W. Chris Harrison

Chris Harrison brings over 25 years of experience representing and advising management in complex labor and employment law matters. His practice encompasses litigation, arbitration, collective bargaining, non-compete agreements, union issues, and regulatory disputes, with a particular focus on the airline industry. His advocacy has helped companies resolve high-stakes employment conflicts efficiently.

Mr. Harrison earned both his J.D. (1997) and B.A. cum laude (1994) from the University of Mississippi. He is admitted to practice before numerous federal district and appellate courts across the United States, including the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal education and admissions demonstrate a broad and deep understanding of jurisdictional knowledge, enhancing his national practice capabilities.

Before entering private practice, Mr. Harrison served as Vice-President of Labor Relations and Associate General Counsel for Pinnacle Airlines Corp., where he managed legal strategies for labor relations and regulatory matters across three airlines and 9,000 employees. His leadership significantly shaped internal policy and labor management strategies.

Mr. Harrison is an experienced employment and labor attorney who handles high-profile whistleblower, retaliation, and workplace discrimination cases, and represents clients in complex administrative law proceedings. He also advises airlines on regulatory compliance, helping carriers align their operations with FAA and other federal standards. Drawing on deep industry knowledge, he guides organizations through sensitive workforce transitions, restructuring, and collective bargaining negotiations.

Chris has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Legislature, underscoring his industry influence. A frequent speaker at the ABA’s Railway and Airline Labor Law Committee, he is also a Senior Editor of The Railway Labor Act by BNA Books—one of the leading legal treatises in the field.

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for both Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment from 2021 through 2025, W. Chris Harrison is also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. His dedication to legal excellence continues to serve clients across industries with integrity and strategic insight.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
• Member, ABA Railway and Airline Labor Law Committee
• Senior Editor, The Railway Labor Act Treatise
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association

Licensed State

• Tennessee
• Mississippi

Education

• University of Mississippi
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Mississippi
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges