Christian P. Ogata, Associate at our Las Vegas law office
Christian P. Ogata vcard
vCard

Christian P. Ogata

Associate
Biography

Christian Ogata focuses his practice on product liability defense and commercial litigation. With broad experience in defending manufacturers of consumer goods, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and medical-device products, Christian handles claims of wrongful death and catastrophic injury at all stages of litigation. His knowledge also extends to representing clients in premises liability, consumer warranty, fraud claims, and other personal injury matters.

Beyond his product liability practice, Christian is experienced in navigating complex business and commercial disputes. He provides representation in cases involving breach of contract, shareholder disputes, and insurance and employment litigation. Christian’s comprehensive legal insight ensures that his clients receive strategic counsel across a broad spectrum of legal challenges.

Prior to joining Snell & Wilmer, Christian was a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Jennifer A. Dorsey, United States District Judge for the District of Nevada.

Christian is a member of the firm’s Attorney Development Committee, Hiring Committee, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • Nevada


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Nevada
  • United States District Court, District of Nevada


Education

  • University of Nevada, William S. Boyd School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude)
    • William S. Boyd Outstanding Graduate Award
    • Scribes Award, The American Society of Legal Writers
    • Nevada Law Journal, Articles Editor
    • Society of Advocates Moot Court Team, President
    • CALI Awards for Excellence in ADR in Employment Law and Resort Hotel Casino Law
    • Dean’s Honor List
    • Robert F. Wagner National Labor & Employment Law Moot Court Competition
      • Best Respondent Brief
      • Best Preliminary Round Team
    • Center for Academic Success and Enrichment, Mentor
    • Teaching Assistant, Lawyering Process II
  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (B.A., Political Science)
    • Dean’s Honor List
    • UNLV Debate Team
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation (2025)
  • Snell & Wilmer Pro Bono Award (2024)
  • Mountain States Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Business Litigation (2023-2024)
  • Top Lawyers; Community Choice Up-and-Coming Category, Vegas Inc (2022)
  • Top Rank Attorney, Nevada Business Magazine (2022-2024)
    • Best Up and Coming (2022-2023)

Representative Experience

Product Liability and Catastrophic Injury

  • Represents domestic automotive manufacturer in cases involving rollover, crashworthiness, and wrongful death claims.
  • Represents domestic and international automotive manufacturer in cases involving claims of breach of warranty and Lemon Law claims.
  • Represented large medical-device manufacturer in case involving claims of strict product liability.
  • Represents international event-management company in cases involving general and premises liability claims.
  • Represents casino in premises liability cases involving catastrophic personal injury.
  • Represents large pharmaceutical and biotechnology company in cases involving strict product liability.
  • Represents large motorcycle and off-road utility vehicle manufacturers in matters involving strict products liability claims.
  • Represents large public technology company against claims for strict products liability.

Commercial Litigation

  • Represents patient against claim for defamation for public review.
  • Represented public company against claims involving shareholders.
  • Represented state insurance provider in putative class action involving claims for unlawful debt collection practices.
  • Represented large financial institutions in disputes involving breach of contract claims.
  • Represents a municipal government in a case involving claim of wrongful termination.
  • Advised city agency aimed at economic and urban development.

Previous Professional Experience

  • United States District Court, District of Nevada, Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Jennifer A. Dorsey (2020–2021)
  • Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic, Investor Protection Clinic, Student Attorney (2019)
  • Snell & Wilmer, Summer Associate (2019)
  • Nevada Supreme Court, Judicial Extern to the Honorable Kristina Pickering (2019)
  • William S. Boyd School of Law, Community Service Program, Paternity & Custody Course Instructor (2018)
  • United States District Court, District of Nevada, Judicial Extern to the Honorable Cam Ferenbach (2018)

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Nevada State Bar, LGBT Section (2020–present)
  • American Inns of Court, Howard D. McKibben Chapter

Community Involvement

  • AFAN (Aid for Aids of Nevada), Board of Directors
  • Southern Nevada Senior Law Program, Volunteer Attorney

Representative Presentations and Publications

  • Justice Michael L. Douglas PreLaw Fellowship Program Panel, Panelist (June 13, 2024)
  • “A New Outlier Expands Manufacturers’ Ability to Litigate Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Cases in Federal Court,” Co-Author, Snell & Wilmer Legal Alert (July 12, 2022)
  • “Nevada Legislature Provides Flexibility for Complex Construction Projects,” Co-Author, Snell & Wilmer Under Construction Newsletter (July 2019)
  • “Unshackled: The Post-Sanchez-Gomez Scrutiny and Security Conundrum,” Note, Nevada Law Journal, Vol. 20, Issue 1 (2019)
  • “Moot Court: Mobile or Not?,” Co-Presenter, Global Gaming Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada (October 14, 2019)