Graves & Swanson LLC partner Christopher “C.J.” Graves invests himself in each and every case he handles, and has a passion for helping his clients resolve their legal matters and move forward with their lives.  He has spent his career as a litigator and a trial attorney, and is more comfortable in a court room than in an office. 

C.J. has served as first chair in numerous trials, including high-conflict cases relating to dissolution, domestic violence, parenting time, custody, and division of property. He has handled legal issues involving jurisdictional challenges, high asset divorces, tax implications, and complex matters involving marital estate finance, including but not limited to the separation of businesses, retirement accounts, pensions, and spousal support. In addition, C.J. has represented survivors of sex abuse in lawsuits, plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries, and families of those who have suffered wrongful death.

Although C.J. is proficient in the courtroom, he always seeks to resolve cases in the manner most expedient and beneficial to his client's interests. C.J. carefully listens to each of his client's concerns and desires, and tailors the outcomes to suit the client's individualized needs.  As a result, C.J. has had remarkable success settling cases for clients, and crafting equitable remedies fit for the specific client.

Prior to law school, C.J. conducted research on juror decision-making, and gave a presentation on the topic at a conference for academic psychologists. He also worked as a jury consultant and psychological analyst on several tort cases. At least two of these cases resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts.