The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) has inducted Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel attorney Chris Poole as a Fellow.
Poole was one of 88 from across North America inducted into the college in a recent ceremony attended by approximately 900 Fellows and guests at the ACTL annual meeting in Nashville. He is one of 13 Fellows in Chattanooga.
“I’m honored to be invited to join such a distinguished group of well-respected and accomplished litigators, which includes my lifelong role model – my father (retired Judge Don Poole),” Poole says. “This recognition inspires me to continue to strive for excellence in my practice and service to the legal community.”
With more than 25 years as a federal and state prosecutor, Poole specializes in criminal defense, white-collar cases, family law and general civil litigation. He advises corporate clients and individuals on potential criminal liability and educates them on defense strategies, drawing from his trial experience in state and federal courts, including jury trials and arguments before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In addition, Poole represents health care providers in qui tam litigation, white-collar criminal defense, payment and licensing disputes, and fraud and abuse litigation.
Before joining Chambliss, Poole held a senior role at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, where he managed diverse cases involving elected officials, corporations, international criminals and cybercrime.
Poole now uses this extensive experience to advocate for clients in civil litigation, family law and criminal defense.
Poole is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the American Inns of Court Brock-Cooper Chapter Civility Award in 2022, the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys’ Exceptional Service Award in 2014 and the Executive Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance in 2009.
In addition, Poole is a member of the Chattanooga and Federal bar associations.
Poole graduated from Wake Forest University and the Georgia State University College of Law. He is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.
Founded in 1950, ACTL is composed of U.S., Canadian and Puerto Rican trial lawyers. Fellowship is by invitation only and is granted after a “thorough vetting of experienced lawyers who excel in advocacy and uphold the highest ethical standards,” states the organization in a news release announcing Poole’s induction.
Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of trial experience and membership is limited to 1% of the lawyer population in any state or province. The college is dedicated to enhancing trial practice standards, professionalism and justice through education and advocacy for judicial independence, jury trials, rule of law, access to justice and fair representation.