Christine L. Mast - Atlanta, GA

Premier Defense for Legal Professionals

Christine L. Mast is a Senior Partner at the renowned national litigation firm Hawkins Parnell and Young, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 30 years of experience, she has established herself as one of the preeminent attorneys in the Southeast for the defense of legal professionals. Christine Mast is the ”lawyer's lawyer,” the person other attorneys call when they face malpractice claims, ethics complaints, or disciplinary proceedings. Her practice is built on a deep understanding of the standards of care and ethical obligations that govern the legal profession. She combines this technical knowledge with a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, often resolving sensitive disputes before they ever reach the public eye. Her reputation for integrity and skill has made her a go-to advisor not only for individual practitioners but also for large law firms and insurance carriers facing high-stakes professional liability exposure.

Legal Malpractice and Ethics Defense

The core of Christine Mast's practice involves defending attorneys against allegations of Legal Malpractice. She understands that a malpractice claim strikes at the very heart of a lawyer's livelihood and reputation. She meticulously analyzes the underlying case (the ”case within a case”) to demonstrate that her client's actions did not cause the alleged harm. Beyond civil litigation, she represents lawyers in disciplinary matters before the State Bar of Georgia, guiding them through the grievance process and protecting their licenses to practice. Her expertise also extends to defending judges in judicial ethics investigations.

Professional Liability for Non-Lawyers

While best known for her work with the legal community, Christine L. Mast also defends a wide range of other professionals. She represents insurance agents and brokers, real estate appraisers, and surveyors in Professional Liability lawsuits. These cases often involve complex allegations of negligence, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty. Christine's broad experience allows her to quickly grasp the industry-specific standards applicable to each profession and craft a robust defense strategy. She works closely with her clients to mitigate risk, whether through early settlement negotiations or aggressive trial advocacy.

Commercial Litigation and Insurance

In addition to her professional liability work, Christine Mast handles complex Commercial Litigation and insurance coverage disputes. She advises insurers on coverage obligations and defends businesses in general liability matters, including premises liability and product liability claims. Her deep experience as a litigator allows her to see the full playing field, anticipating plaintiff strategies and developing counter-arguments that dismantle their case. She is frequently invited to lecture on malpractice avoidance and abusive litigation, sharing her wisdom with the next generation of lawyers.

Recognized Excellence

Christine L. Mast is widely recognized as a leader in her field. She has been named ”Lawyer of the Year” for Legal Malpractice Law multiple times by Best Lawyers and is consistently ranked among the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Georgia by Super Lawyers. She is a past executive committee member of the State Bar of Georgia's Professional Liability Section. Her career is a testament to the power of specialized knowledge and unwavering dedication to her clients, ensuring that professionals who serve others are themselves protected when challenged.

• The Lawyer's Lawyer: The preferred defender for attorneys facing malpractice suits and bar complaints.
• Industry Leader: Frequently lectures on ethics, risk management, and trial tactics.
• High-Stakes Defense: proven track record in complex liability and commercial litigation.