Chris Patz

Managing Director

Chris is passionate about using his decades of experience as a trusted advisor, advocate, and storyteller to guide clients through their most challenging moments. Achieving favorable results in these matters is only one source of pride for Chris, as he is equally proud that his work is rarely seen publicly. He believes a client’s success belongs to the client.

Chris brings nearly 30 years of experience to August. He began his career as a litigator at prominent law firms, where he focused mainly on shareholder litigation, corporate governance, and investigations. In these roles, he achieved notable results, including changing the narrative in bet-the-company litigation. Most recently, Chris established and operated his own advisory firm where he continued to provide strategic consulting and board-level counsel.

At August, Chris advises clients in all industries on litigation, crises, and a variety of other matters, with particular expertise in helping public companies navigate complex, high-stakes issues.

Chris is a long-time leader of charitable and cultural institutions in San Francisco, and he is a passionate traveler, passable golfer, and devoted supporter of the Cal Bears and Arsenal FC. In his off hours, you also may find Chris reading history or exploring the Bay Area food and wine scene.





  • Developed narrative and third-party support for the petitioners in a United States Supreme Court case

    Advised a major mutual fund company in connection with multiple aspects of its response to a negative article that was based on incomplete and stolen information

    Helped a public technology company successfully manage multiple strategic announcements in a compressed timeframe

    Advised the board of a public pharmaceutical company in connection with transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters

    Helped develop and lead a successful campaign to save a century-old San Francisco institution from an imminent threat of dissolution

    Seized control of the narrative in ongoing litigation by exposing short-seller plaintiffs in shareholder class action against a cable modem manufacturer

    Persuaded regulators not to pursue claims against a company alleged to have participated in a public company’s accounting fraud

    Developed narrative and communications strategy to secure insurance coverage for litigation costs in a matter arising from a criminal fraud

  • UCLA School of Law. J.D., Distinguished Advocate and member of Moot Court Board

    University of California Berkeley. A.B. with High Distinction in Political Science & History

  • Chris.Patz@AugustCo.com

    323.739.5789