Chris Johnstone is an experienced litigator focused on government investigations, complex litigation, and trial work. As a resident of the firm’s Palo Alto office, Mr. Johnstone works with companies throughout Silicon Valley on issues at the intersection of law and technology.

Government Investigations

Mr. Johnstone is well-versed in defending investigations conducted by the SEC, DOJ, FINRA, and state AGs. He has worked on matters focusing financial reporting, data incidents, data scraping, and competitive intelligence. Over the years, he has delivered presentations to law enforcement, C-suite executives, and Boards.

SEC Litigation

Mr. Johnstone has in-depth experience litigating against the SEC. In recent years, he has provided counseling to clients in the cryptocurrency space regarding potential litigation with the SEC. He also served as co-lead counsel for the CEO of a Bitcoin mining company in an enforcement action. He previously served as a key member of the WilmerHale trial team that prevailed on all ten claims brought by the SEC against two former executives of Thornburg Mortgage. During that case, Mr. Johnstone presented more than a dozen oral arguments and managed years of hard-fought litigation. In the beginning of his career, he represented the former CFO of a California-based semiconductor company.

Complex Litigation

Mr. Johnstone also focuses on complex litigation. He served as co-lead counsel for a major venture capital firm in two recent business disputes. Prior to that, he served as co-lead counsel for a manufacturer of capacitors in a class action alleging over $1 billion in damages. During that case, he deposed a former U.S. Attorney and successfully excluded him from testifying as an expert at trial. In 2018, Mr. Johnstone was a key member of the WilmerHale trial team that obtained the acquittal of Rohan Ramchandani, a former foreign exchange (FX) trader charged with violating the Sherman Act. Earlier in his career, he represented an online platform in successive lawsuits against a state AG.

Pro Bono & Firm Leadership

In his pro bono practice, Mr. Johnstone regularly represents individuals charged with federal crimes in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. He has obtained successful results for clients facing decades in prison. Mr. Johnstone serves on the Hiring Committee for the firm’s Northern California offices.