Christopher P. Parnagian
Christopher P. Parnagian has a broad business and finance practice. He advises on private business acquisitions and divestitures, bank financings, contract law and selected securities laws. In addition to his business and finance practice, Chris represents owners and lessees of commercial and residential real estate in Manhattan and other New York counties, handling purchase, sale, management, leasing, insurance and financing matters.
Twenty-five years prior to founding Parnagian LLC in 2024, Chris co-founded O’Hare Parnagian LLP and remains of counsel to that firm. Prior to co-establishing OP, Chris served as a business and finance attorney with Thelen Reid & Priest LLP, an international law firm with U.S. offices in Manhattan, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. His work at Thelen included participating in initial public offerings and tender offers and negotiating and drafting acquisition agreements, underwriting agreements, option plans, and the full range of documents relating to venture capital investments. Before Thelen, Chris worked for TRW Inc. (now part of Northrop Grumman Corporation), where in his final position he served as manager in the Space & Technology Group.
Professional and Community Activities
Instructor, “Techniques in Negotiating and Drafting Business Documents,” St. John’s University School of Law Continuing Legal Education Program
Neutral, Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, Commercial Division, Supreme Court, New York County
Pro bono corporate and real estate counsel, St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, New York, NY
Prior Positions
Chair, Corporation Law Committee, New York County Lawyers Association
Co-Chair, New York Business Entities Subcommittee of Corporation Law Committee, New York City Bar
Member, Executive Council, Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, New York, NY
Member, Board of Directors, Manhattan Council, Boy Scouts of America
Member, Board of Trustees, Morningside Montessori School, New York, NY
Education
St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.; Editor, St. John’s Law Review; Staff Member, New York International Law Review
University of Southern California, M.B.A.
San Francisco State University, B.S., Business Administration, magna cum laude, Beta Gamma Sigma
Bar Admissions
New York
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York