Overview
Chris (or “Kit,” as his close friends called him) was among the finest, most creative, and respected lawyers in the Boston legal community and beyond. Over a career spanning more than 42 years, Chris built a reputation for excellence in complex litigation and for the integrity, judgment, and compassion he brought to every matter—and every relationship.
He began his legal career at Hale & Dorr, then launched his own firm in 1988. In 1992, Chris and four former Hale & Dorr colleagues founded Todd & Weld LLP with the goal of building a premier trial firm. Under Chris’s leadership, that vision became a reality—and the firm flourished.
While his legal accomplishments were widely recognized through numerous honors, it was Chris’s character that left the deepest mark. His colleagues often called him “the glue” of the firm, a phrase that only begins to capture how deeply beloved and respected he was as a partner, mentor, and friend.
Chris handled a wide range of high-stakes business litigation matters through trials, arbitrations, mediations, and negotiated settlements. His practice frequently involved complex disputes with significant financial and strategic stakes. He counseled partners, shareholders, and stakeholders in closely held business disputes, and guided clients through entity dissolutions, fiduciary claims, and governance conflicts.
In the construction industry, Chris represented owners, contractors, and suppliers across major projects, including a public design-build contract exceeding $200 million. He provided strategic counsel on disputes involving delays, change orders, and contract claims, and advised clients in public bid protests before agencies such as Massport and MassDOT.
Chris also had deep experience in class action litigation—most notably securing court approval for a nationwide consumer settlement valued at approximately $320 million. His litigation portfolio extended to intellectual property, employment, probate, and eminent domain matters of significance.
A skilled appellate advocate, Chris achieved major victories in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, shaping case law in construction, partnership disputes, class actions, and regulatory takings.
In his later years, Chris transitioned into the role of Founding Partner Emeritus, remaining available for consultation, strategic guidance, and service as a mediator or arbitrator in complex civil matters.
Chris Weld’s impact extended far beyond his courtroom successes. He brought unmatched integrity, clarity of thought, and generosity of spirit to his work and relationships. His legacy endures—in the lives he touched, the clients he served, and the firm he helped build.