Christopher J. Collins

Christopher J. Collins is a founder, shareholder, and president of Collins, Zorn & Wagner, PLLC in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A private-practice litigator since 1980, he focuses on civil rights, employment law, and product liability. Collins has devoted much of his practice to representing local governments and other public agencies, including counties and municipalities, and advises policymakers and boards on legal issues involving government operations while working to reduce litigation risk.

Collins earned his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1980 and a B.A. cum laude from Central State University in 1976. His education provided a foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, and public law that supports his long-standing litigation practice. He is admitted in Oklahoma and before multiple federal courts, including the Tenth Circuit, the Federal Circuit, the D.C. Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Collins has defended public agencies against hundreds of claims involving excessive force, deadly force, police pursuits, search and seizure, jail suicide, inmate medical care, jail conditions, and other law enforcement liability issues. He has appeared before Oklahoma state courts, federal district and appellate courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, and the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement. His experience also includes published decisions involving civil rights and governmental liability.

Christopher J. Collins holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer. Collins is a Fellow of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and belongs to organizations including the Oklahoma Bar Association, American Bar Association, Oklahoma County Bar Association, Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute, and International Association of Defense Counsel. He also speaks on civil rights and employment law and has provided pro bono counsel through Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Shareholder, and President, Collins, Zorn & Wagner, PLLC
• Member, Oklahoma Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Oklahoma County Bar Association
• Member, Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel
• Fellow, Oklahoma Bar Foundation
• Member, Defense Research Institute, Inc.
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
• Member, Phi Delta Phi, University of Oklahoma College of Law

Licensed State

• Oklahoma

Education

• University of Oklahoma College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Central State University
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges