Christian P. George

People

Christian George is committed to providing excellent service. He is knowledgeable, responsive, and eager to assist. It is a pleasure to work with him.

Client Feedback, Best Lawyers in America

Christian George brings his expertise in bankruptcy and commercial litigation to clients, who have expressed their appreciation for his leadership.

Benchmark Litigation

A client who has tapped George for bankruptcy, commercial and banking disputes notes that he 'understands our model and approach to working out matters and litigation.'

Benchmark Litigation

An experienced business litigator with a national practice and deep local roots, Christian George serves as the current president of the Jacksonville Bar Association, the managing partner of Akerman’s Jacksonville office and on the firm's national board of directors. He devotes his practice to protecting the rights of Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, shareholders, equity investors, members and partners in professional corporations, LLCs and partnerships, individuals, and families in all areas of commercial, bankruptcy, and real estate litigation. His experience encompasses disputes alleging fraud, breach of various types of contracts, tortious interference, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty; estate, trust, and probate litigation, shareholder and partner disputes, class actions, and real estate disputes, among others. Committed to service in the Jacksonville community, Christian is a recent recipient of the Jacksonville “Lawyer of the Year” honor awarded by the Jacksonville Daily Record and Jacksonville Bar Association. Christian is the youngest recipient in the decades-long history of the award.

A significant focus of Christian’s practice is the protection of creditors’ rights in all courts. Major financial institutions and other lenders, loan servicers, and equity investors rely on Christian to enforce their rights in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy. Christian has multiple clients that trust him to handle their national portfolios of distressed assets, particularly with SBA, USDA, and other government-guaranteed loan programs.

In his bankruptcy practice, Christian focuses on the protection of secured and unsecured creditors, landlords, vendors, asset purchasers, post-petition lenders, and creditors’ committees in bankruptcy courts around the United States. He routinely represents lender clients in out-of-court restructurings, receiverships, and real and personal property foreclosures, including asset sales under the Uniform Commercial Code. Christian’s clients value his Chapter 11 bankruptcy experience, where he has a track record of resolving disputes by developing effective solutions customized to his client’s interests.

Christian is very active in both the local and state bar associations, as a recent past President of the Young Lawyers’ Division of The Florida Bar, an organization with more than 25,000 members, the current President of the Jacksonville Bar Association Board of Governors and a former President of the Jacksonville Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section. He frequently speaks to law students and to bar and community groups on legal issues, including professionalism, the business of law, mentorship, mental health and wellness, work-life balance, the independence of the judiciary, and litigation and trial strategy. In the community, he has been involved in various charitable groups and community organizations.

Christian has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Benchmark Litigation, The Jacksonville Business Journal, The Jacksonville Daily Record, American Business Journals, Daily Business Review, Florida Trend, Super Lawyers, The Florida Bar, the Jacksonville Bar Association, and the University of Florida for his work as an attorney and in the community.

Notable Work

Complex Commercial Litigation:

Represented a publicly traded national financial institution in litigation seeking to enjoin $6 billion merger with another publicly traded financial institution. Obtained dismissal early in the case to allow the transaction to occur on time.
Represented a client in an action for trespass against an operating medical practice. After motion victories early in the case, and obtaining voluntary dismissal of several counts of the counterclaim, successfully obtained summary judgment on a claim for specific performance just a few months into the litigation and successfully moved to dissolve the lis pendens.
Represented a general contractor in state court litigation to enforce contractor lien rights relating to the construction of large sawmills. After years of litigation, successfully obtained judgment for the full balance owed, including principal, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. After the judgment debtor and property owner filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in Delaware, and due to perfected judgment lien rights, negotiated treatment of client’s claim as a large seven-figure allowed secured claim, plus an unsecured claim, in settlement of contentious lien challenges by the debtor and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. The Bankruptcy Court ultimately approved the sale of the debtor’s saw mill for $61 million, which paid the client’s secured claim in full at closing, resulting in recovery of all of its principal owed and attorneys’ fees incurred, as well as substantial accrued interest.
Represented a major bank in its claims for Lanham Act violations, defamation, and injunctive relief against a fintech startup relating to improper postings of the bank’s involvement with the startup’s loss of customer funds. After suit was filed, the defendant capitulated and removed all public references to the bank from its platforms, protecting the bank’s reputation and business interests. Reached favorable overall settlement following denial of the defendant's motion to dismiss. SouthState Bank, N.A. v. Qoins Techs., Inc., No. 22-CV-5020, 2024 WL 911075 (N.D. Ga. Mar. 1, 2024)
Represented investor in action against company and principals that fraudulently induced investor to contribute a significant amount of money in a venture relating to environmental technology. Obtained summary judgment and initiated proceedings supplementary, which resulted in a favorable settlement for our client.
Represented a regional law firm in a dispute against a Northwest Florida developer alleging the preparation of invalid purchase and sale agreements. The case was resolved through the acceptance of an alternate creditors' plan in the developer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, despite the developer's opposition.
On a pro bono matter, represented estate of deceased elderly individual who we alleged was coerced by a real estate professional into signing a deed of her sole asset, her homestead, shortly before her death. After appearing in case and filing several motions, the accused professional deeded the property back to the client, as well as several others who were not represented.

Financial Institution Litigation:

Represented a client in complex litigation concerning a portfolio of loans amounting to nearly $60 million in alleged debt across approximately 65 cases in Florida circuit court. Despite initial rulings favoring the borrowers prior to our involvement, Akerman stepped in and successfully secured reconsideration on that decision and systematically obtained favorable summary judgments dismantling over 50 affirmative defenses in each case. This led to significant settlements with most of the defendants. The Akerman team ultimately participated in a multiday non-jury trial against the remaining defendants, resulting in verdicts for all amounts sought, including attorneys’ fees. At the end of the day, the client recovered several times the amount of its investment.
Defended a publicly-traded financial institution in lawsuit seeking seven-figure recovery for claims of fraudulent concealment, civil conspiracy, and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Plaintiff wife alleged that financial institution had extended a line of credit to husband, and then, without her consent, used funds to satisfy demand made on financial institution as a result of husband’s deposit of disputed checks. Obtained early summary judgment in favor of client financial institution which was affirmed on appeal.
Defended a large financial institution against claims in a lender liability lawsuit seeking over seven-figures in damages. Plaintiffs alleged that client financial institution had aided and abetted and/or failed to prevent an international wire fraud and boiler room operation orchestrated by third-party actors, who were also named in the lawsuit. Following motion practice and the filing of multiple motions to dismiss, obtained early dismissal of claims against client – without ever having to answer the operative complaint or attend any hearing before the court – while litigation against certain other co-defendants continued.
Defended a publicly-traded national financial institution in two related class action lawsuits arising out of overdraft/NSF fees. Following targeted discovery and motion practice leading up to mediation, obtained a favorable settlement of plaintiffs' claims.
Represented a creditor in an emergency action relating to a multimillion dollar loan against a hotel owner who had allowed the property to become a center for criminal activity. The Court appointed a receiver over the property, despite the hotel being in good standing with the bank, and the case concluded just weeks after being filed. The loan was paid in full shortly after.
Represented a national banking institution in regards to a significant loan secured by a super-yacht seized by government authorities on the island of Curacao due to alleged criminal activities of the borrower/vessel-owner. Following negotiation with the foreign authorities, established a streamlined procedure for the auction of the vessel to pay a significant portion of the loan without requiring the client to take possession and make repairs to the super-yacht.
Represented a bank in the enforcement of a multimillion dollar (eight figure) loan in default secured by a fleet of tractor-trailers, real estate, and accounts receivable of a trucking company. Following aggressive litigation and collection actions, the borrower and guarantors agreed to a large financial settlement resulting in our client being paid all principal and substantial interest.
Represented a mezzanine lender in disputes over rights under an intercreditor agreement and related tort actions involving the borrower and other creditors of an apartment complex worth approximately $20 million.

Bankruptcy Litigation:

Represented a principal secured creditor with over $100 million in claims against a conglomerate of real estate development companies and their principals, in securing the dismissal of four Chapter 11 bankruptcy matters and relief from automatic stay on two matters in the Bankruptcy Court of the District of Puerto Rico.
Represented a secured lender in the chapter 11 bankruptcy case of a large trucking and logistics company in Delaware, whose obligations were secured by multiple parcels of real estate across Florida. Obtained payment in full of debtor’s obligations to client, totaling more than $6 million, including payment all of the attorneys’ fees and costs.
Represented the principal secured creditor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy of a debtor operating a large restaurant and marina that also owned significant raw land surrounding the business. The loan was bifurcated to allow the separate disposition of the raw land to a third party developer. Ultimately, the restaurant went into receivership post-confirmation and was ultimately sold to a third party.
Represented the principal secured creditor in two jointly administered Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases involving pavement and asphalt sealcoating companies. The client was owed approximately $5 million on the petition date of the bankruptcies, which was secured by real property, accounts receivable, and personal property of both debtors, as well as real property owned by a non-debtor guarantor. A 363 sale was conducted on both businesses and the client was the recipient of almost all amounts owed as a result of the sale.
Represented the principal secured creditor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the debtors' property management and rental enterprise. The debtors' Chapter 11 was converted to a Chapter 7 at a preliminary hearing and the secured creditor obtained relief from the automatic stay to foreclose dozens of properties.
Represented an unsecured creditors' committee in a Chapter 11 reorganization of a continuing care retirement community in Florida.
Represented a creditor in successfully forcing the expedited auction of approximately 500 acres of crop-producing agricultural land through aggressive Motion practice in a jointly administered Chapter 11 case. The sale resulted in 100 percent recovery for the client's claim.

Show all

Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Webinar, Speaker, "Navigating Business Development," September 26, 2024
The Florida Bar, 2024-2025 Leadership Academy: The Power of Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Finding Your Time on Friday, Speaker, "The ‘Why’ Behind Getting Involved and Giving Back," August 16, 2024
Jacksonville Bar Association and The Federalist Society, Moderator, Judicial Candidate Forum for Circuit and Duval County Seats, June 13, 2024
Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Panel, Speaker, "Building Your Reputation: Professionalism and Ethics," June 6, 2024
University of Florida Dean’s Medal Reception for Excellence in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Featured Alumnus Speaker, April 30, 2024
RMA Webcasts, Moderator, "Understanding and Mitigating the Risks of Subchapter V Bankruptcies," March 12, 2024
Jacksonville Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section Symposium, Speaker, "Networking (Professional and Client)," February 16, 2024
Risk Management Association Journal, Co-Author, "A Banker's Guide to the Bankruptcy Code's New Subchapter V," August 2, 2023
University of Florida's Levin College of Law, Co-Teacher, Compressed/One Week Course, "Business of Law," January 2023
Jacksonville Daily Record, Co-Author, "The Future of Class-Action Lawsuits Related to Bank Fees," October 6, 2022
The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Webinar, Speaker, "The Blueprints: Building an Evolving and Sustainable Book of Business," May 25, 2022
Akerman LLP and Florida RMA, Lunch & Learn Webinar, "Staying Ahead of Market Trends - A Banker’s Playbook," February 24, 2022
National Association of Bar Executives, Featured Speaker, "Mental Health & Wellness Marketing Campaigns," January 21, 2020
National Business Institute, Moderator, "Evidence Considerations," December 12, 2019
National Business Institute, Moderator, "The Judges Speak: Civil Court Litigation Do's and Don'ts," April 5, 2019
American Bar Association, Speaker, "Leadership Summit on Minority Leadership," March 22, 2019
The Florida Supreme Court, Speaker, "The Florida Bar Pro Bono Awards," Introduction of The Florida Bar Pro Bono Award Winner, January 17, 2019
The Florida Bar Affiliate Outreach Conference, Speaker, "Health and Wellness and Bar Affiliate Communications," January 7, 2019
American Bar Association, Speaker, "Forum on Response to Natural Disasters," December 10, 2018
Broward County Bar Association, "Law Law Palooza," Keynote Speaker on Involvement in Bar Associations, December 7, 2018
Jacksonville Daily Record, Quoted, "YLD President Christian George: Leading the Workhorses of The Bar," July 16, 2018
The Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Leaders Conference, Speaker, "Involving Young Lawyers in Bar Associations," July 13, 2018
The Florida Bar Annual Meeting, President, Acceptance Speech as President of The Florida Bar's Young Lawyers' Division, June 15, 2018
Business Litigation in Florida, Co-Author, Chapter 1: "State Jurisdiction," Ninth Edition, 2017
Financial News & Daily Record, Author, "Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division: It's a Workhorse," July 18, 2016
Financial News & Daily Record, Author, "Bar Bulletin: Take an Active Role in Area Professionalism," July 27, 2015
Financial News & Daily Record, Author, "Florida Supreme Court Takes Action on Professionalism," January 2014
ACC North Florida Chapter Newsletter, Co-Author, "Avoiding ECOA Claims & Defenses to Enforcement of Guaranties," Fourth Quarter 2014

University of Florida College of Law, Board of Trustees, 2021-Present
Florida Blue Key, Honorary Appointment, Spring 2021
American Bar Association's Florida Young Lawyers' Delegation, 2016 - 2018
The Florida Bar
- Young Lawyers Division, Recent Past President
- Young Lawyers Division, Board of Governors, Fourth Judicial Circuit Representative, 2012-2019
- Young Lawyers Division, Board of Governors, Executive Committee, 2014-2019
- Board of Governors, 2017-2019
- Executive Committee, 2018
- Business Law Section, Executive Committee, 2018-2019
- Appointed Annually to Various Special Committees of Presidents for the Florida Bar, 2021-Present
Jacksonville Bar Association
- JBA President, 2024-Present
- JBA President-Elect, 2023-2024
- JBA Board of Governors, 2016-Present
- Young Lawyers' Section, Past President
- Young Lawyers' Section Board of Governors, 2008-2017
- Professionalism Committee, Past Chairman
Past Chairman of Fourth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee
Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association, Member
Fourth Judicial Circuit's Bench and Bar Professionalism Committee, Past Chairman
Chester Bedell Inns of Court, Past Barrister and Associate Member

Best Lawyers, 2019-2025, Listed in Florida for Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance
The Florida Bar, President’s Award, 2022
Benchmark Litigation, 2022-2025, Named a “Litigation Star” in Florida for Bankruptcy, Commercial, Real Estate
Benchmark Litigation, 2016-2019, 2021-2022, Listed in Florida on the “40 & Under Hot List”
Benchmark Litigation, 2018-2021, Listed in Florida as a “Future Star”
Super Lawyers Magazine, 2022-2024, Listed in Florida for Business Litigation
Super Lawyers Magazine, 2010-2021, Listed in Florida as a "Rising Star" for Business Litigation
Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2018-2020, 2022, Listed for Commercial Litigation
Florida Trend's Legal Elite, 2013-2014, 2016-2017, Listed as an "Up & Comer" for Commercial Litigation
Jacksonville Bar Association, Annual Law Day, Recognized with the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year Award"
Daily Business Review, 2019, Recognized in Florida Trailblazers List
University of Florida Alumni Association, 2019, Recognized as "40 Under 40"
Jacksonville Business Journal, Jacksonville's "Ultimate Attorneys" List Honoree, 2017, 2020
American Business Journals, 2018, Listed in "The Business Journals' Influencers: Law"
The Jacksonville Bar Association, 2015, Chair of the Year as Chair of Professionalism Committee
Jacksonville Business Journal, 2014, 40 Under 40, recognized as Northeast Florida's "Up & Comers"

Christian P. George

Notable Work

Published Work and Lectures

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Honors and Distinctions

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Education

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