Christopher Lee LaPan

Christopher Lee LaPan

4.6
Rating: 8.2

Licensed for 15 years

Mediation Lawyer at Fort Wayne, IN
Practice Areas: Mediation, Litigation, Divorce & Separation, Family

127 West Berry Street, Suite 900, Fort Wayne, IN

About Christopher

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 175-200 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 15 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 2010

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Stucky, Lauer & Young, LLP

127 West Berry Street, Suite 900, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Christopher Lee LaPan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Dodi | October 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A++++

Chris took my case over when my lawyer fell ill and couldn't continue. Chris got me a full judgement quickly, and he didn't cost me a fortune to do it. Chris is very polite and professional, and he is realistic in how the courts work. I wouldn't use anyone else for family law or civil judgements.... He is A +++++ all the way.

Posted by Cassie | May 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Impressive representation

Chris started representing me in my child custody case in 2021 and I have been in great hands since! I never would have thought that I would need a lawyer to consistently represent me for 3 years but that many things happened. Each time something happened, Chris was on it! He knows the law like the b...ack of his hand! I can honestly say that after needing Chris’s representation on different occasions for 3 years that you will not be disappointed! Now my family and I are able to move to FL thanks to Chris!

Posted by Mallory | April 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

EXTRAORDINARY!

Chris is amazing and you want him in your corner. He's direct but diplomatic, and firm but polite. He's incredibly smart (so be prepared to learn some random facts and new words), but never makes you feel like you're beneath him or not his equal. I can't say enough good things.

Posted by Jay | June 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Beyond Exceptional

There are not enough amazing things I can say about Chris that would reflect his level of professionalism, compassion, knowledge, experience, integrity and in my humble opinion - an exemplary and exceptional attorney. Chris has a compassion for ensuring family's are a priority despite the circumstan...ces around which a legal situation may exist; regardless of side. The depth and breadth of Chris's knowledge extend beyond the court room and into your particular situation. His experiences connect with your own. If you want an attorney that tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear; then you have the right attorney and Chris exceeded any and all expectations and then some. Chris argued my situation with a level of legal bearing, accuracy and precision that no other attorney could have provided me. Not only did he win my case; he made sure weeks and months after, that I was ok. I was a difficult-at-times client and he stood by me. He was patient with me, understood and cared about my frustrations and kept me in the loop at all times. Chris is what I wanted and needed which is why I would 100% percent recommend him! No frills or smoke-in-mirrors. An amazing and compassionate attorney. Thank you Chris!

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Talks down to clients

If having a lawyer talk down to you is something you prefer then Chris is your lawyer. If you want to be treated with dignity and respect then you better NEVER work with Chris. I sent an email asking a simple interpretation on what the legal jargon meant on something and was told that I was being an ...emotional mess in so many words. The actual words sent to me in an actual email are worse. Never would I EVER recommend him or this office for anything. I am simply giving my experience and personally I would not want to take the chance on whether I would be treated fairly or just talked down to the way Chris Lapan chooses to talk down to me with his every breath and email. In practically every email from Chris he talks like he's reading from a dictionary and not actually talking like a normal person. Perhaps, having such a vast vocabulary makes someone feel superior but when they are talking down to you because they place you in a "box" I say stay away. In fact, when I tried to do a review previously on Chris he actually threatened me with legal action(wonder what the disciplinary commission thinks about that?). Just to give you an idea of the low caliber and lack of professionalism I have received. To be clear I hired this office and was forced to have communications with him. My only hope is that no one else has to deal with Chris Lapan, his ego, or his genaral lack of consideration or care for his clients.

Christopher LaPan

Replied last May 25, 2017

Ironically, perhaps, this review could be construed as an endorsement of our firm. To be clear, this individual has never been a client of our office. He has been seeking me out on any and all websites to which he sees my name, angrily lashing out as a result of relief we were able to obtain on behalf of our client, the individual he perceives as the enemy. Unsurprisingly, you will find that this reviewer always calls himself "Anonymous" or "Private Individual" in each review. And while his online expressions about our office, and about me in particular, will probably subside as he begins to calm, I did feel compelled to respond as he is misrepresenting both his identity and relationship with our office. Unfortunately, in these open forums that are online reviews, we sometimes have to deal with unscrupulous opposing parties who direct their anger toward us personally and professionally. As in every case, I genuinely hope that this gentleman, Mr. Anonymous, is able to get the help that he needs, because scarcely are family law cases zero-sum games, where the shortcomings of one party necessarily entail the gain of the other. Particularly in cases involving children, we deal with people's real life problems and help them through some of the toughest times they'll face with a laser-like focus toward the best global resolutions possible.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Lee LaPan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
David Gregory Crell headshot
David Crell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris is an excellent lawyer. Whether working together on opposing sides of litigation or dealing with him as a mediator, he is always professional and competent."

Katherine Ridenour headshot
Katherine Ridenour

Mediation lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris has mediated several cases for me and has always provided creative and innovative ideas to assist in resolving the issues presented to him. Chris has also served as an adversary to me on many cases and he has maintained an honest and straightforward attitude while still tirelessly advocating for his clients. I strongly recommend Chris as both a mediator and a practitioner!"

Cornelius Byron Hayes headshot
Cornelius Hayes

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When a person chooses Chris LaPan as his or her lawyer, he or she has retained a multitalented, academically superior, honorable, honest, caring, human being. Chris is transparent, forthright, fair and extremely conscientious. The quality of his character always benefits his clients. Chris possesses the very best attributes of lawyering. He takes the high road with a cooperative approach, always being factually informed and holding sound legal reasoning for any position taken. He seeks a remedy, not a wreck. Unfortunately, the world of divorce can sometimes hold the ugliest of circumstances making litigation necessary. If so, Chris' clients' can rest assured that he will navigate their lives to safe waters while demonstrating decorum, knowledge, and skill in the courtroom. Chris LaPan is an outstanding lawyer; it is a privilege to endorse him."

Jared Phillip Baker headshot
Jared Baker

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an excellent advocate for his clients who far exceeds what is merely required of him. Chris goes the extra-mile for his clients and develops creative and unique resolutions to tailor-fit those he serves. Chris' intellect oft outweighs his fellow counsel, thus providing his clients with an immediate advantage. With enthusiasm, I highly recommend Chris."

Tracey L Rosswurm headshot
Tracey Rosswurm

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Christopher has demonstrated inimitable skills as a Litigator through his extensive trial work. He has a gift for crafting unique legal arguments and he has an exceptional intellect which is rivaled by his distinct ability to resolve perplexing legal issues. He exercises the highest degree of professionalism and an extraordinary standard of ethics. It is my privilege to be his colleague."

Robert Henry Bellinger II headshot
Robert Bellinger

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. LaPan's professionalism, work ethic and focus is outstanding. He is a terrific attorney and family law mediator."

Colin Z. Andrews headshot
Colin Andrews

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Chris is a great family law attorney that I endorse. He regularly displays his substantial talent on matters great and small in impressive ways. I highly recommend him."

Stacy Anne Hoehle headshot
Stacy Hoehle

Family lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is my pleasure to endorse this colleague for his aptitude, varied contributions to the state and local bar, and collegiality. It should also be noted that Chris has joined the state roll of mediators, where I have no doubt he will use his multi-faceted approach to the practice of law to find creative but effective solutions to domestic relations issues. Any client would be fortunate to have a formidable advocate like Chris on his/her side, and any attorney would benefit from emulating Chris' thoroughness, zeal, dedication, and upstanding character."

Lindsay Meredith Franklin headshot
Lindsay Franklin

Child custody lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an aggressive, competent and very confident family law attorney. I have worked with him in numerous custody cases. He earns my utmost respect and highest endorsement."

Bradley Kim Thomas headshot
Bradley Thomas

Family lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a hard working, very intelligent and confident family law attorney. Who earns my highest recommendation and edorsement."

View All Endorsements
David Gregory Crell headshot
David Crell

Family lawyer

Lierin Amanda Rossman headshot
Lierin Rossman

Family lawyer

Jared Phillip Baker headshot
Jared Baker

General practice lawyer

Cornelius Byron Hayes headshot
Cornelius Hayes

Divorce and separation lawyer

Tracey L Rosswurm headshot
Tracey Rosswurm

Divorce and separation lawyer

Bill David Eberhard Jr. headshot
Bill Eberhard

Mediation lawyer

Robert Henry Bellinger II headshot
Robert Bellinger

Child custody lawyer

Colin Z. Andrews headshot
Colin Andrews

Criminal defense lawyer

Stacy Anne Hoehle headshot
Stacy Hoehle

Family lawyer

Bradley Kim Thomas headshot
Bradley Thomas

Criminal defense lawyer

Lindsay Meredith Franklin headshot
Lindsay Franklin

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.2 (Excellent)

Honors

2019

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell®

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Partner, Stucky, Lauer & Young, LLP

2010 - 2018

Attorney, Rosswurm Law Office

Associations

2017 - Present

National Business Institute - Continuing Legal Education

Speaker

American Bar Association

Member

Indiana State Bar Association

Member

Allen County Bar Association

Member

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

Collaborative Family Law Solutions

Member

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Research Assistant, Legislation

Sample of Legal Cases

Hall v. Hall, 968 N.E.2d 343 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012)

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

Michigan State University

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

Purdue University

MA - Masters

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution