Chris Olson

Chris Olson is a highly respected civil rights attorney and the founder of Olson Law, PLLC, focusing on wrongful conviction cases and complex civil litigation. With over 25 years of legal experience, he has successfully represented individuals in high-stakes class actions, mass torts, and consumer rights cases. Over the past 15 years, his practice has been dedicated almost exclusively to civil rights, particularly exoneration efforts and post-conviction litigation.

Mr. Olson earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Campbell University School of Law in 1994, where he served as Notes and Comments Editor of the Campbell Law Review and competed in moot court. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1990. Following law school, he clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina before entering private practice.

Mr. Olson has been recognized for his commitment to justice throughout his career. He received the Defender of Justice Award from the North Carolina Justice Center for his work on consumer class actions, which resulted in landmark rulings and multimillion-dollar settlements against major financial institutions. His litigation experience includes serving as class counsel in lawsuits against Bank of America and CitiFinancial, securing settlements exceeding $80 million for North Carolina consumers.

Mr. Olson has played a key role in several successful exoneration efforts. He partnered with the Duke Wrongful Convictions Clinic on cases that led to the release of wrongfully convicted individuals who had served decades in prison. Notably, he represented Ronnie Long in a post-exoneration civil rights lawsuit, securing a $25 million settlement and a formal public apology for Mr. Long’s wrongful incarceration.

Recognized as a Super Lawyer and rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, Mr. Olson regularly lectures on wrongful conviction litigation and consumer protection. He is licensed in North Carolina and Massachusetts and frequently collaborates with attorneys nationwide. With a proven track record in complex litigation and civil rights advocacy, Chris Olson remains committed to fighting for justice and holding institutions accountable.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder Partner, Olson Law

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• Campbell University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Awards & Badges