About Christopher A. Tinari

As Managing Partner, Christopher A. Tinari oversees all firm operations. Chris applies his law firm leadership and management experience to advance the firm’s position as a trusted advisor to clients and uphold the firm’s culture of professional excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity. He also serves as Chair of the Labor and Employment Group. Chris leads a team of skilled attorneys committed to providing comprehensive legal services and strategic guidance on employment-related matters. Chris maintains a nationwide practice, representing employers across all aspects of labor and employment law. His expertise includes sexual harassment, race, national origin, disability, and age discrimination, as well as wrongful discharge, defamation, slander, and other state law and constitutional claims.

A seasoned litigator, Chris handles a wide range of complex litigation, including single-plaintiff, class, and collective actions related to wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, securities class actions, derivative actions, directors and officers (D&O) liability, federal patent infringement cases, and Consumer Protection Act claims. Chris also defends employers, institutions of higher education, religious institutions, and professionals who have been accused of sexual misconduct, abuse and molestation. He regularly counsels and defends employers in claims involving workplace torts, including defamation, fraud, invasion of privacy, tortious interference, and negligent hiring and retention. Beyond litigation, Chris conducts thorough internal wage and hour audits and advises employers on reclassification projects and compliance issues. He also represents clients in federal and state Department of Labor audits. Chris serves as national counsel for major insurance carriers and is designated panel counsel for several Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and D&O carriers.

Chris also specializes in the defense of professional liability claims, with emphasis on accountants, lawyers, architects, engineers and other design professionals, real estate agents and brokers, and insurance agents and brokers liability claims and miscellaneous claims. He also handles complex commercial litigation, business litigation, class action and mass tort litigation, estate and trust litigation, and mergers and acquisitions.

Chris routinely represents directors and officers in derivative and class actions arising out of tender offers, going private transactions, mergers and acquisitions and securities anomalies. He has a wide-ranging experience in all types of litigation involving the duties and responsibilities of directors and officers, including D&O litigation in state and federal court, derivative suits, creditor or trustee claims in bankruptcy, shareholder demand letters and Special Committee investigations.

Chris devotes his practice to the defense of local governments, their elected and appointed officials and their employees including the defense of police officers, municipalities, school districts, public officials, and both private and public sector employers in cases arising under the federal civil rights statutes and Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.

Chris represents clients in intellectual property litigation including patent, trademark, trade dress, or copyright infringement and dilution claims. He also represents clients in patent interference and derivation proceedings including actions involving antitrust, fraud, misrepresentation, trademark and copyright infringement and unfair competition (under both the Lanham Act and state law) claims.

Chris defends employers, institutions of higher education, religious institutions and professionals who have been accused of sexual misconduct and abuse. He regularly counsels and defends employers in claims involving workplace torts that include defamation, fraud, invasion of privacy, tortious interference, and negligent hiring and retention.

In addition to litigation, Chris provides hands-on training and counseling on a variety of subjects including medical and religious accommodations, leave of absence policies, harassment and discrimination claims, business diversity, employee termination, hiring practices, and performance appraisals. He provides guidance on compliance with FMLA, FLSA, ADA, and OSHA’s standards for health and safety in the workplace.

Chris is a certified arbitrator in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Honors

•AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated
•Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (since 2022 edition) for Litigation - Labor and Employment
•Selected for Inclusion in ALM’s Philadelphia Area’s Top Rated Lawyers
•Selected for Inclusion in ALM’s Top Rated Lawyers in Labor and Employment
•Recognized by The Legal Intelligencer’s 2025 Pennsylvania Legal Awards with the Distinguished Leaders Award
•Recognized by The Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards with the Law Firm Mentors Award
•Selected for Inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
•Selected for Inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars
•Superb/10.0 AVVO Rated

Articles & Publications

Is Wearing A Mask Protected Activity?

Updated Guidance - Emergency Leave & Amendment to PA Unemployment Compensation Law in Response to COVID-19

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

What Is Fair Game When It Comes To Fair Use?: Examining The Use Of Viral Videos Without A License

Employers: Beware the 14th of April

Enemy of the People: Pleading the First Amendment Retaliation Claim

Employment Law Manual

Practice Before the EEOC and the PHRC

Trends in Wage and Hour Litigation

E-Verify Compliance

Waivers of Discrimination Claims in Employee Severance Agreements

Legal Guidelines on Hiring Employees

The Temporary Worker Conundrum

Practice Under the Human Relations Act

Cyber-Sleuth: Monitoring Employee E-Mail

Speaking Engagements

•“Worksite Enforcement and E-Verify in the Age of Trump”, (Net Legal Conference) Miami, FL
•“Life Liberty Cannabis”, (Net Legal Conference), Miami FL
•“Mediation for Employment Cases - How to Win Through Resolution”, (Chubb National Employment Conference), Lafayette Hill, PA
•“How to Investigate and Defend Sexual Misconduct Complaints”, (Panel Counsel Seminar), Las Vegas, NV
•“Legal Guidelines on Hiring Employees”, Phillies Business Person Special, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
•“The Aftermath of the ADA Amendment Act: Minimizing Exposure to Disability Claims and Effectively Assessing Claims If A Suit Is Filed” for the 18th EPLI Annual Conference for the American Conference Institute - New York, NY
•“What’s Missing From Your Employment Contract and Handbook,” Philadelphia, PA
•“The Art of Mediation Advocacy,” Temple University School of Law - L.L.M. Program in Trial Advocacy, Philadelphia, PA
•“Practice Before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission”, Mutual Marine Insurance Company, New York, NY
•“How to Draft an Employment Handbook”, Center City Proprietors Association, Philadelphia, PA
•“Guidelines on Hiring and Terminating Employees”, Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (PAMIC), Penn State University, State College, PA
•“Trends in Wage & Hour Litigation”, Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), Philadelphia, PA
•“The Legality of Severance Agreements”, American Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG), Dallas, TX
•“E-Verify Compliance”, American Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG), Dallas, TX
•“Employee Hiring & Terminations”, Lorman Education Services, Cherry Hill, NJ
•“Employee Discharge and Documentation”, Lorman Education Services, Mount Laurel, NJ
•“Investigating Sexual Harassment Claims”, Defense Research Institute Panel Counsel, Scottsdale, AZ
•“Think Like an Employment Lawyer”: An Interactive Discussion of Real Life Workplace Scenarios, Lorman Education Services, Mt. Laurel, NJ
•“Early Resolution of Employment Lawsuits”, (ACE Insurance Group), Jersey City, NJ
•“Defending Complex Class Action Matters”, (ACOP Annual Conference), Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Client Testimonials

“We would request that this matter be assigned to Chris Tinari and his team at Margolis Edelstein.”

“Chris, thank you and your team for your excellent work and assistance.”

“You not only impressed me with your negotiating skills but you no doubt impressed the judge and the opposing lawyer.”

“I have to stop and say ‘thank you’ for all you do to push these claims to closure.”

“You have been thoughtful, careful and thorough in all your communications.”

“Mr. Tinari’s legal skill was the sole reason for the early dismissal of the matter.”

“It is nice to see your work ethic and diligence pay off in such a favorable outcome.”

“He was remarkably responsive to our concerns and offered clear and candid counsel from the outset.”

“The high level of professionalism and preparation resulted in the (case) against us being dismissed, entirely.”

“Christopher Tinari... was not only an excellent lawyer, but he gave us great advice and support at every step of the case.”

“This is not the first great result we have had with Chris and I look forward to continue working with him.”

“Chris: A terrific result! ... It seems getting an MSJ, directed verdict or the like granted on the notice issue has become more difficult than ever.”

“I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone needing legal advice or representation.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the superior quality of your representation, during this very difficult time for me.”

“Thank you for the terrific result on this case.”

News & Case Results

11 Margolis Edelstein Attorneys Named to the 2026 Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

14 Attorneys Named to the 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Margolis Edelstein’s Managing Partners Recognized by The Legal Intelligencer’s 2025 Pennsylvania Legal Awards

Margolis Edelstein Announces Expanded Leadership Team - Christopher Tinari Joins Michael McKenna as Managing Partner

Defamation Case Dismissed with Prejudice in Delaware County, PA

10 Attorneys Rated by Best Lawyers for 2025

Congratulations to Our 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

Christopher Tinari Recognized by The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards

Congratulations to our 2022 Lawyers of the Year - Partners Emery Mishky and Christopher Tinari

Congratulations to the Margolis Edelstein 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!

Margolis Edelstein Partners Present at Erie Insurance Panel Counsel Seminar

Partners Christopher Tinari and Michael Miller Win on Summary Judgment in an Age Discrimination Lawsuit filed in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

Partner Christopher Tinari and Associate Emily Mahler Prevail on Summary Judgment in Age Discrimination Lawsuit

Christopher Tinari and Michael Miller Prevail in ERISA Lawsuit in the United States Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Summary Judgment Granted on Employment Discrimination Lawsuit in Federal Court on Behalf of a Government Agency - Partner Christopher Tinari Prevails on Summary Judgment in Age Discrimination Case

Summary Judgment Granted on Political Discrimination Lawsuit in Federal Court - Partner Christopher A. Tinari and Associate Michael R. Miller Prevail on Summary Judgment in Contentious Political Appointment Case

Summary Judgment Granted in Constitutional Due Process Lawsuit in Federal Court - Partner Christopher A. Tinari and Associate Michael R. Miller Prevail on Motion to Dismiss Dispute over Operations at a Local Airport

Preliminary Objections Sustained on Breach of Contract/Breach of Fiduciary Duty Lawsuit in Bucks County Court of Common Pleas - Partner Christopher Tinari and Associate Emily Mahler Prevail on Preliminary Objections to Complaint

Judgment Granted in At-Will Employment Case in State Court - Montgomery Court of Common Pleas - Partner Christopher A. Tinari and Associate Michael R. Miller Prevail on Preliminary Objections to Complaint Alleging Oral Alteration of At-will Employment Relationship

Defense Verdict at Binding Arbitration of Labor Dispute - Partner Christopher Tinari and Associate Emily Mahler Prevail at Arbitration Hearing

Defense Verdict at Arbitration of Fair Labor Standards Act Lawsuit in Federal Court - Partner Christopher Tinari and Associates Emily Mahler and Michael Miller Prevail at Arbitration Hearing

Defense Verdict for Philadelphia Partner Christopher Tinari

Philadelphia Partner Christopher Tinari Obtains Dismissal

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Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Rated

This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

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Services

Areas of Law

Class Actions
Commercial Law
Professional Liability
Other 4
- Insurance Consulting
- Intellectual Property & Technology
- Labor & Employment
- Public Entity & Civil Rights

Practice Details

Video Calls

Offers Video Calls

Video Call Options
Zoom
Firm Information

Position
Partner

Firm Name
Margolis Edelstein
Representative Cases & Transactions

Cases
Representative Matters: Horveath v. Lutheran Home Care - Obtained summary judgment on an age discrimination lawsuit filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas after proving that the plaintiff failed to prove a prima facie case
, in addition, the court ruled that there was no evidence of pretext
that the defendant proffered a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for the termination of a billing specialist employee.
Sharon Carter v. Mid-Atlantic Health Care - Obtained summary judgment as to all claims in an age discrimination case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of the nursing
rehabilitation management company, successfully persuading the Court that Plaintiff failed to demonstrate that the company's asserted basis for her discharge was pretext for age discrimination.
Paradoa v. Philadelphia Housing Authority - Obtained summary judgment as to all claims in race discrimination case filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of housing authority in establishing that Plaintiff failed to present evidence of discriminatory motive or pretext in discharge of former employee.
SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania v. Care Pavilion of Walnut Park (in re grievance of Michele Wright ) - Obtained defense verdict at arbitration
dismissal of union grievance on behalf of large healthcare corporation in case submitted to binding arbitration before American Arbitration Association, alleging termination of union member's employment at nursing facility without cause in violation of collective bargaining agreement.
Jackson v. Philadelphia Housing Authority - Prevailed on summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a Housing Authority
its employees on claims of age discrimination
race brought pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Age Discrimination in Employment Act,
42 U.S.C. 1983
1985(3).
Michelle Andrews v. Berlin Nursing
Rehabilitation Center - Obtained dismissal of administrative charge brought with National Labor Relations Board on behalf of large healthcare corporation in case by independent contractor alleging wrongful removal from employment at nursing facility by third party employer in retaliation for protected, concerted activity, successfully establishing the lack of a joint employment relationship between facility
third party employer.
Yuchovski v. Evangelical Baptist Church of Philadelphia et al. - Obtained order from Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, sustaining preliminary objections
dismissing Plaintiffs' Complaint in its entirety on behalf of Church
its board members in case alleging breach of contract, wrongful termination
breach of fiduciary duty in connection with discharge of former Pastors, successfully arguing court's lack of jurisdiction to hear claims pursuant to First Amendment principles.
Gohkberg v. Sovereign Bankcorp., Inc. - Represented a class in a collective action lawsuit against multi-billion dollar banking corporation alleging violations of the Fair Labor St
ards Act
New York Labor Laws in failing to pay minimum wage
overtime compensation
failing to maintain payroll records of former employees.
Tomlinson v. Church of the Holy Trinity - Obtained order from Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, granting summary judgment in part
dismissing abuse of process
intentional infliction of emotional distress claims on behalf of church
its vestry brought by former congregant in case alleging damages arising from his removal from the church by Philadelphia police.
Young v. Butler Township, et al - Obtained summary judgment on political discrimination/First Amendment Retaliation case filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania after proving there was no evidence of discriminatory motive or pretext in discharging Township Supervisor form employment.
Chester County Aviation Holdings v. Chester County Aviation Authority - Obtained summary judgment on substantive
procedural due process claims filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after showing there was no recognized right in the Constitution for the United States of America for refusing to assign a commercial release to operate a regional airport.
Gerity v. Proscape Technologies - Preliminary objections sustained within the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania by successfully arguing that the plaintiff-employee had failed to assert evidence of additional consideration necessary to rebut the at-will employment presumption.
Sutton v. City of Philadelphia - Obtained summary judgment within the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by successfully arguing that client was not vicariously liable for an alleged employee's actions in reporting a threat of gun violence to the City of Philadelphia.
Obtained order from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granting summary judgment for a computer software company on claims of age
religious discrimination. Order was affirmed on appeal.
Obtained order from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania granting our motion to dismiss with prejudice on behalf of a Township
the Township Board on plaintiff's Section 1981 claim alleging that the Township terminated a contract with plaintiff due to race
retaliation.
Obtained order from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granting summary judgment for a private school on a former employee's age discrimination claim. The employee, who had been terminated at age 68
had no documents in her file that reflected poor performance, alleged that she was told during the termination meeting that the company wanted 'to get rid of some younger people' to do the work.
Obtained an order from the Common Pleas Court of Philadelphia granting summary judgment for a housing governmental authority on plaintiff's claims of age, race,
disability discrimination.
On behalf of a major cleaning supply business, successfully obtained summary judgment in a sexual harassment
retaliation case filed in U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
On behalf of an airport authority, successfully obtained summary judgment in a race discrimination
retaliation case which was affirmed by the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
Obtained a defense verdict at trial in favor of a religious school which involved the claims of defamation
sl
er.
Obtained a defense verdict in favor of a church after a five day trial on discrimination claims
on a joint employer issue.
As counsel to a national construction company, succeeded in eliminating a large back pay remedy sought by the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.
As counsel to a high profile pharmaceutical laboratory under Department of Labor investigation who faced personal liability, succeeded in negotiating a limitation of subpoenas
eventually limiting liability to non personal assets.
Represented one of the country's larger clothing manufacturers in a class action alleging violations of FLSA
state law torts. Defeated state law claims
succeeded in negotiating a reasonable resolution for the client on the remaining causes of action.
Won summary judgment on all counts for a large healthcare provider in a class action lawsuit in federal court that alleged violations of the overtime
minimum wage provisions of the FLSA.
Mediation
successful resolution of class-action charges filed against a chiropractor with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by current employees involving claims of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, age discrimination
retaliation under Title VII.
Obtained favorable resolution for a large engineering firm in a complaint against competitor for former employee's breach of non-solicitation provisions
tortious interference with contract claims.
Successfully defended a publishing company against a TRO
Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed to cease
desist client from hiring a group of employees from a competitor.
Represented contractor in copyright infringement
Lanham Act 43(a) false advertising action
counterclaims alleging trademark infringement, false advertising, tortious interference with contract
antitrust violations.
Defended a large multi-office dental practice against claims pursuant to the Fair Labor St
ards Act
various state law claims alleging failure to pay for all the time worked
pleaded as a collective
class action.
Mediation
successful resolution of several sex abuse claims filed in federal
state courts involving minors
religious organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Delaware.
Obtained summary judgment on a sex misconduct claim involving a teacher
student on the issue of the statute of limitations.
Obtained dismissal of administrative charges against a psychologist accused of sexual misconduct.
Served as counsel to many religious organizations, schools, universities
colleges, h
ling
resolving a wide array of employment law matters
issues related to student or faculty discipline, faculty appointments, grievance processes
appeals of those issues.
Litigated constitutional issues for religious organizations on what kinds of non-public school programs can receive public funding without violating the establishment clause.
Reviewed
renegotiated various executive employment contracts
other employment-related agreements
counseled clients regarding risks assumed in those agreements
ways to mitigate risks.
Provided personnel management counseling
employment law advice for companies going through restructuring, mass layoffs or reductions in force.
Negotiated, drafted
reviewed numerous executive employment agreements involving non-compete covenants, executive severance, trade secrets
other issues.
Drafted
reviewed policy
procedure statements, h
books,
other documents for the employees of private businesses, colleges, universities, manufacturers, non-profit organizations, energy companies
service providers.
Counseled clients with respect to coverage under
obligations imposed by laws enforced by the OFCCP
represented employers in OFCCP compliance audits.
Additional Links

http://www.margolisedelstein.com

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Experience

Bar Admission & Memberships

Admissions
Pennsylvania
United States District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Memberships

Professional Affiliations
•American Bar Association
•Pennsylvania Bar Association
•Philadelphia Bar Association
•Professional Liability Underwriters Society (PLUS)
•Defense Research Institute
•Defense Research Employment Law Committee
•Pennsylvania Defense Institute Employment Law Committee
•American Conference Institute
•Council for Litigation Management
•Harmonie Group
•Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy
•Past officer of the Alumni Society of the Episcopal Academy and Boston University
Education & Certifications

Law School
Villanova University School of Law
Class of 1994
J.D.

Other Education
Boston University
Class of 1990
B.A.
with Distinction
Personal Details & History

Age
Born in 1967
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1967

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Contact Christopher A. Tinari

Partner at Margolis Edelstein

5.0

1 review

The Curtis Center, 170 S. Independence Mall W., Suite 400EPhiladelphia, PA 19106U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?

Christopher A. Tinari is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
How many attorneys are in this law firm?

Margolis Edelstein has 120 attorneys at this location.
What law school did this attorney attend?

Christopher A. Tinari attended Villanova University School of Law.
What year was this attorney's law firm established?

Margolis Edelstein was established in 1900.
Is this attorney listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers?

Christopher A. Tinari is listed in the Civil Trial Practice, Environmental Law and Insurance Defense section of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

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