Christopher L. “Chris” Oring is a dedicated litigation attorney at Christina Rivenbark & Associates, where he represents clients in criminal defense, traffic matters, expungements, and DMV-related issues throughout New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties. With more than 25 years of legal experience, Chris is known for his calm, compassionate presence and his commitment to treating clients with dignity, respect, and understanding—values that align perfectly with our firm’s mission.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Akron and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law. While in law school, he served as Editor of the Law School Newspaper and gained diverse legal experience working with private firms and a State Court Appellate Judge.
After moving to North Carolina in 1996, Chris began his career in Wilmington and soon opened the Law Firm of Chris Oring, where he spent 24 years representing clients across a wide range of legal matters. His work included criminal and traffic defense, personal injury, workers’ compensation, child support, DSS cases, DMV hearings, expungements, and general civil litigation. His commitment to service earned him annual statewide pro bono recognition, and in 2021, he was honored as North Carolina’s Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year by the North Carolina Business Journal.
Chris briefly stepped into the pharmaceutical sector to broaden his professional experience, working with Parexel International and PPD. While he excelled in that role, he ultimately realized that his true passion remained in helping people directly through the justice system. In 2024, he returned to his calling and joined Christina Rivenbark & Associates, where his experience, empathy, and courtroom skill immediately made him a trusted advocate for our clients.
Chris is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, and North Carolina Advocates for Justice. He has also taught CLE courses statewide for more than 15 years, focusing on substance abuse and mental health in the legal profession, and remains active in the Lawyers Assistance Program.
A Wilmington resident for nearly three decades, Chris is married with four children. Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, painting, building Legos, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. His approachable nature and genuine love for people make him not just a strong attorney, but the kind of advocate clients feel comfortable turning to in some of life’s hardest moments.
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