Practice Areas
Education
- B.A., Williams College, 1976, cum laude
- J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1984
Bar & Court Admissions
- North Carolina, 1984
Other Areas of Law
- Land Use Law

100 North Tryon Street
Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Overview
News & Events
Professional Affiliations
Chris Oates brings considerable experience to his clients and concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial real estate and land use law. He is a former leader of the firm’s commercial real estate group.
- He is routinely involved in the acquisition, development, financing, and leasing of urban and suburban office complexes, mixed-use developments, hotels, and retail shopping center facilities.
- He has represented municipal interests and private developers in public/private joint ventures, economic incentive agreements, and other collaborations.
- He has also been involved with the negotiation of lease agreements, restrictive covenants, and operating and reciprocal easement agreements for developer, lender, and tenant clients.
- He has assisted developers with zoning issues and obtaining variances before municipal boards.
- He has written and lectured on commercial real estate leasing issues, especially the negotiation of retail leases.
Of Note
- General Counsel to the Charlotte Sports Foundation (Operator of ACC Championship and Belk Bowl Football Games)
- Chambers USA-North Carolina, Real Estate, 2003-2020
- Best Lawyers in America, Charlotte Land Use and Zoning Law "Lawyer of the Year", 2015, 2020; Charlotte Real Estate Law "Lawyer of the Year", 2021
- Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning Law, 2006-2021
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, 2006-2011, 2013
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2006-2020
- Past Chairman, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission
News
- Best Lawyers ® Recognizes 93 Moore & Van Allen attorneys
- Chambers & Partners Recognizes Moore & Van Allen Attorneys and Practices in 2020 USA Guide
- Thirty Moore & Van Allen attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® recognizes 83 Moore & Van Allen attorneys
- Moore & Van Allen Attorneys and Practices Recognized in 2019 Chambers & Partners Guide
- Thirty Four Moore & Van Allen Attorneys Named by Super Lawyers
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association: Real Property Section
- North Carolina Bar Association: Real Property Section