he OCBF is saddened to announce that Chris Minier, a former president and longtime board member of the Orange County Bankruptcy Forum, and a respected figure in the bankruptcy law community for more than twenty-five years, passed away on April 29, 2026.

For those who knew Chris, he was a dedicated professional with a quiet strength, a generous spirit, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Chris was a steady, reliable presence in the Orange County bankruptcy community—the kind of lawyer colleagues trusted to handle even the most complex matters with diligence and care. Whether leading a continuing legal education program, mentoring younger attorneys, or navigating a difficult Chapter 11 negotiation, Chris brought a thoughtful, measured approach that earned the deep respect of judges, opposing counsel, and clients alike.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with distinction, from Whittier College in May 1993. He went on to attend the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor in May 1997.

Chris’ introduction to bankruptcy law came through family. During his summers as a law student and in the early months of his career, Chris worked at the Law Offices of Stanley Minier, Inc. in Santa Ana, California, where he served as a law clerk and later as an associate attorney for Stan Minier, his father. Chris also worked as a Certified Legal Intern with the Public Defender of San Diego County, South Bay Division, in the summer of 1995.

In August 1998, Chris joined Bohm, Matsen, Kegel & Aguilera, LLP (formerly Wood, Bohm & Francis, LLP) in Irvine, California. Following his stint at Bohm Matsen, Chris joined Ringstad & Sanders, LLP in Newport Beach, California, where he would spend the next two decades as a fixture as senior counsel. In 2023, Chris joined Golden Goodrich LLP as a partner.

Chris’ contributions to the bankruptcy community extended well beyond his practice. He served as President of the OCBF in 2015, capping seven years of service on its board of directors from 2008 to 2015. Chris co-chaired numerous educational programs for the OCBF. Among the many programs he led were “It’s All in the Numbers,” a seminar on financial issues in Chapter 11 cases; “Objection Your Honor,” a workshop on evidentiary issues in bankruptcy; “Let’s Make a Deal,” a program on negotiation techniques; and “Enforcement of Judgments in Bankruptcy / Federal Courts.” He also moderated a bankruptcy fundamentals program at Chapman Law School.

Chris was a longtime member of the Orange County Bar Association, participating in its Commercial Law & Bankruptcy Section, Business Litigation Section, and Real Estate Section from 1999 through 2022.

In September 2024, Chris was recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as an AV-rated attorney. Because Chris’ father was also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Chris cherished the well-earned AV-rating he received from Martindale-Hubbell.

Chris had a calm, friendly demeanor. He made friends easily, with cooperating and opposing counsel, clients, and the attorneys and staff with whom he worked. He touched many lives and will long be remembered as a vital presence in our legal community.

Chris’ dedication, professionalism, and generosity left a lasting mark on the Orange County bankruptcy community. Chris was thorough, principled, and tireless in his commitment to his clients and his colleagues. His presence at bar events, his leadership of the OCBF, and his decades of excellent work will be deeply missed.

In Memoriam of Chris Minier

Congratulations to Judge Misty A. Perry Isaacson