Chris Vaught

Drawing on a background from every side of employment disputes

Chris Vaught brings a uniquely informed perspective to management-side employment law. Before joining Crowe Dunlevy, he spent two decades representing employees, later led Oklahoma’s Office of Civil Rights Enforcement as Deputy Attorney General and Chief Assistant Attorney General, and now defends employers in litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour claims, disability accommodation, leave issues, and other workplace disputes. That wide range of experience and knowledge allows Chris to anticipate the likely approach to a case that plaintiff attorneys and enforcement agencies will likely take long before the first filing lands on a client’s desk.

Helping employers reduce risk before it grows

Although litigation occupies much of his practice, Chris also works closely with employers, general counsel, human resources leaders and management teams to strengthen workplace practices before problems escalate. He counsels clients on employment policies, investigations, compliance and long-standing and emerging issues—including those that involve the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. He regularly presents seminars and training programs for HR professionals across Oklahoma. Known for speaking plainly rather than in legal jargon, Chris helps clients understand not only the law but also the real-world business implications behind it.

Balancing candid advice with strategic advocacy

Clients value Chris for his responsiveness, practical judgment, and candid communication. He provides thorough, unbiased assessments that explain the strengths, weaknesses and likely outcomes of a matter in language clients can readily understand, then works alongside them to determine the most effective course of action. Whether a client prefers an early resolution or an aggressive litigation strategy, Chris tailors his approach to fit the organization’s objectives while remaining professional and focused throughout the process.

Applying a broader perspective to dispute resolution

Chris also serves as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, helping parties resolve disputes before they require further court intervention. That experience as a neutral, combined with his years representing both plaintiffs and employers, gives him valuable insight into how employment cases develop, how settlement negotiations unfold, and where opportunities for resolution often exist. When an early agreement serves the client’s interests, Chris works to achieve it efficiently. When litigation becomes necessary, he delivers fully prepared and vigorous advocacy on the client’s behalf.

Building trust through authenticity

Raised in eastern Oklahoma, Chris believes the foundation of every attorney-client relationship is treating people with respect, regardless of their title or position. Equally comfortable advising CEOs, human resources executives and frontline employees during workplace investigations, he brings a genuine and approachable style that puts clients at ease while earning their confidence. That authenticity, combined with decades of experience from multiple perspectives within employment law, enables Chris to provide comprehensive counsel that helps employers protect their organizations while preparing for whatever comes next.