Christopher R. Graving
Shareholder | Seattle
Areas of Practice
Chris represents commercial lenders in financing transactions, including construction, real estate purchases and refinances, lines of credit and other asset-based financings. Additionally, Chris regularly represents lenders in tax-exempt financings through various agencies, including the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Washington State Health Care Facilities Authority, Oregon Facilities Authority, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. He also assists lenders with municipal bond financings and tax credit transactions.
Prior to joining Stokes Lawrence, Chris was a judicial law clerk for Washington State Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Johnson.
Admissions
- Washington, 2012
Education
- Seattle University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Lead Article Editor, Seattle University Law Review (2012)
- Western Washington University, B.A., International Business/Economics (2007)
Recognition & Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America for Banking and Finance Law (2024 - 2025)
- Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (2017 - 2022)
Representative Work
- Prepare loan documents for numerous multi-million dollar commercial loan transactions, including loan agreements, promissory notes, guaranties, deeds of trust, SNDAs, and security agreements
- Secured numerous six-figure judgments against individual and corporate borrowers and other defendants in state court
- Provide advice on and prepare commercial leases for both tenants and landlords
- Negotiate and draft purchase and sale agreements for both buyers and sellers
- Negotiated favorable settlement for the personal guarantor of long-term lease
- Obtained prompt dismissal of employment claim in federal court before client was forced to incur significant legal costs
- Pursue and protect lenders’ rights to collateral and other potential sources of recovery in bankruptcy court
Publications & Presentations
- " 'Lockout Knockout'—The Washington Supreme Court Shuns Preforeclosure Self-Help," author, blog post, Stokes Law Briefs (July 2016)
- "A Step Back From the Precipice: Wrongful Foreclosure Reconsidered," co-authored with Thomas Lerner, Stokes Lawrence client update (September 2014)
- "Property Owners Facing Foreclosure Waive the Right to Restrain Sale if They Don't Post the Required Bond," author, blog post on Stokes Law Briefs (February 2014)
- "Guaranteed Confusion on Guarantor Liability," co-authored with Thomas Lerner, Stokes Lawrence client update (February 2014)
Professional & Community Activities
- Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations, Law Student Clinic's Assistant (2012)
- Moderate Means Program, Volunteer Student Intern (2012)
- Global Vision International, Volunteer (2008)
Background & Interests
When not at the office, Chris enjoys travelling and various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and golfing, as well as spending time with his wife and daughter.
