Christopher C. Steckbauer

Associate

Chris Steckbauer is an associate in Newmeyer Dillion’s Newport Beach office. He is an experienced trial attorney having served as both chief prosecutor and defense counsel in numerous courts-martial and bench trials during his six years as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army just prior to joining the firm.

In addition to his trial experience, as a JAG officer, Chris was hand-selected to be the Army’s first lead attorney for network operations and cybersecurity, building the practice from scratch and teaching graduate level courses in cyber law to aspiring cyber Judge Advocates at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.

With his military background and experience, Chris brings a collaborative approach to his legal practice and excels at overseeing complex, high-visibility matters that require a team to ensure clients' needs are met and advanced at each step in the litigation process. In addition to holding a top secret security clearance that grants him the ability to advise on highly sensitive matters, his unique background offers the following skillsets that set him apart from his peers in the business litigation community:

• As a chief prosecutor and defense counsel, Chris established himself as a superior oral advocate in both the courtroom and alternate dispute resolution settings. His experience directing and cross-examining hundreds of witnesses, taking depositions, engaging in extensive motion practice, and delivering opening and closing arguments propels him into the highest echelon of young trial attorneys and makes him an immediate asset to any litigation team. Chris also developed a reputation as a problem solver and skilled negotiator with the ability to analyze and advocate for beneficial settlements based on client priorities.
• As the Army’s first lead attorney and subject matter expert for cybersecurity across the Army, Chris advised key stakeholders in the Army cyber community and proved to be an equally skilled legal advisor both inside and outside the courtroom. He also brings the interpersonal tact of a seasoned advisor in all client, opposing party, and third party engagements from his experience as the former deputy general counsel for an Army combat formation of over 4,000 Soldiers.

While in law school, Chris built a reputation as a superior moot court oral advocate. He represented Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in the William C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court, earning multiple best oral advocate awards and leading his team to a second place finish in Hong Kong in a competition that featured over 100 of the most prestigious law schools around the globe. Chris also dedicated a substantial portion of his law school time to pro bono organizations, for which he received the school’s Pro Bono Award – highest distinction.