Kathryn ChristinePalamountain
Senior Counsel
Labor & Employment
cpalamountain@seyfarth.com
Chris partners with clients to develop solutions to actual or potential litigation in a way that does more than simply address the current conflict. Together, they build process improvements that prevent future conflict.
More About Chris
Clients face business-threatening lawsuits in areas of law with a tremendous amount of regulatory detail. They look to Chris to recommend efficient and pragmatic solutions that bring them into compliance with minimal disruption to the business. In contrast, many of her clients facing employment discrimination lawsuits have complex relationships with their employees, and defending the suit effectively requires an attorney who can delve into the details to master an effective litigation narrative. Whether facing a class action or a lawsuit brought by an individual, Chris aims to solve problems in a way that permits the client to stay focused on the core work of managing a business.
Chris has litigated class actions for clients in the retail, professional services, energy, real estate, and financial services sectors. She represents parties in employment discrimination class actions, wage-and-hour collective actions, EEOC pattern or practice lawsuits, civil rights, and other employment issues in federal and state courts throughout the US. She also defends public accommodations in denial of access actions brought under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
Chris understands the motivations of various players and has a keen ability to communicate effectively with both the client and the opposition. She draws upon more than two decades of experience on both sides of the bar, working for both nonprofit and for-profit entities, and challenging governmental entities.
Chris commits to solving her clients' needs, while keeping their business interests in mind. For example, she was able to resolve a nationwide class action for a retailer on a compliance schedule that maximized existing plans to remediate facilities, thus minimizing the impact of capital costs for the required remedial actions. By following nationwide litigation trends, Chris has also helped clients anticipate which lawsuits might be coming their way, and how to mobilize teams to minimize or eliminate exposure.
Chris thoroughly enjoys working at Seyfarth, where she has rewarding interactions with her clients, and has developed problem-solving relationships with them over time.
Chris has litigated class actions for clients in the retail, professional services, energy, real estate, and financial services sectors. She represents parties in employment discrimination class actions, wage-and-hour collective actions, EEOC pattern or practice lawsuits, civil rights, and other employment issues in federal and state courts throughout the US. She also defends public accommodations in denial of access actions brought under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
Chris understands the motivations of various players and has a keen ability to communicate effectively with both the client and the opposition. She draws upon more than two decades of experience on both sides of the bar, working for both nonprofit and for-profit entities, and challenging governmental entities.
Chris commits to solving her clients' needs, while keeping their business interests in mind. For example, she was able to resolve a nationwide class action for a retailer on a compliance schedule that maximized existing plans to remediate facilities, thus minimizing the impact of capital costs for the required remedial actions. By following nationwide litigation trends, Chris has also helped clients anticipate which lawsuits might be coming their way, and how to mobilize teams to minimize or eliminate exposure.
Chris thoroughly enjoys working at Seyfarth, where she has rewarding interactions with her clients, and has developed problem-solving relationships with them over time.
- JD, Stanford Law School
With distinction
Stanford Law Review notes editor, 1993-1995 - BA, University of Texas, Austin
Japanese StudiesPlan II Honors Program
- California
- Texas
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Immigration Court
- US National Labor Relations Board
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- US District Court, Northern District of Texas
- US District Court, Southern District of Texas
- US District Court, Western District of Texas
Related Key Industries
Trial Experience
- Has tried more than five cases to verdict in federal and state courts throughout the US, and has substantial experience conducting arbitration proceedings.
Accessibility Cases
- Defended nationwide banking, hospitality, and retail companies in both class and individual actions alleging failure to comply with the Americans with Disability Act and related state laws, including California's Unruh Act.
- Defended companies against local governmental agency claims concerning alleged failure to provide accessible facilities.
- Represented apartment management companies in claims alleging violations of the ADA and Fair Housing Act.
- Provided counseling regarding compliance with ADA mandates, including website accessibility and effective communication for health care providers.
Private Plaintiff Employment Class Actions
- Defended purported class action challenging late fees charged to tenants.
- Defended employers in purported nationwide class actions alleging gender discrimination in pay and promotions.
- Defended employer in purported nationwide class action alleging national origin discrimination.
EEOC Pattern or Practice Lawsuits
- Defended employer in EEOC pattern or practice case alleging discrimination in pay and promotions.
Wage-and-Hour Collective Actions
- Represented employers in wage and hour collective actions.
Denial Of Access Class Actions
- Defended nationwide retailers in purported nationwide class actions involving ADA claims alleging inaccessible parking lot facilities and inaccessible optometry services.
Defense of Individual Claims or EEOC Charges
- Defended employers in numerous single-plaintiff discrimination actions.
- Defended public accommodations in single-plaintiff ADA actions.
Related News & Insights
-
Firm News
08/15/2024
220 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2025
-
Recognition
08/17/2023
210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
-
Legal Update
Oct 12, 2021
Texas Issues Order Prohibiting Private Business Vaccine Mandates Without Broad Exemptions
-
Media Mentions
Jul 23, 2020
Chris Palamountain quoted in the Houston Chronicle
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2024-2025)
- Served as a law clerk for the Honorable Thelton E. Henderson, Chief Judge, US District Court, Northern District of California (1995-1996)
- Co-Author, "Texas Issues Order Prohibiting Private Business Vaccine Mandates Without Broad Exemptions," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 12, 2021)
- “NLRB Rulings Could Undermine Social Media Policies,” Medical Practice Insider (June 4, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Don’t Mess with It: Texas Fires Back At EEOC’s Motion To Dismiss The State’s Challenge To The 'Felon Hiring Rule'," EEOC Year-End Countdown Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 24, 2014)
- Co-Author, “Rise Of The Zombie Lawsuit: Fifth Circuit Revives Former Dukes Class Member’s Individual Claims Against Her Former Employer,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 15, 2014)
- Co-Author, “No Love: Florida District Court Dismisses Class Allegations Filed As Untimely Under Eleventh Circuit’s “No-Piggyback Rule”,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 1, 2013)
- “Louisiana Federal Court Denies EEOC’s Request To Put Punitive Damage Cart Before the Compensatory Damage Horse,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 23, 2013)
- “Standing Up On Standing, Part II: North Carolina Court Permits Defendant’s Motion for Attorney’s Fees Against Serial Plaintiff,”ADA Title III News & Insights, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 13, 2013)
- “Sixth Circuit Lends Its Voice To Chorus Of Denials Of Class Certification In Subjective Discretion Situations,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 31, 2013)
- “Down The Rabbit Hole: Seventh Circuit Continues Piecemeal Adjudication Of McReynolds By Affirming Dismissal Of Retention Program Discrimination Claims,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 22, 2012)
- “Neither A Borrower Class Nor An Employee Class Be: Court Decertifies Mortgage Borrower Class In Light of Wal-Mart v. Dukes,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 20, 2012)
- “Get Well, Soon: Eleventh Circuit Upholds Charges For Employees Who Refuse To Participate In Wellness Program,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 25, 2012)
- “Drive Through Banking and Drive By Suing: Texas Banks Experiencing Rash of ADA Lawsuits Over Access To ATMs,” ADA Title III News & Insights, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 3, 2012)
- “Wine and Roses, Part III: District Court Sanctions Class Counsel For Improper Expense Requests,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 3, 2012)
- “Fourth Circuit Finds Insufficient Allegations To Support Class Claims In Workplace Class Action RICO Claim,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 22, 2012)
- “Wine and Roses, Part II: District Court Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Following Class Counsel’s Improper Expense Request,”Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 4, 2012)
- “Reach Out And Touch Someone: Illinois District Court Enforces EEOC Subpoena Regarding Contact With Former HR Managers,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 30, 2012)
- “Wait! Don't Tell Me! - Court Finds That An Employer Raised Appropriate Challenges To Class Claims At The Wrong Time,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 14, 2012)
- “What Happens In New Jersey Stays In New Jersey: Court Rejects Nationwide Class Claims Brought Under New Jersey Law,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 3, 2012)
- “When Wine and Roses Backfire: Court Contemplates Disciplinary Action Following Post-Settlement Reimbursement Request by Plaintiffs' Class Action Lawyers,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2012)
- “Sasquatch Sightings And Other Improbable News: Texas Court of Appeals Awards Lodestar Enhancement,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 26, 2012)
- “Second Circuit Finds Releases Limit Application of Fair Pay Act's Retroactivity Provisions,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 6, 2011)
- “Eight Circuit Rejects Class Claims Based On Attempts To Distinguish Dukes While Affirming Judgment On Individual Claims Based In Part Upon Evidence Concerning Third Parties,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 29, 2011)
- “Federal Court Extends Fair Housing Protections to Children in Group Homes,” Youth Law News (March - April 1997)
- “Interim Regulations Issued for Children’s SSI,” Youth Law News (January - February 1997)
- “Discriminatory Land Use Practices Violate Fair Housing Rights of Children in Group Homes,” Youth Law News (September - October 1996)
- “High Courts Review: An Analysis of Recent Major Business Decisions and What to Expect Next,” Houston, Texas (November 2010)
- ”Annual Supreme Court Roundup: Key Decisions for Business from the Texas Supreme Court” (annually from October 2007 – October 2010)
- “12th Annual Consumer Financial Services Litigation Institute: PLI faculty member FDCPA /FCRA /Privacy Litigation Developments” (May 2007)
- “SSI for Children with Disabilities,” San Francisco, CA (March 1997) Albuquerque, NM (June 1997) Houston, TX (August 1997) Austin, TX (January 1998) Los Angeles (February 1998)
- “Health Issues Facing Children in Foster Care,” Kona and Honolulu, HI (July 1998)
- “Federal Fair Housing Law for Families with Children,” Seattle, WA and Portland, OR (October 1996) Tucson, AZ (February 1996) Boise, ID (March 1997)
- “The Rights of Foster Parents,” California State Foster Parents Association Conference, Sacramento, CA (October 1996)
- ACE Mentor Program Houston, Inc., board member
- St. Catherine's Montessori (board member, 2014-present; board secretary, 2017-present)
- College Park Community Association board member (2010-present)
Chris partners with clients to develop solutions to actual or potential litigation in a way that does more than simply address the current conflict. Together, they build process improvements that prevent future conflict.
More About Chris
Clients face business-threatening lawsuits in areas of law with a tremendous amount of regulatory detail. They look to Chris to recommend efficient and pragmatic solutions that bring them into compliance with minimal disruption to the business. In contrast, many of her clients facing employment discrimination lawsuits have complex relationships with their employees, and defending the suit effectively requires an attorney who can delve into the details to master an effective litigation narrative. Whether facing a class action or a lawsuit brought by an individual, Chris aims to solve problems in a way that permits the client to stay focused on the core work of managing a business.
Chris has litigated class actions for clients in the retail, professional services, energy, real estate, and financial services sectors. She represents parties in employment discrimination class actions, wage-and-hour collective actions, EEOC pattern or practice lawsuits, civil rights, and other employment issues in federal and state courts throughout the US. She also defends public accommodations in denial of access actions brought under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
Chris understands the motivations of various players and has a keen ability to communicate effectively with both the client and the opposition. She draws upon more than two decades of experience on both sides of the bar, working for both nonprofit and for-profit entities, and challenging governmental entities.
Chris commits to solving her clients' needs, while keeping their business interests in mind. For example, she was able to resolve a nationwide class action for a retailer on a compliance schedule that maximized existing plans to remediate facilities, thus minimizing the impact of capital costs for the required remedial actions. By following nationwide litigation trends, Chris has also helped clients anticipate which lawsuits might be coming their way, and how to mobilize teams to minimize or eliminate exposure.
Chris thoroughly enjoys working at Seyfarth, where she has rewarding interactions with her clients, and has developed problem-solving relationships with them over time.
Chris has litigated class actions for clients in the retail, professional services, energy, real estate, and financial services sectors. She represents parties in employment discrimination class actions, wage-and-hour collective actions, EEOC pattern or practice lawsuits, civil rights, and other employment issues in federal and state courts throughout the US. She also defends public accommodations in denial of access actions brought under Title III of the ADA and related state laws.
Chris understands the motivations of various players and has a keen ability to communicate effectively with both the client and the opposition. She draws upon more than two decades of experience on both sides of the bar, working for both nonprofit and for-profit entities, and challenging governmental entities.
Chris commits to solving her clients' needs, while keeping their business interests in mind. For example, she was able to resolve a nationwide class action for a retailer on a compliance schedule that maximized existing plans to remediate facilities, thus minimizing the impact of capital costs for the required remedial actions. By following nationwide litigation trends, Chris has also helped clients anticipate which lawsuits might be coming their way, and how to mobilize teams to minimize or eliminate exposure.
Chris thoroughly enjoys working at Seyfarth, where she has rewarding interactions with her clients, and has developed problem-solving relationships with them over time.
- JD, Stanford Law School
With distinction
Stanford Law Review notes editor, 1993-1995 - BA, University of Texas, Austin
Japanese StudiesPlan II Honors Program
- California
- Texas
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Immigration Court
- US National Labor Relations Board
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- US District Court, Northern District of Texas
- US District Court, Southern District of Texas
- US District Court, Western District of Texas
Related Key Industries
Trial Experience
- Has tried more than five cases to verdict in federal and state courts throughout the US, and has substantial experience conducting arbitration proceedings.
Accessibility Cases
- Defended nationwide banking, hospitality, and retail companies in both class and individual actions alleging failure to comply with the Americans with Disability Act and related state laws, including California's Unruh Act.
- Defended companies against local governmental agency claims concerning alleged failure to provide accessible facilities.
- Represented apartment management companies in claims alleging violations of the ADA and Fair Housing Act.
- Provided counseling regarding compliance with ADA mandates, including website accessibility and effective communication for health care providers.
Private Plaintiff Employment Class Actions
- Defended purported class action challenging late fees charged to tenants.
- Defended employers in purported nationwide class actions alleging gender discrimination in pay and promotions.
- Defended employer in purported nationwide class action alleging national origin discrimination.
EEOC Pattern or Practice Lawsuits
- Defended employer in EEOC pattern or practice case alleging discrimination in pay and promotions.
Wage-and-Hour Collective Actions
- Represented employers in wage and hour collective actions.
Denial Of Access Class Actions
- Defended nationwide retailers in purported nationwide class actions involving ADA claims alleging inaccessible parking lot facilities and inaccessible optometry services.
Defense of Individual Claims or EEOC Charges
- Defended employers in numerous single-plaintiff discrimination actions.
- Defended public accommodations in single-plaintiff ADA actions.
Related News & Insights
-
Firm News
08/15/2024
220 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2025
-
Recognition
08/17/2023
210 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2024
-
Legal Update
Oct 12, 2021
Texas Issues Order Prohibiting Private Business Vaccine Mandates Without Broad Exemptions
-
Media Mentions
Jul 23, 2020
Chris Palamountain quoted in the Houston Chronicle
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Litigation - Labor and Employment (2024-2025)
- Served as a law clerk for the Honorable Thelton E. Henderson, Chief Judge, US District Court, Northern District of California (1995-1996)
- Co-Author, "Texas Issues Order Prohibiting Private Business Vaccine Mandates Without Broad Exemptions," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 12, 2021)
- “NLRB Rulings Could Undermine Social Media Policies,” Medical Practice Insider (June 4, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Don’t Mess with It: Texas Fires Back At EEOC’s Motion To Dismiss The State’s Challenge To The 'Felon Hiring Rule'," EEOC Year-End Countdown Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 24, 2014)
- Co-Author, “Rise Of The Zombie Lawsuit: Fifth Circuit Revives Former Dukes Class Member’s Individual Claims Against Her Former Employer,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 15, 2014)
- Co-Author, “No Love: Florida District Court Dismisses Class Allegations Filed As Untimely Under Eleventh Circuit’s “No-Piggyback Rule”,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 1, 2013)
- “Louisiana Federal Court Denies EEOC’s Request To Put Punitive Damage Cart Before the Compensatory Damage Horse,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 23, 2013)
- “Standing Up On Standing, Part II: North Carolina Court Permits Defendant’s Motion for Attorney’s Fees Against Serial Plaintiff,”ADA Title III News & Insights, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 13, 2013)
- “Sixth Circuit Lends Its Voice To Chorus Of Denials Of Class Certification In Subjective Discretion Situations,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 31, 2013)
- “Down The Rabbit Hole: Seventh Circuit Continues Piecemeal Adjudication Of McReynolds By Affirming Dismissal Of Retention Program Discrimination Claims,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 22, 2012)
- “Neither A Borrower Class Nor An Employee Class Be: Court Decertifies Mortgage Borrower Class In Light of Wal-Mart v. Dukes,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 20, 2012)
- “Get Well, Soon: Eleventh Circuit Upholds Charges For Employees Who Refuse To Participate In Wellness Program,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 25, 2012)
- “Drive Through Banking and Drive By Suing: Texas Banks Experiencing Rash of ADA Lawsuits Over Access To ATMs,” ADA Title III News & Insights, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 3, 2012)
- “Wine and Roses, Part III: District Court Sanctions Class Counsel For Improper Expense Requests,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 3, 2012)
- “Fourth Circuit Finds Insufficient Allegations To Support Class Claims In Workplace Class Action RICO Claim,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 22, 2012)
- “Wine and Roses, Part II: District Court Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Following Class Counsel’s Improper Expense Request,”Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 4, 2012)
- “Reach Out And Touch Someone: Illinois District Court Enforces EEOC Subpoena Regarding Contact With Former HR Managers,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 30, 2012)
- “Wait! Don't Tell Me! - Court Finds That An Employer Raised Appropriate Challenges To Class Claims At The Wrong Time,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 14, 2012)
- “What Happens In New Jersey Stays In New Jersey: Court Rejects Nationwide Class Claims Brought Under New Jersey Law,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 3, 2012)
- “When Wine and Roses Backfire: Court Contemplates Disciplinary Action Following Post-Settlement Reimbursement Request by Plaintiffs' Class Action Lawyers,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2012)
- “Sasquatch Sightings And Other Improbable News: Texas Court of Appeals Awards Lodestar Enhancement,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 26, 2012)
- “Second Circuit Finds Releases Limit Application of Fair Pay Act's Retroactivity Provisions,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 6, 2011)
- “Eight Circuit Rejects Class Claims Based On Attempts To Distinguish Dukes While Affirming Judgment On Individual Claims Based In Part Upon Evidence Concerning Third Parties,” Workplace Class Action Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 29, 2011)
- “Federal Court Extends Fair Housing Protections to Children in Group Homes,” Youth Law News (March - April 1997)
- “Interim Regulations Issued for Children’s SSI,” Youth Law News (January - February 1997)
- “Discriminatory Land Use Practices Violate Fair Housing Rights of Children in Group Homes,” Youth Law News (September - October 1996)
- “High Courts Review: An Analysis of Recent Major Business Decisions and What to Expect Next,” Houston, Texas (November 2010)
- ”Annual Supreme Court Roundup: Key Decisions for Business from the Texas Supreme Court” (annually from October 2007 – October 2010)
- “12th Annual Consumer Financial Services Litigation Institute: PLI faculty member FDCPA /FCRA /Privacy Litigation Developments” (May 2007)
- “SSI for Children with Disabilities,” San Francisco, CA (March 1997) Albuquerque, NM (June 1997) Houston, TX (August 1997) Austin, TX (January 1998) Los Angeles (February 1998)
- “Health Issues Facing Children in Foster Care,” Kona and Honolulu, HI (July 1998)
- “Federal Fair Housing Law for Families with Children,” Seattle, WA and Portland, OR (October 1996) Tucson, AZ (February 1996) Boise, ID (March 1997)
- “The Rights of Foster Parents,” California State Foster Parents Association Conference, Sacramento, CA (October 1996)
- ACE Mentor Program Houston, Inc., board member
- St. Catherine's Montessori (board member, 2014-present; board secretary, 2017-present)
- College Park Community Association board member (2010-present)