Christian Staples

Christian H. Staples maintains a diverse legal practice representing businesses and individuals in litigation, commercial leasing, and complex business matters. He is licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts in North Carolina and South Carolina, and has also litigated cases in the North Carolina Business Court.

He also represents and advises clients in alternative dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration), administrative and contested case proceedings, and appeals, and he has obtained several reported appellate decisions establishing new precedent under North Carolina law.

On the corporate side, he counsels clients in commercial leasing matters, contract drafting and negotiation, entity formation/restructuring, and fundraising. Working with clients in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry is particularly enjoyable to Christian. He represents several local craft breweries and is well-versed in alcoholic beverage law.

Christian serves as an advisory board member and lead instructor for the UNC-Charlotte Craft Beer Business Essentials Certificate program (Legal Bootcamp Class), and has taught continuing legal education seminars on the laws and regulations affecting alcoholic beverage manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

Outside of his practice, he volunteers his time with The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, Habitat for Humanity, and other local organizations.  Christian previously served on the Board of Directors for the Mecklenburg County Bar, and as chair of the MCB Young Lawyers Division.

Prior to practicing law, Christian graduated from Woodberry Forest School and received a B.A. from Wake Forest University.  While at Wake Forest, he served as Chairman of the Honor & Ethics Council. He received his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law where he served as Executive Editor of the Campbell Law Review and competed in the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition.

Education:

• J.D., Campbell University, 2009
• B.A., Wake Forest University, 2005

Professional and Community Affiliations:

• American Bar Association
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Advisory Board Member, UNC-Charlotte Craft Beer Business Essentials Certificate Program
• Mecklenburg County Bar Association, Board of Directors (2016-’18)
• Mecklenburg County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Chair (2015-’16), Vice-Chair (2014-’15), Secretary/Treasurer (2013-’14)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Department, Microbrewery Text Amendment, Citizens Advisory Group Member