About Christopher S. Atkinson

Christopher Atkinson gets deals done. He negotiates deals that allow his clients to grow and succeed. They include mergers and acquisitions, dispositions, equity financings and other transactions that require complex contracts and structures. Having started his career in the tech industry, Christopher brings a client mindset to his deal work for private equity firms, venture capital firms and businesses of all sizes.

Deal-making prowess informed by business experience

As a lawyer, Christopher retains the perspective he gained when he worked for emerging tech companies and was a client himself. From that experience, he appreciates the value of a practical approach to deal-making that puts a premium on efficiency. He adeptly cuts through issues and avoids spending needless time over-lawyering highly speculative, low-risk issues. Instead, he takes his clients through transactions as quickly and painlessly as possible. As a skilled negotiator, Christopher understands his clients' leverage (or lack thereof) and works hard to get them the best deal that he can.

Christopher advises private equity firms, venture capital firms as well as businesses ranging from founder- and family-owned entities to large public companies. His experience goes well beyond the tech industry to include education, health care, business services, parking, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, restaurants and veterinary care. His work with venture capital firms often facilitates crucial financing for start-ups and other early-stage companies. At times, his deals allow his clients to expand into new areas, as when he helped a leading provider of parking services close a $275 million acquisition that allowed it to branch out into baggage delivery and other airport-related services.

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Practice Focus

  • Mergers and acquisitions (for both private equity and strategic buyers)
  • Dispositions (for both private equity and strategic sellers)
  • Corporate restructurings for distressed companies
  • Equity financing transactions for companies of all sizes (including start-ups)
  • General corporate matters

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD
  • University of Michigan, BBA
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Community Involvements
  • Ravinia Festival, Associates Board
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Chambers USA
    Private Equity: Buyouts, 2025
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2022–2025
Award Methodologies