Christopher M. Ridgeway

Christopher M. Ridgeway

(747) 241-6501

Christopher M. Ridgeway, Esq. is a seasoned trial attorney with over 15 years of experience in
complex civil litigation. His practice emphasizes insurance defense, real estate disputes, and
estate and trust litigation, where he has built a reputation for achieving favorable results in
high-stakes matters.

Mr. Ridgeway has first-chaired numerous jury and bench trials across California, successfully
defending insurers, property owners, and businesses in cases involving habitability, title fraud,
premises liability, and elder abuse. He is recognized for his strategic case valuation, effective
trial advocacy, and ability to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting client interests.
In addition to his courtroom accomplishments, Mr. Ridgeway has led litigation teams at both
regional and national firms, mentoring associates and paralegals, developing litigation budgets,
and maintaining close, strategic communication with clients. His experience includes handling
complex discovery, expert depositions, and high-exposure negotiations in both state and federal
courts.

Mr. Ridgeway began his career in mass torts and products liability litigation before expanding
into municipal law, civil rights, and environmental defense. He later founded Ridgeway Law, a
top-rated North San Diego real estate practice, before returning to larger firms to focus on high-
volume litigation and trial work.

He is admitted to practice in all California state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern,
Central, and Northern Districts of California, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit.

Outside of the courtroom, Mr. Ridgeway is deeply rooted in North San Diego County, where he
lives with his wife and three children. A proud son of a Marine Corps veteran and a registered
nurse, he credits his upbringing with instilling the discipline, perseverance, and compassion that
carry into his legal practice. Mr. Ridgeway is active in his community and enjoys coaching,
mentoring, and supporting youth activities. He values the trust placed in him by clients and
approaches every matter with the same commitment he brings to his own family.

Notable cases:

Cory Lidle, et. al. v. Cirrus Design Corporation, No. 08 cv 1253 (BSJ) (HBP), Southern District of New York.

  • Represented the families and estates of Yankees Pitcher Cory Lidle and his flight instructor Tyler Stanger in a products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of his private plane.

 

Kathleen Sheahan, et. al. v. Sierra Pacific Power Company, No. A588937, District Court for Clark County, Nevada.

  • Represented the families and estates of a SH-60 Seahawk crew of fallen Naval Aviators who crashed into unmarked and unlit power lines in Austin Nevada.

 

Lori Pixley, et. al. v. Tavallodi, et. al., No. 37-2010-00055264, San Diego Superior Court.

  • Represented the family and estate of a young man who was shot twice in the back by a security guard at the Vista Transit Center, helping win a seven figure judgment after a jury trial and a punitive damages finding against the defendant.

 

Kenyon Clark, et. al. v. San Diego Gas & Electric Company (“In Re: 2007 San Diego Wildfires”), No. 37-2008-00093086, San Diego Superior Court.

  • Represented numerous victims of the catastrophic 2007 San Diego wildfires, including the single biggest private settlement out of thousands of plaintiffs.

 

SLPR, LLC v. San Diego Unified Port District, et. al.

  • Represented the Port District in a very complex case brought by homeowners seeking to convert public tidelands into private ownership.

 

Hernandez v. City of Beaumont, et. al.

  • Represented the City in a high-profile use of force case.

 

Lifeworks Technology Group v. Huerta, et. al.

  • Represented a commercial carrier in a Carmack Amendment claim valued over $750,000, reaching a successful resolution for the client.

 

ROIC v. Salinas

  • Obtained a judgment of dismissal in a commercial unlawful detainer suit where the landlord sought indemnity of over $120,000 for a related lawsuit concerning the landlord’s allegedly unconstitutional expressive conduct policy.

 

Solar Guys San Diego v. Fornaca

  • Recovered nearly $30,000, including attorney’s fees and costs, after a homeowner did not pay for his residential solar project.

 

Lopez v. BMNT Vapor Co.

  • Obtained a favorable dismissal for a commercial tenant in an unlawful detainer case.

 

Aguilar v. La Cave Restaurant, et. al.

  • Obtained a very favorable settlement for a restaurant defendant minutes before jury selection in a premises liability/personal injury suit.

 

Jorge Quel, M.D. v. Eun Sug Cha

  • Recovered title to a significant portion of a residential lot in the Westchester area of West Los Angeles for the homeowner.

 

Thomas v. Blue

  • Obtained 3-year restraining order and writ of possession in favor of a plaintiff with early onset dementia against her housemate and tenant due to physical and financial abuse.

 

Caroline Collins v. Real Estate eBroker, Inc.

  • Secured favorable judgment after trial in favor of real estate broker against allegations of breach of fiduciary duty and misrepresentation.

 

Emad Aljojo v. Adnan Aljojo

  • Recovered title after prevailing at trial in favor of a Los Angeles homeowner owner who was defrauded by his brother using a forged quitclaim deed and U.S. consular acknowledgment.