Christina Holdsworth
Partner
Experience
Christina G. Holdsworth advises and defends businesses, nonprofits and municipalities in complex personal injury matters throughout New York State. With more than 15 years of experience, she has handled cases associated with premises liability, trucking and motor vehicle accidents, sports and recreation injuries, sexual torts, and defamation. Christina represents a diverse array of clients, including professionals, nonprofits, sporting arenas, cities and towns, schools and agencies that serve vulnerable populations.
Christina places a strong emphasis on pre-suit investigation, believing that early intervention—through evidence gathering and witness interviews—can be critical in shaping the trajectory of a case before it reaches litigation.
Known for her strategic approach and compassionate advocacy, Christina has developed a particular focus on high-stakes claims such as Child Victims Act litigation, sexual abuse claims, and defending agencies that render services for individuals with mental health diagnoses or developmental disabilities. Her deep understanding of the unique laws and nuanced regulations governing these facilities allows her to navigate complex and sensitive cases with precision and care.
These cases frequently involve emotionally charged issues such as mental hygiene law, privacy concerns, and trauma-informed communication, and Christina is particularly skilled at moderating her demeanor to build trust with plaintiffs and witnesses while maintaining a strong defense posture.
Named the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants in Buffalo, NY, Christina is recognized not only for her legal acumen but also for her unwavering dedication to her clients.
Experience Highlights
- Won full dismissal of claims through summary judgment on behalf of an ice rink operator in a case where a spectator was struck in the forehead by a hockey puck
- Obtained summary judgment dismissing action on behalf of a rideshare company, arguing that the driver involved was an independent contractor for whom the company could not be responsible
- Achieved a positive determination for a not-for-profit agency, defending staff interviews in a New York State neglect investigation
- Successfully mediated a favorable settlement in a Child Victims Act matter, enabling the client to avoid protracted litigation altogether
- In a case involving a multimillion-dollar demand, mediated a favorable settlement on behalf of a large pharmacy retailer following several years of complex discovery and litigation
- Succeeded in securing the insurance coverage and indemnification owed to a large shopping mall by its contractor
- Achieved a decision of 0% liability for our client during a three-panel arbitration by investigating and securing statements from multiple non-party eyewitnesses to a serious motor vehicle accident
- Attained summary judgment dismissing action on behalf of a driving school where a student driver was rear-ended after suddenly stopping due to oncoming emergency vehicles
Honors & Awards
Best Lawyers in America
- “Lawyer of the Year,” Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (Buffalo), 2026
Best Lawyers in America
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2025-26
Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, 2021-24
Athena Young Professional Award finalist, 2020-21, 2023
Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2013, 2015–20
Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40, 2019
Background
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Education
- State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D., 2009
- Buffalo Law Review: Editor
- Student Animal Legal Defense Fund: Vice President
- State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A., 2006
Professional Affiliations
- Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
- LGBT Committee, Co-Chair
- University at Buffalo Law School Alumni GOLD Group
- Erie County Charter Revision Commission
Community Involvement
- Ambush Buffalo: Founder
- Erie County Republican Executive Committee, 2016
News & Knowledge
Publications & Events
- “NY Adult Survivors Act Look-Back: What Orgs Must Know,” Co-Author, Law360, January 9, 2023
- “Christina G. Holdsworth Named a Finalist for the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award,” March 4, 2021
- “Q&A With Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree Christina G. Holdsworth,” October 3, 2019
- “How Lawyers Can Help Clients Prevent Sexual Abuse and Handle Claims,” Co-Author, Buffalo Law Journal, February 20, 2018
- “For the Defense: A Case for OPWDD,” Co-Author, Buffalo Law Journal, September 12, 2015
- Contributor, “Social Media Due Diligence Before and During Trial,” Timely Notice, October 15, 2019