Thomas M. Christ

Thomas M. Christ is a partner at Sussman Shank LLP and an appellate attorney focused on civil appeals and litigation involving significant legal issues. Christ has handled more than 500 appeals in state and federal appellate courts, including the Oregon and Washington appellate courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals. He generally represents civil defendants, often through their insurers, and also represents insurance companies in coverage and related disputes.

Christ earned his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Oregon. He is admitted to the Oregon State Bar, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His education and extensive appellate practice support a focused approach to legal research, briefing, oral argument, and complex legal questions.

Christ’s representative work includes appellate matters involving insurance coverage, constitutional rights, environmental issues, land use, and civil disputes. He argued Vernonia School District 47J v. Acton before the U.S. Supreme Court and has represented nonprofit organizations and their members in substantial pro bono matters. Since 1991, he has also served as a pro tem judge in Multnomah County Circuit Court, where he regularly hears civil motions and summary judgment matters.

Thomas M. Christ has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for appellate practice, insurance law, and First Amendment litigation through 2026 and by Oregon Super Lawyers for appellate work from 2006 through 2026. He is a member of the invitation-only American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the Oregon Association of Defense Counsel. His appellate experience, judicial service, and substantial pro bono work reflect a practice centered on careful legal analysis and persuasive advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Sussman Shank LLP
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Member, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
• Member, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Oregon

Education

• University of Oregon School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Oregon
  Bachelor of Science (BS)