Christopher T. Sakauye
Senior Attorney

Chris Sakauye is adept at applying current and developing trends in the law across all 50 states and many foreign jurisdictions. His hard-earned litigation experience gives him unique insight into the pressure points that bring difficult cases to quick and efficient resolutions. By leveraging cutting edge research and battle tested wisdom, he works hard to provide creative solutions to clients, while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
Because he represents insurers in complex coverage matters, Chris recognizes the competing considerations that often lead to difficult coverage disputes. His ability to spot often overlooked problems in professional liability insurance issues has saved his clients time, energy, and money. His ability to boil down sophisticated insurance concepts into easily digestible arguments has won motions for his clients in jurisdictions across the nation.
Chris is also a zealous appellate advocate, and his ability to focus in on winning positions makes him a valuable member of the firm’s Appellate and Critical Motions practice group. He also regularly contributes to the firm’s Last Month at the Supreme Court publication and his analysis is often featured on other news outlets.
Chris is passionate about expanding access to legal aid services for underprivileged communities. He previously served as a member of the Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council of the D.C. Bar Foundation and makes a point of continuing to contribute his time and effort to pro bono projects. Chris is consistently recognized on the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll and routinely partners with the Children’s Law Center of D.C. and the National Veterans Legal Services Program.
“My job is to ensure my clients can rest easy knowing that our team has anticipated every scenario and covered every contingency. I help in providing clients peace of mind while navigating challenges during a stressful time.”
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- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
- University of California, Davis, B.A.
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Bar Admissions
- California
- District of Columbia
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Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
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Named to Best Lawyers' "Ones to Watch" list for Insurance Law, 2024 and 2025
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Recognized by Washington D.C. Super Lawyers®as a Rising Star for Insurance Coverage; Business Litigation, 2023-25
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Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2023
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Professional Liability Underwriting Society
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District of Columbia Bar Foundation
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Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area
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Asian Pacific American Bar Association of D.C.
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Areas of client focus

McKeon, Sakauye, and Zimolzak Included in 2024 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll
Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Shannon McKeon, Chris Sakauye, and…

Last Month at the Supreme Court | May 2025
As Washington continues to buzz with activity, we are keen to report the latest developments in the…

Six Dykema Attorneys Listed as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2025
Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that six attorneys from the firm’s Washington,…