Christopher E. Doran

Christopher “Chris” E. Doran is Senior Counsel with Alvarez, Thompson, & Smoak, P.A. His practice is focused on commercial vehicle defense, catastrophic injury investigation and evidence collection, general defense litigation, construction litigation, products liability defense, premises liability defense, construction delay and defect defense, contract dispute, and coverage.

Chris was recruited to play football at Davidson College, but an injury led him to transfer to the University of South Florida, where he earned a dual B.A. in Philosophy and English. While initially pursuing a career in education, Chris shifted paths to explore other industries, excelling in logistics management and sales. Despite these achievements, Chris sought a career that aligned with his aspirations and decided to pursue law, a path he had glimpsed earlier when taking the LSAT on a lark during his undergraduate studies. He was subsequently admitted to Stetson University College of Law. While in Law School, Chris interned as a prosecutor in the 12th Judicial Circuit under Earl Mooreland.

After earning his law degree, Chris began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit, eventually advancing to the Major Crimes Unit in Lee County, where he handled several high-profile cases. Transitioning to private practice in 2001, Chris focused on defending major corporations in transportation, product liability, and construction claims, as well as handling catastrophic injury evidence preservation, coverage and bad faith analysis, and general litigation defense. He was promoted to non-equity Partner and played a key role in client relations, development, and trial work.

Seeking new challenges, Chris briefly joined a new firm to assist in developing a Trucking and Transport Defense practice but paused his career following a significant car accident that required several years of rehabilitation. Once recovered, Chris returned to private practice and has since joined Alvarez, Thompson & Smoak, P.A., bringing a wealth of experience and a dedication to excellence.

Chris holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, reflecting the highest standards of professional excellence and ethical integrity, a distinction he has maintained for over a decade. His dedication to the legal profession has earned him the respect of both his colleagues and the judiciary.

In addition to his legal career, Chris serves as Vice President of his 300-plus-home Homeowners Association, demonstrating his commitment to community leadership and service.

Chris was born in Sarasota, Florida, and grew up on a ranch abuts Myakka State Park, where he enjoyed countless adventures exploring the swamps and palmetto tundra, riding motorcycles through the undeveloped trails of Myakka Valley Ranches, and playfully teasing his three siblings. His family raised cattle, dairy cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits, and he also enjoyed horseback riding during his youth.

Chris has been happily married to his wife since 1998, and together they raised three sons. The youngest, an aspiring musical theatre actor, is studying at a prestigious conservatory in New York. Fully involved in his children’s interests, Chris spent over a decade coaching baseball and soccer, and he served as an Assistant Den Leader and Scoutmaster for more than ten years, helping his youngest son achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Chris enjoys fishing, riding Seadoo watercraft, snorkeling, and exploring Latin American history. His travels have taken him and his family to many parts of the world, with favorite destinations including Ireland, Puerto Rico, and much of Central America.