Chris Wheatley Figueras Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-164

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 2, 2026

To recognize and acknowledge the work and accomplishments of Chris Wheatley Figueras on
the occasion of her retirement as Legislative Director of the Trial Lawyers Association of
Metropolitan Washington, DC.

WHEREAS, Chris Wheatley Figueras is a member of the bar in both the District of
Columbia and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;

WHEREAS, Ms. Figueras earned her Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University School
of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mary Washington
College (now the University of Mary Washington);

WHEREAS, Ms. Figueras began her career serving in several legal support and public
service roles with the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office
in Washington, DC. At the Department of Justice, she assisted in researching and drafting appellate
briefs filed on behalf of the United States before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and supported
Supreme Court certiorari opposition practice. While serving on special detail with the United
States Attorney’s Office, she helped prepare domestic violence cases for trial and worked closely
with victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors;

WHEREAS, prior to her legislative work, Ms. Figueras practiced as a trial attorney with
the Law Offices of Cohen & Cohen, P.C., representing plaintiffs in personal injury matters . She
regularly appeared in court proceedings, mediations, hearings, and conferences, and also assisted
with legal training initiatives;

WHEREAS, throughout her career, and particularly during her tenure with the Trial
Lawyers Association, Ms. Figueras has led legislative and policy efforts on issues impacting
consumer rights, victims’ rights, court procedure, public safety, and access to justice. Her work
has included lobbying elected officials and government agencies, building coalitions with
community organizations and advocacy groups, and organizing attorneys and experts to advance
meaningful legislative ref orm. Ms. Figueras also has been a frequent speaker at seminars and
conferences on topics related to civil justice, legislative advocacy, and emerging legal issues
affecting injured individuals and their families;

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WHEREAS, in addition to her professional work, Ms. Figueras is deeply committed to
community service and faith -based outreach. Through her church parish, she has participated in
numerous service trips supporting communities in need around the world and has devoted
significant time to youth mentoring. She also has been a longtime volunteer with Giving Back –
Linda’s Legacy, helping provide warm clothing, winter supplies, and other essential items to
homeless men and women; and

WHEREAS, after 24 years of service as Legislative Director for the Trial Lawyers
Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC, Ms. Figueras is retiring from her role with the
organization, where she has been a leading voice for protecting access to justice and advancing the
rights of injured individuals and consumers in the District of Columbia.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “ Chris Wheatley Figueras Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of
2026”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes and applauds the diligent efforts of Chris Wh eatley
Figueras in the areas of public policy, litigation, and protecting the civil justice system and the
right to trial by jury through her work with the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan
Washington, DC, and wishes her the best in her future professional endeavors.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.