Chris Ballard
Chris is the founder of Ballard Law PC, one of the leading estate planning law firms in the State of Michigan. Chris has been practicing since 1992 and has experience working in the tax department of one of the Big 4 accounting firms as well as for prominent Michigan law firms.
Chris is the former chair of the Probate and Estate Planning Council of the State Bar of Michigan, a committee of experienced trust and estate lawyers that meets regularly to discuss the law and to propose ways that the laws can be improved. While serving as a member of the Council, Chris was instrumental in drafting and reviewing parts of the Michigan Trust Code, the Estates and Protected Individuals Act, and the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act.
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Chris is the co-editor and an author of the book Trust Administration in Michigan, the leading treatise that provides advice on trust operations to lawyers in Michigan.
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Chris's expertise was further recognized with his election as a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Chris's Outside Interests
Outside the office, Chris is an active pilot. He uses his flying skills as a member of the Civil Air Patrol ("CAP"), the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, where he holds the rank of Colonel.
Chris currently serves as a legal officer for the Great Lakes Region of the CAP and as a mission pilot. He recently finished a term as the commander of Michigan Wing. He has been credited with 5 finds during search and rescue missions and has flown many missions assisting FEMA with disaster relief. He has been awarded the CAP Distinguished Service Medal and three Meritorious Service Awards.
