Hon. Christopher C. Conner (Ret.)

Judge Christopher C. Conner continues his decorated and renowned career at Optimal Dispute Resolutions, following his retirement from the bench after more than 20 successful years as a federal judge. He uses his decades of experience as a judge to help clients as a mediator and arbitrator, assisting clients in solving their differences before a case goes to trial to save them time and money.  Judge Conner acts as a mediator assisting clients in achieving amicable resolutions prior to trial. He is also happy to accept appointments as a special master or arbitrator in complex litigation, including multidistrict litigation matters (MDL).

Judge Conner joined Optimal Dispute Resolutions in 2025 after serving as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania from 2002 to 2024. His time on the bench also included the esteemed honor of serving as the district’s chief judge from 2013 to 2020.

Prior to joining Optimal, Judge Conner served as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania from 2002 to 2024 after President George W. Bush appointed him to the bench. His time on the bench also included the esteemed honor of serving as the district’s chief judge from 2013 to 2020.