Christopher (“Chris”) Near focuses his practice on advising and representing management in employment-related matters. The advisory portion of Chris’ practice embraces the goal of preventing problems before they begin. This most often includes assisting with the review of company policies and providing guidance on personnel issues that may arise through the normal course of business. As for representation, Chris practices in state and federal court, as well as assists in responding to matters that are filed with administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.
Experience
Chris works closely with employers to provide advice and representation on employment-related issues that may arise under state or federal statute, regulation, or common law, with a focus on South Carolina law. In litigation, Chris defends and mediates large and small cases in state and federal court. Chris also assists employers with preparing responses to claims filed with administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. In an attempt to avoid employment-related conflicts, Chris often reviews company policies, handbooks/manuals, and employee personnel documents, with the goal of providing companies guidance and suggestions on state and federal compliance. These reviews also allow Chris to discuss with employers the best practices in creating and implementing personnel documents and policies.
South Carolina
U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Professional Activities
- South Carolina Bar Association
- Richland County Bar Association
- Lexington County Bar Association
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Protecting Personal Information And ESI: Employer Obligations And Pitfalls" - Columbia - December 8, 2011
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Preparing An Effective Handbook" - Columbia - August 11, 2011
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Did I Hire An Axe Murderer?! Reference Checks and Workplace Violence" - Columbia - December 9, 2010
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Preparing An Effective Handbook" - Columbia - August 12, 2010
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Preparing An Effective Handbook" - Columbia - May 14, 2009
- Pee Dee Employer Council meeting - "Legal Update" - Bennettsville - February 12, 2009
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Did I Hire An Axe Murderer?! Reference Checks and Workplace Violence" - Columbia - December 11, 2008
- Ogletree Deakins Briefing - "The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 – Expanding Coverage for Employees" - Columbia - October 21, 2008
- Certificate in Employee Relations Law Series, presented by Midlands Technical College Corporate and Continuing Education and the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce - "Preparing An Effective Handbook" - Columbia - May 8, 2008
- 2008 HUB Contractor Business Academy - "Employee Obligations & EEO Laws" - Charleston - March 11, 2008
- 2008 HUB Contractor Business Academy - "Employee Obligations & EEO Laws" - Fayetteville - February 28, 2008
- 61st Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies - "Discovery of Electronically-Stored Information: Federal and State Implications" - Charleston - October 22, 2007
- 2007 session of the South Carolina Bankers School - "Labor and Employment Law Overview" - Columbia - July 8, 2007
- 2007 Updates In Employment Law, presented by the Employers Association of South Carolina - "New Drug Testing Requirements & Update On Privacy Laws" - Columbia - April 26, 2007
- Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2007 Spring Legal Committee Meeting - "Discovery of Electronically-Stored Information: Federal and State Implications" - Charleston - April 12, 2007
In The News
- Fall 2011 - South Carolina Bar's Employment and Labor Law Section Newsletter - "Has The Public Policy Exception For Wrongful Termination Claims Expanded?"
- 2011 - Lawyers As Employers: A Guide To South Carolina Employment Law For Small Firms And Solo Practitioners - "Employee Handbooks"
- Summer 2009 - Palmetto Banker - "Labor and Employment Laws: What Has Happened and What Is Yet To Come"