Chris A. McCandless is a Principal in the Business and Construction Litigation Department at Diepenbrock Harrison.  His practice involves the representation of prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, municipalities, school districts, and private property owners in virtually all areas of construction law, including contract disputes, construction claims, public bid protests, differing site conditions, construction defect, mechanic’s liens, bonds, and related collection matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Chris worked in the legal department of the California Department of Water Resources where he assisted in cases involving water law, eminent domain, energy regulation, administrative procedure, employment law, and the California Environmental Quality Act.  During law school Chris was a certified law student and served on the Governing Board of Community Legal Services at McGeorge School of Law, providing legal services for individuals in Sacramento County who might otherwise be unable to afford legal counsel.

Supplementing his legal experience, Chris also worked in the construction and real estate industry prior to embarking on his legal career.  Chris was involved in the development of a national custom home sales and construction firm where he was active in all aspects of the business, from construction and design, to sales and marketing.  In addition, Chris maintained a California Real Estate Sales license, working with a real estate development firm promoting new subdivision sales, as well as assisting in the construction of commercial developments.

Chris is a member of the California State Bar and is admitted to practice before all California Courts as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern and Northern District of California.  Chris also is a member of the Litigation Section of the California State Bar, and is an active member in the Legal Advisory Committee for the Associated General Contractors of California. 

Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Real Estate and Land Use Affairs from California State University, Sacramento, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1996.  He received his J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2000, where he graduated with Great Distinction, The Order of the Coif, and was honored by the faculty for Outstanding Student Achievement.  While in law school, Chris served as a teaching assistant in the Appellate Advocacy program and participated in an ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, where his team advanced to the national finals in 2000.