No matter what legal issue is presented, from the moment Chris first speaks to a client until the case is resolved, he maintains a strict focus on not only meeting, but exceeding the goals and expectations of his clients. Without such an approach, Chris believes some level of failure is unavoidable. Chris partners with his clients in a way that most law firms, which are risk-averse and bogged down by bureaucracy, simply cannot or will not do. He invests his time and resources with a level of commitment and passion that has earned him respect from jurist and peers alike.
An unwavering commitment to this philosophy has resulted in an established track record of success. He is one of 50 lawyers in the entire State of Texas to hold those certifications and certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the area of civil trial advocacy.
Education
J.D., Baylor School of Law
General Civil Litigation Concentration
Order of Barristers
Baylor Mock Trial Inter-Scholastic Team
Phi Delta Phi, Legal Honor Society
Executive President, Student Bar Association
B.A., Political Science and Public Policy, magna cum laude, Southern Methodist University
Phi Beta Kappa
Departmental Distinction, Political Science Department
Golden Key Honor Society
EMT-B, University of Texas Southwestern School of Health Professionals
Admissions & Certifications
Admitted to Practice Before:
The Supreme Court of the United States
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
The United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Western
Districts of Texas
The Supreme Court of Texas
Legal Certifications:
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Civil Trial Law (2010 – present)
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Personal Injury Trial Law (2010 – present)
National Board of Trial Advocacy, Civil Trial Advocacy (2011 – present)
National Board of Trial Advocacy, Civil Pre-Trial Advocacy (2012 – present)
Emergency Medical Services Certifications:
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, EMT-B (2009 – present)
Texas Department of State Health Services, EMT-B (2009 – present)
Leadership Certifications:
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government:
Leadership Decision Making (2018)
Leadership and Character in Uncertain Times (2022)
Awards & Recognitions
“AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell (highest level of professional ability and ethics)
Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly Magazine (2013 – present)
Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star, Texas Monthly Magazine (2008 – 2013)
National Trial Lawyers, “Top 100 Texas Attorneys” (2019 – present)
National Trial Lawyers, “Top 40 Texas Attorneys under 40” (2012 – 2018)
America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators (2020 – present)
Appointed Member of Advisory Commission on Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2012 – 2018)
Appointed Member of Exam Commission on Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2018 – present)
“Top 40 under 40,” Dallas Business Journal (2014)
Professional Affiliations
State Bar of Texas, Member
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
Litigation Counsel of America, Elected Fellow
Texas Bar Foundation, Elected Fellow and Life Fellow
American Bar Foundation, Elected Fellow
Committee for a Qualified Judiciary, Dallas, Texas, Member
Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, Member
College of State Bar of Texas, Member
Dallas Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Bar Association for the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Baylor Law School Alumni Association
Publications, Presentations & Appearances
Ayres, C. and Ayres, R. Jack, A Medical Control Physician’s Guide to EMS Legal Issues in the Field, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty Lecture Series (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
Ayres, R. and Ayres, C., Legal Considerations for Texas Emergency Medical Service Providers, University of Texas Southwestern School of Health Professionals (2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005)
Ayres, C., A Chief’s Guide on Legal Standards for Fire and EMS Administration, Dallas County Fire Chiefs’ Association (2018)
Ayres, C., Focusing on Optics: Use and Presentation of Persuasive Visual Evidence, Litigation Counsel of America, 2016 Spring Conference & Celebration of Fellows (2016)
Ayres, C., Thoughts on Effective Docket Management in Federal Court, The Advocate – Litigation in Federal Court, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section (2014)
Ayres, C. and Allen, L., Enforcing Foreign Judgments in Texas, The Advocate – International Civil Litigation in U.S. Court, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section (2013)
Ayres, C. and Cherry, C., Staying Focused on Victory: Killing as Opposed to Challenging Your Opponent’s Expert Witness, Litigation Counsel of America Renaissance Symposium VII (2013)
Ayres, C. and Cherry, C., Are You Going to Believe Technology or Your Lying Eyes, Litigation Counsel of America Renaissance Symposium VII (2013)
Ayres, R., Ayres, C. and Blakeley, S., Rescue Me: A Texas Fire Officer’s Guide to Legal Issues in Fire and EMS Operations and Administration, North Central Texas Fire Chiefs’ Association (2011)
Ayres, C., Excluding the Opposing Expert Witness on Qualifications and Reliability Grounds, Coffee and Donuts Series in the 134th Judicial District Court (2010)
Ayres, C. and Beeson, J., EMS and the DEA – Experience Can Help Prevent Exposure, State of the Science, Journal of Emergency Medical Services (2010)
Ayres, C., Issues of Legal Liability for Athletic Trainers¸ North Texas Association of Athletic Trainers Annual Seminar (2007)
Ayres, C., Considering Settlement? Current Issues Relating to the Stowers Doctrine, The Advocate – Insurance & Litigation, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section (2006)
Ayres, C., An Update on the Status of Negligent Entrustment Law in Texas, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, 2006 Car Wreck Seminar (2006)
Ayres, R. and Ayres, C., Experts in Products Liability Litigation, Fourth Annual Advanced Expert Witness Course, State Bar of Texas (2004)
Faculty & Teaching Experience
Baylor School of Law, Mock Trial Team Instructor and Coach
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine
Assistant Director, Emergency Legal Assistance Program, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas
Legal Advisor, UT Southwestern Biotel EMS System, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas
University of Texas Southwestern School of Health Professionals, Paramedic Lecturer
Dallas County Community College, El Centro Campus, Paramedic
Community & Family
A Dallas native and life-long resident, Chris graduated high school from the Episcopal School of Dallas in 1997. He then completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University before receiving a scholarship and attending Baylor Law School, where he graduated as a proud Baylor Lawyer. Chris credits each of these places, particularly their influential faculty, as shaping the man and lawyer he is today.
Chris is married to Kelley Ayres, a fellow graduate from both ESD and Southern Methodist University. Kelley currently teaches at ESD. Chris and Kelley have two amazing and talented sons, Wyatt and Cooper. In his spare time, Chris enjoys watching his boys live out their sports’ passions on a football field, a basketball court, or the golf course. Chris’ third “child” is their family labradoodle, Rosco, who is spoiled rotten by the whole family.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Beyond his own faith and family, Chris is proud to have supported and served for and with the following community groups:
Member, Board of Trustees, St. Philip’s School and Community Center (2016 – present)
Founding and Lifetime Member, Friends of St. Philip’s School and Community Center (2019 – present)
Member, Board of Trustees, Vice-President (2014 – 2019) and Treasurer (2014 – present) of the Episcopal Foundation of Dallas
Member, Board of Trustees, Vice-President (2018 – 2019) and Treasurer (2018 – present) of the Episcopal Hospital Foundation of Dallas
Member, Board of Trustees, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Gaston Episcopal Hospital Foundation (2014 – 2018)
Member, Board of Directors (2013 – present) and Membership Chair (2016 – 2018), HeROs Alliance of Genesis Women’s Shelter
Member, Board of Directors, Friends of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (2006 – present)
Member, Episcopal School of Dallas Alumni Association’s Executive Committee (2008 – 2016)
Member, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
Assistant Chancellor (2015 – present)
Senior Warden (2014)
Junior Warden (2013)
Vestry (2012 – 2014)
Rector Search Committee Member (2013 – 2014)
Member, Episcopal Diocese of Dallas
Assistant Chancellor (2015 – present)
Nominations & Elections Committee (2013 – 2014)
Bishop Search Committee (2014 – 2015)
Strategic Planning Committee (2016)
Executive Council (2016)
