Chrisanne M. Gultz
Chrisanne M. Gultz represents employers and management in complex workplace disputes, helping companies manage risk, resolve claims, and make informed employment decisions. She defends clients in federal, state, and administrative proceedings against claims involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and related employment matters.
Chrisanne combines trial-tested advocacy with strategic motion practice, leveraging early case assessment, targeted discovery, and creative legal arguments that can change the trajectory of a dispute to reduce exposure and control costs. Her experience spans all phases of litigation, including trials, dispositive motions, and appellate briefing.
In addition to litigation, Chrisanne helps employers prevent disputes before they arise. She advises on terminations, conducts internal investigations, and drafts policies and employee handbooks designed to ensure compliance and consistency. Clients value her direct communication style, practical guidance, and ability to align legal strategy with business priorities.
Born and raised in Arizona, she is active in the Arizona Women Lawyers’ Association, where she serves on a committee focused on increasing the number of women on the bench. She regularly presents to clients and professional associations on employment law developments and workplace best practices.
Selected Matters
- Secured an arbitration award in the employer’s favor in a race discrimination and retaliation case, leading witness preparation and examination and drafting all pre- and post-hearing briefing.
- Achieved dismissal with prejudice for a private employer in a Section 1983 First Amendment retaliation case involving complex state actor and Monell liability issues. In a separate Section 1983 First Amendment retaliation matter, secured summary judgment for a municipality based on lack of Monell liability and authored the Ninth Circuit reply brief, resulting in affirmance on appeal.
- Prevailed on summary judgment in a sex harassment and “cat’s paw” retaliation case, overcoming fact-intensive issues that typically preclude early resolution.
- Examined witnesses at jury trial and successfully argued a partial motion for judgment as a matter of law based on plaintiff cross-examination, contributing to a defense verdict in a sex discrimination and defamation case.
- Won a highly uncommon motion for new trial following an adverse verdict in a case involving an unusual fact pattern of a manager accusing a subordinate.