
BoyarMiller Ranked in Chambers and Partners 2022 Research of World’s Leading Lawyers - 04.04.22
Firm Growth Leads to Creation of Dedicated Real Estate Group at BoyarMiller - 12.16.21
Houstonia Magazine Names 12 BoyarMiller Attorneys to 2021 Top Lawyers List - 09.22.21
Seven BoyarMiller Shareholders Selected to 2021 Texas Super Lawyers List - 08.18.21
Thirteen BoyarMiller Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers in America© in 2022 Edition - 07.01.21
Houston Business Journal Names BoyarMiller Chairman One of Houston’s “Most Admired CEOs” - 05.20.21
Chambers and Partners Recognizes BoyarMiller in 2021 Rankings - 04.01.21
Here’s How a Houston Firm Returned to the Office Nearly a Year Ago - 10.09.20
BoyarMiller Chairman Chris Hanslik Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award from South Texas College of Law Houston - 05.26.20
How One Houston Law Firm Went Back To the Office In ‘Soft Opening’ - 08.19.19
Bryan ISD Education Foundation Inducts Newest Hall of Honor Class - 07.23.19
BoyarMiller Chairman Chris Hanslik Honored by Bryan ISD Education Foundation - 04.30.19
BoyarMiller Chair Chris Hanslik Recognized in Chambers USA 2019 Rankings - 02.06.19
Houston Evolves as a Gateway Market and Regional Industrial Hub; Real Estate Experts at BoyarMiller Forum Cite Changes in Consumer Behavior, Mobility as Key Future Issues - 01.01.19
BoyarMiller Expands Litigation Practice with Law Firm Acquisition - 11.01.18
BoyarMiller Recognized in 2019 “Best Law Firms” Listing by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® - 10.09.18
Experts Advise a Strong Economy Plus Rising Interest Rates Indicate a Time to Plan, Not Panic - 08.15.18
Best Lawyers in America© 2019 Recognizes BoyarMiller Shareholders - 07.31.18
BoyarMiller Attorneys Selected to 2018 Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars Lists - 07.12.18
Chris Hanslik Begins Term as Chairman of SEARCH Homeless Services - 06.22.18
Chris Hanslik and Bill Boyar Receive National Recognition - 06.12.18
BoyarMiller Ranked Fourth among Houston’s Top Labor and Employment Law Firms - 05.04.18
BoyarMiller Energy Forum Experts Predict Steady Growth Ahead as Consolidations and New Technologies Build Efficiencies - 02.12.18
BoyarMiller Obtains Entire Case Dismissal on Summary Judgment Avoiding a Seven-Figure Trial - 01.30.18
Available Capital, Market Growth Boost Houston’s Commercial Real Estate Industry; Experts at BoyarMiller Real Estate Forum Reflect Optimism - 11.01.17
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Recognizes BoyarMiller in 2018 “Best Law Firms” Rankings; Firm Achieves Houston Metro Tier 1 Real Estate Ranking for Four Consecutive Years - 10.16.17
BoyarMiller Capital Markets Forum Reveals Strong Business Confidence; Available Investment Capital Provides Options for Growth - 09.18.17
Chris Hanslik Named to 2017 Houston Super Lawyers List - 09.07.17
Four BoyarMiller Attorneys Selected to 2017 Texas Super Lawyers List - 08.15.17
BoyarMiller Shareholders Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 - 07.27.17
Clients Honor BoyarMiller in BTI Power Rankings 2017 Independent Report; Cites Firm as Having “Strongest Client Relationships” in Energy Industry, Again - 07.21.17
BoyarMiller Wins Appeal That Advances Texas Law on Employee Non-compete and Trade Secret Claims - 04.10.17
Chris Hanslik Elected to South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors - 12.20.16
Experts Share Market Perspectives at BoyarMiller Real Estate Forum: Retail and Industrial Sectors Drive Houston’s Commercial Real Estate Activity as Office Market Suffers High Vacancy Rate - 11.01.16
BoyarMiller Included on U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “2017 Best Law Firms” List for Seven Practice Areas; Firm Achieves Houston Metro Tier 1 Real Estate Ranking for Third Year - 10.11.16
Private Equity, Slow Economic Recovery and Low Interest Rates Dominate Discussion at 2016 BoyarMiller Capital Markets Forum - 07.16.16
BTI Power Rankings 2016 Names BoyarMiller as a “go to” Firm for Clients in the Energy Industy - 04.04.16
Strong Demand, Excess Capacity Fuels Uncertainty in Oil and Gas Industry Cites Expert Panel at BoyarMiller Energy Forum - 11.11.15
U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers® “2016 Best Law Firms” Ranks BoyarMiller in Seven Practice Areas - 10.03.15
HBJ: Houston law firm to move into new Upper Kirby development - 09.30.15
Robust M&A Activity, Aggressive Lending Practices Balance Capital Markets; Experts Reveal Reasons at 2015 BoyarMiller Capital Markets Forum - 06.02.15
BoyarMiller’s Chris Hanslik and Cassie Stinson Receive National Recognition by Chambers USA - 03.02.15
BoyarMiller Ranked among Houston’s Top Real Estate and Labor & Employment Law Firms - 02.18.15
Chris Hanslik Appointed to Board of Directors for SEARCH Homeless Services - 10.15.14
Texas Super Lawyers Names Five BoyarMiller Attorneys to 2014 Listing - 05.30.14
Hanslik quoted in “When will the Bayou City’s bubble burst?”, Houston Business Journal - 04.02.14
BoyarMiller Honored for Community Giving at “Dining for Deveraux” Gala - 03.18.14
Fracturing, Natural Gas Production Benefit U.S. Industrial Sector Cite Experts at the BoyarMiller Energy Forum - 02.11.14
Houston Attorney Chris Hanslik To Chair Advocare Texas Bowl Board - 09.18.13
Capital Markets in Transition as Houston Leads Economic Recovery - 01.04.13
BoyarMiller Fortune 200 Client Prevails in Decisive ADA Lawsuit - 12.12.12
Chris Hanslik Joins Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas Board of Directors - 09.12.11
BoyarMiller Attorneys Selected for Including in 2011 Texas Super Lawyers - 08.07.11
BoyarMiller Chairman Chris Hanslik Selected for Center for Houston’s Future Business/Civic Leadership Forum - 08.01.11
More than $14,000 Raised for School Uniforms for SEARCH Kids in Need - 06.07.11
BoyarMiller Wins Summary Judgment for Group of Doctors - 03.11.11
Unanimous Jury Verdict in Contract and Non-Compete Case - 10.18.10
Back to School with SEARCH Drive Raises Awareness, Funds and Supplies for Educational Programming - 01.22.10
Chris Hanslik serves on south Texas College of Law’s first annual state of the legal job market forum
- 05.01.23
Supreme Court Weighs Trademark Infringement, Free Speech in Jack Daniel’s Bottle Dog Toy Case - 09.27.22
Are Emails Legally Binding in Texas? - 06.06.22
Contract Law Clarity: Crafting Indemnity Clauses to Avoid Disputes - 04.25.22
A Text Can Bind You: Enforceability of Agreements in Today’s Digital Business Climate - 03.24.22
How to Choose the Best Litigation Attorney for Your Business - 02.22.22
Protecting Trade Secrets in a Work From Home World - 01.19.22
Texas Pandemic Liability Protection Act continues to protect businesses from COVID lawsuits - 06.15.21
Texas Seeks to Protect Businesses from COVID-19 Lawsuits - 09.11.20
A Social Media Post You Won’t “Like” - 03.04.20
When do email exchanges create a contract?—The Texas Supreme Court Clarifies - 08.28.19
Has the Anti-SLAPP statute lost its sting? - 05.24.18
Oil Is On the Move, and So Are Employees - 09.13.17
TCPA Allows Recovery of Attorney’s Fees for Even Partial Case Dismissal - 08.16.17
Truth is not the Perfect Defense to a Defamation Claim - 08.15.17
Metadata is “the new black,” but it’s often a useless accessory (Part 2) - 08.08.17
Texas Supreme Court applies proportionality standard to determine whether Electronically Stored Information (ESI) must be produced in native or static form (Part 1) - 07.25.17
Is Wikipedia an authoritative legal source? - 06.06.17
Despite Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Establish Strong Policies to Protect Information - 06.05.17
Reducing Litigation Costs: Random Sampling as a Cost-saving Lawsuit Discovery Technique - 06.01.17
Arbitration Provisions in Employment Agreements: Don’t Hide the Ball - 05.16.17
The “Skinny” on Protecting Trademarks - 05.05.17
What to Do When You Receive a Subpoena or Rule 202 Petition: One Defense May be Filing a TCPA Motion to Dismiss - 03.21.17
Geographic Restrictions in Non-Competition Agreements Necessary?—The Texas Supreme Court takes up this issue in Horizon Health - 03.16.17
With the Texas Citizens Participation Act (the “TCPA”), the Legislature Has the Last Word—The Texas Supreme Court Further Clears the Way for Early Dismissal of Certain Claims Within 90 Days of Filing Using the TCPA - 05.25.16
Choose the Wording of your Arbitration Clause Carefully – The Texas Supreme Court Sheds Light on Proper Grounds for Vacatur of Arbitration Awards - 05.23.16
Balancing Due Process and Confidential Trade Secrets: The Texas Supreme Court Clarifies the Standard for Corporate Representative Attendance in Judicial Proceedings in Trade Secret Cases - 05.13.16
The Implications of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 – Yet Another Route to Pursue a Claim for Trade Secret Misappropriation - 04.20.16
Snapshot 2016: Upshots, Quick Tips, and What to Look for Next - 02.17.16
Fourteenth Court Clarifies Award of Attorney’s Fees Under Rule 91a - 11.24.15
Significant Change to ESI Preservation Under the Federal Rules of Procedure - 04.30.15
Protect Yourself: Houston Downturn Means More Litigation - 04.20.15
Social Media is for Cat Videos, Family Photos and…Serving Court Documents? - 08.13.13
Can You Keep a Secret? Texas Legislature Says Yes - 05.16.13
Texas Adopts the Texas Uniform Trade Secret Act: Here’s what it means - 04.18.13
New Rules Promise a Speedy Trial for Small Civil Cases - 02.13.13
Frivolous Lawsuits Stand Less of a Chance in Texas - 04.30.12
Fracking Is Likely to Produce Something in Addition to Oil and Gas — Litigation - 04.24.12
Supreme Court of Texas Continues to Expand the Reach of Arbitration Clauses - 03.26.12
Federal Court Endorses Use of Predictive Coding Software in E-Discovery - 02.22.12
What Every Business Owner Should Know About E-Discovery - 12.29.11
“Disclaimer of Reliance” Provisions - 11.14.11
How Final is Arbitration? In Texas, You Decide. - 10.21.11
Texas Legislature Expands Scope of Liability for LLCs - 08.30.11
EEOC Scrutinizes Criminal Background Checks - 04.06.11
The Hazard of Dukes - 03.01.11
Update: Employers’ Regulation of Employees’ Social Media Use - 02.09.11
Set Your Business Up Right and Avoid Bitter “Business Divorce” Down the Road - 07.23.10
Damages from the BP Spill - 01.20.10
ADA Amendments Act Expand Scope of Protected Disabilities - 12.28.09
Creating a Social Media Policy - 09.15.09
Court Broadens Geographic Scope of Agreement - 09.09.09
Supreme Court Finds Implied Promise Sufficient - 09.02.09
Trade Secret Protection
Articles
- 05.21.21
Meet Heat Transfer Solutions, Inc. (HTS Texas) - 04.27.21
A Conversation with BoyarMiller’s Chris Hanslik and Sunnova’s John Berger on the Clean Energy Sector - 05.26.20
‘I Want to See the Person’s Face’: Houston Judges Poll Attorneys About Face Masks, COVID-19 Reopening Precautions - 04.30.15
BoyarMiller’s “The Energy Industry 2015: What’s Next?” eBook - 04.02.14
BoyarMiller Energy eBook 2014 State of the Industry - 02.27.09
FAQ: What to Expect at a Deposition
Presentations
- 10.24.18
Conscious Capitalism Houston Video Presentation – Chris Hanslik and Setting Your Course on Purpose - 02.28.18
Legal and Ethical Challenges for Employers in an Online World - 12.09.14
The Rules Have Changed: Recent Developments that Impact the Landscape of Business Litigation - 05.01.13
Navigating Your Company through Spoliation Claims and Strategies to Maximize Recovering Attorneys’ Fees
Webinars
Ranked as a leading attorney in the field of General Commercial Litigation (Texas) in the Chambers USA 2022 Guide.
Chris Hanslik was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2023 for Commercial Litigation
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