Christopher H. Avery

Chris Avery is a Houston-based trial lawyer whose practice focuses on insurance coverage and high-exposure litigation, including bad faith disputes and first-party property claims. He is Board Certified in Insurance Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of the American College of Coverage Counsel.

Chris represents insurers in complex matters and regularly serves as trial counsel, having secured multiple favorable jury verdicts. His experience in the courtroom shapes his broader practice, particularly his work evaluating litigation risk and exposure in advance of mediation or trial. Clients note his ability to distill complex cases into clear, actionable risk assessments grounded in real trial experience.

He began his practice in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ike, managing a docket of first-party property disputes and coverage analyses. That experience established a foundation in handling large volumes of complex claims and navigating the practical challenges insurers face in high-pressure environments. He continues to advise clients on both pre-suit claim evaluation and litigation strategy, with an emphasis on positioning cases effectively in difficult venues.

Chris is known for his familiarity with courts, venues, and litigation dynamics in Texas and across the South. His work often focuses on identifying the factors that most influence case value, including venue, witness credibility, and defense execution. He is frequently engaged to provide independent assessments of exposure in high stakes matters, helping clients translate uncertainty into practical, informed decisions.

He currently serves as Chair of the State Bar of Texas Insurance Section.

Officer – State Bar of Texas Insurance Law Section

Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” (2022-2023)

Rising Stars (2023)

Representative Matters

Clients

Professional

State Bar of Texas – Insurance Section Council Member (2018 – present)

Assistant Editor – Journal of Texas Insurance Law

Assistant Editor – Right Off the Press

Defense Research Institute

Claims and Litigation Management Alliance

News

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Ortiz, Barbara Technologies, and What the Future Holds for Appraisals in Texas
Journal of Texas Insurance Law · May 1, 2020

An Examination of Insurance Coverage for Hydraulic Fracking Operations
International Journal of Business and Public Administration · Oct 1, 2018

“Texas Hail Bill is Already Affecting Insurance Litigation”
Law360 · Jul 12, 2018Law360 · Jul 12, 2018

A Hunting We Will Go: Coverage Questions Involving One of Texas's Favorite Pastimes
Journal of Texas Insurance Law · Nov 1, 2015