Christina Gerrish Nelson provides parties with valuable tools and strategy for dismantling disputes.
An astute litigator and advocate, Christina has decisively represented her clients in trial, arbitration, and administrative hearings since she was admitted to the bar in 1999. In addition to litigation, Christina has worked with and on behalf of clients in negotiations, consultations, contract drafting, and mediation, providing her clients with the information they need to take an active role in addressing and resolving disputes. Christina has also argued appeals in both the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Christina worked with Short Cressman & Burgess PLLC, and then Ahlers & Cressman PLLC, focusing primarily on construction, real estate, and commercial claims and litigation. Christina has represented general contractors, subcontractors, owners, businesses and individuals in matters involving mechanics’ liens, commercial and residential construction issues, contract disputes and enforcement, payment disputes, defective construction claims, bond claims, warranty issues, indemnification claims, workers compensation, boundary line disputes, purchase and sale agreements, adverse possession claims, commercial lease disputes, evictions, unlawful detainer actions, partnership disputes, non-compete agreements, trade secret claims, and general business disputes.
Starting in 2006, in conjunction with her ongoing litigation practice, Christina began both academic studies and skill training in ADR at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law. Christina is now a candidate to receive a LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution after a few final practicum requirements. She enjoys her ongoing scholarly pursuits and education in ADR, always updating and applying the valuable skills she gains to her growing mediation and ADR practice.
Christina founded CGN PLLC in 2011, and has continued to develop and expand her focus on mediation and ADR in her business.
Education
- B.A., Pepperdine University, 1994, cum laude
- J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, 1999, magna cum laude
- LL.M. Candidate in ADR, Pepperdine University School of Law
Professional Associations
Admitted:
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court (Eastern and Western Districts of Washington)
Member:
- ABA, WSBA, KCBA
- ADR Section with ABA, WSBA, and KCBA
- Construction Section with ABA and WSBA
- Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
- Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle (MAMA Seattle)
- Washington Women Lawyers (WWL)
- Women In Dispute Resolution (WIDR)
Volunteer
- MAMA Seattle, Board of Directors (2009-Present)
- MAMA Seattle, Board President (2014)
- MAMA USA, Board of Directors (2015)
- Northwest Justice Project, Board of Directors (2005-2013)
- Northwest Justice Project, Board President (2010, 2011, 2013)
- LAW Fund Campaign for Equal Justice, Volunteer
- PTA Room Parent, Volunteer
Awards
- AAA Higginbotham Fellows Program (2014)
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law and Politics (2014, 2015)
- Rising Star, Washington Law and Politics (2006-2012)
- WSBA Pro Bono Publico Service Award (2012, 2013)
Recent Opinions
- Exterra LLC v. Cle Elum Gateway Property LLC and Corstone Contractors LLC, No. 31751-0-III (Wash. Ct. App. Nov. 20, 2014)