Christopher C. Dahl

Known for his unique ability to quickly digest, retain, and synthesize significant amounts of highly detailed information, as well as his vast working knowledge of Maryland law, Chris represents businesses and professionals in complex civil matters before federal and state courts throughout Maryland, as well as in proceedings before administrative agencies. His practice spans high stakes litigation across a broad range of industries, including commercial and multifamily residential real estate, construction, higher education, publishing and media, health care and professional licensure, pharmaceuticals, energy, hospitality, municipal defense, and insurance.

Throughout his career, Chris has handled matters involving dense factual records, evolving legal issues, and significant financial and operational exposure for his clients. He is frequently engaged in the early stages of litigation and has achieved favorable outcomes through dispositive pretrial motions and negotiated dismissals. When early resolution is not achievable, Chris brings substantial trial experience to bear, guiding cases through discovery, motion practice, and trial with a steady focus on client objectives.

In addition to his client work, Chris is deeply involved in the development of the Firm's next generation of litigators. He formally serves as the liaison for young litigators in Baker Donelson's Baltimore and Washington, D.C., offices and has spent many years mentoring first year law students at his alma mater. His commitment to the profession also extends beyond the Firm. Chris serves on the Board of Trustees of Springboard Community Services, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals and families across central Maryland, and is a member of the Rule Day Law Club.

• General and Commercial Litigation

• Defended a Maryland property manager and owners of ten residential rental communities in a 31-day administrative hearing from administrative charges brought by the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General ultimately resulting in a positive settlement for the property manager and owners.

• Successfully defended the majority shareholder of a corporate defendant in commercial litigation pending as a shareholder derivative suit involving complex questions of personal jurisdiction and sufficiency of international service under the Hague Service Convention.

• Health Care and Licensure Litigation

• Successfully briefed and argued an appeal in a personal injury case before the Maryland Supreme Court, resulting in the leading opinion on the interpretation of Section 14-410 of the Maryland Health Occupations Article, a Maryland statute concerning the admissibility of a medical expert witness's licensing disciplinary history.

• Defended a Maryland physician, as second-chair trial counsel, in a hotly contested eight-day administrative hearing brought by the Maryland Board of Physicians, resulting in a dismissal of all charges against the physician.

• Following a six-day trial, disproved and prevailed on all charges, other than self-reported misconduct, in defense of the medical license of a physician accused of sexual misconduct involving allegations from coworkers and former patients.

• Construction Litigation

• Defended, as a member of a multi-attorney trial team, an international engineering firm from design-defect claims brought by a political subdivision alleging more than $65 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

• Obtained partial summary judgment on Miller Act bond claim on behalf of a general contractor and surety.

• Municipal Liability and Civil Rights Defense

• As lead counsel, secured dismissal of a highly publicized putative class action lawsuit in federal court asserting claims under the Equal Protection Clause against a Maryland county. After discovery, reached a favorable settlement on the sole remaining individual claim brought by the would-be class representative for less than the remaining defense costs.

• Obtained dismissal of all claims against a federal agent accused of fabrication and destruction of evidence in a federal criminal investigation.

• Obtained a partial victory, following a jury trial in Baltimore City, Maryland, in defense of two police officers involved in the nonfatal shooting and tasing of a motorist during a traffic stop.

• Secured a voluntary dismissal, following discovery, in favor of a police officer alleged to have wrongfully arrested a journalist during the 2015 uprising in Baltimore City, Maryland.

• Obtained summary judgment for a police officer alleged to have injured a Baltimore resident during the 2015 uprising in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Community Services

• Springboard Community Services
  • Board of Directors
• The Children's Guild
  • Board of Directors, Past Member
  • Strategic Planning and Assessment Committee

Honoraries

• Selected to Maryland Rising Stars in the area of Business Litigation (2015); General Litigation (2016 – 2020)
• Named a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America for Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, and Banking and Finance Litigation (2021 – 2023)

• "A 13-Year Journey to Publication in the Maryland Appellate Reports," Maryland Appellate Blog (July 2025)
• Contributor – "50‐State Survey of Licensed Design Professional's Stamping and Sealing Obligations" (April 2025)
• Contributor – "50-State Survey of Firm Licensure Requirements for Architectural and Engineering Firms," ABA Forum on Construction Law – Division 3 – Design (April 2025)
• Co-author – "Maryland Construction Law Deskbook," Licensing Chapter, Maryland State Bar Association, Third Edition (2023)
• "A Victory for Qualified Immunity. A Trend to Continue?" (November 2021)

• Baker Donelson Baltimore Attorneys Serve as Editors of Latest Edition of Maryland Construction Law Deskbook (May 23, 2023)
• Baker Donelson Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 Listing (August 18, 2022)
• Baker Donelson Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 Listing (August 19, 2021)