THE LAW OFFICE OF
CHRISTOPHER A. JOHNSON PLLC
PRACTICE AREAS
Legal Practice supported by Artificial Intelligence
To enhance efficiency and thoroughness, the firm utilizes modern legal research technologies, including advanced artificial intelligence analytical tools that assist in identifying relevant authority, organizing complex legal issues, and evaluating potential strategies. These tools are used to support—not replace—independent legal judgment, experience, and professional responsibility. All analysis, strategy, and decision-making remain grounded in attorney oversight and tailored to the specific facts and objectives of each client. The result is a legal approach that combines careful research, practical experience, and efficient execution to address a wide range of legal matters.
Personal Injury Litigation
Christopher brings a distinctive and unusually broad background to personal injury litigation. Before founding this law office, he spent nine years at a prominent insurance defense firm, where he represented defendants in complex injury matters and gained firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate, investigate, defend, and attempt to limit exposure on personal injury claims. He has also represented injured plaintiffs and understands the strategic considerations from both sides of the case.
Over the course of his career, Christopher has handled a wide range of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall cases, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, workplace and construction-site accidents, swimming pool accidents, animal attacks, assaults, wrongful death matters, product liability claims, and civil rights cases involving physical injury. He has worked on personal injury cases through all stages of litigation, from early case assessment and investigation through discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, verdict, and appeal.
Christopher also recognizes a concern frequently expressed by injured clients: too often, they feel uninformed about the status of their case and uncertain whether meaningful progress is being made. For that reason, his practice places a strong emphasis on communication, responsiveness, and steady case development. Clients are kept informed about where the matter stands, what to expect next, and how legal strategy may evolve over time.
Every personal injury case presents its own factual, medical, and strategic issues. Christopher approaches each matter with careful preparation, practical judgment, and a commitment to advancing the client’s interests as effectively as possible. The goal is not only to pursue recovery, but to do so with diligence, clarity, and sustained attention to the details that matter.
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Most people understand the importance of having a will, a power of attorney, and a health care proxy. However, effective estate planning goes well beyond these foundational documents.
Without proper planning, families are often left to navigate probate proceedings, unclear instructions, unnecessary taxes or expenses, and avoidable legal complications at an already difficult time.
Christopher works with clients to put clear, comprehensive plans in place that address not only the transfer of assets, but the broader issues that commonly arise in estate matters—both during life and after. In addition to preparing core documents such as wills, durable powers of attorney, and health care proxies, estate planning may involve:
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Avoiding probate delays and administrative burdens
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Planning for incapacity and medical decision-making
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Structuring distributions among children, including blended families
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Protecting minor beneficiaries or individuals who require oversight
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Coordinating assets that pass outside of a will (such as jointly held property, retirement accounts, and beneficiary designations)
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Utilizing trusts where appropriate, including revocable living trusts and other trust structures designed to manage, protect, and efficiently transfer assets
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Planning for long-term care needs, including Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies, where appropriate
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Addressing the potential impact of the five-year Medicaid look-back period and planning proactively to preserve assets while maintaining eligibility for care
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Reducing the likelihood of disputes among family member
Each estate plan is developed with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and long-term effectiveness. Clients are provided with straightforward guidance and a plan designed to carry out their intentions while minimizing complications for those they leave behind. The objective is to create a plan that not only works on paper, but functions effectively when it matters most.
Contracts & Business Transactions
Clear, well-drafted agreements are essential to protecting your interests, defining expectations, and avoiding disputes before they arise.
Christopher represents individuals and business owners in the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of contracts and commercial documents. Each agreement is prepared with careful attention to risk allocation, enforceability, and the practical realities of how the agreement will operate in the real world. The focus is not simply on drafting language, but on creating agreements that are clear, enforceable, and aligned with the client’s objectives. Careful drafting at the outset can often prevent costly litigation later.
Services include preparation and review of:
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Business and partnership agreements
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Limited liability company (LLC) operating agreements
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Commercial and residential lease agreements
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Independent contractor and service agreements
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Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
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Non-compete and restrictive covenant agreements
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Promissory notes and related financial documents
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Business policies, handbooks, and internal documentation
Christopher also assists clients in evaluating existing agreements, identifying potential risks, and resolving disputes that arise from contractual relationships.
Landlord Tenant Law & Evictions
Christopher represents landlords in eviction proceedings and related disputes throughout Niagara and Erie Counties, with a focus on efficient case handling and strict compliance with New York’s procedural requirements.
Eviction matters in New York are highly technical. Improper notices, incorrect service, or missed timing requirements can result in delay or dismissal. Christopher works with property owners to ensure that cases are properly structured from the beginning and advanced through the court process as efficiently as possible.
Landlord services include:
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Non-payment proceedings
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Holdover proceedings, including non-renewals, lease violations, and other grounds for termination
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Drafting and service of statutory notices
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Lease drafting and enforcement
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Court appearances, negotiations, and stipulations
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Enforcement of judgments and coordination with eviction officers
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Addressing issues such as nuisance behavior, unauthorized occupants, and property misuse
Christopher also advises landlords on risk management and compliance with applicable laws, including fair housing requirements and related regulatory considerations. While the primary focus is on representing property owners, tenant representation is available in select matters involving lease disputes and eviction defense. Each matter is approached with a focus on efficiency, procedural accuracy, and practical resolution. The goal is to move cases forward in a manner that is both legally sound and aligned with the client’s objectives.
Real Estate Transactions & Closings
Buying or selling real estate is often one of the most significant financial transactions a person or business will undertake. Even seemingly straightforward deals can present important legal, financial, and title-related issues that require careful attention.
Christopher represents buyers and sellers in residential and commercial real estate transactions, guiding clients through each stage of the process with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and protection of their interests.
Services include:
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Contract review, drafting, and negotiation
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Residential and commercial closings
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Preparation and review of deeds, notes, transfer documents, and related instruments
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Title examination and resolution of title issues
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Coordination with lenders, title companies, brokers, and other transaction participants
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Review of closing statements, adjustments, and disbursement issues
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Recording and post-closing follow-up
Christopher works to identify issues early, explain them clearly, and keep the transaction moving in an organized and efficient manner. Clients are provided with practical guidance on both the legal and logistical aspects of the deal so they can proceed with confidence. Whether representing a buyer, a seller, or parties to a private transaction without brokers, the goal is to help bring the matter to a smooth and legally sound closing while minimizing unnecessary delay, confusion, and risk.
Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Disputes can arise in a wide range of personal and business contexts. The key is not simply pursuing a claim, but determining whether it should be pursued—and how to do so effectively.
Christopher represents clients in civil litigation matters from initial case evaluation through resolution. Early in the process, he works with clients to assess the legal merits, risks, and potential value of a claim, and to determine whether litigation, negotiation, or another approach is most appropriate.
Where litigation is warranted, Christopher provides full representation throughout the process, including:
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Case evaluation and strategic planning
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Drafting of pleadings and motion practice
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Discovery and development of evidence
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Court appearances, hearings, and trial preparation
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Negotiation and settlement
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Appeals where appropriate
His practice includes disputes involving contracts, property, and business relationships, among other civil matters. Each matter is handled with a focus on practical strategy, careful preparation, and efficient progression toward resolution. Clients are kept informed throughout and provided with clear, realistic guidance as the case develops.