Chris Birch grew up in Gravette, Arkansas, and after graduating from Gravette High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base and served one deployment overseas during his 6-year active duty enlistment. While active duty, he earned an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Legal Studies. He separated from active duty at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5).
At the end of his active duty enlistment, Chris moved back to Northwest Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law. During this time, he also served a 3-year enlistment in the Arkansas Air National Guard with the 188th Wing in Fort Smith. He separated from the ANG at the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6).
In law school, he served in leadership positions for several student organizations, including as a law school representative in the university's Graduate Student Congress, and worked at the Washington County Prosecutor's Office.
Since earning his J.D. and obtaining his attorney license, Chris has served Northwest Arkansas in several capacities. Apart from his private practice experience handling personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and bankruptcy cases, he has also served as a public defender in Washington County and as an attorney specialist with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, handling cases related to child abuse and neglect.
Chris has been an adjunct faculty member at Northwest Arkansas Community College since 2021 and teaches political science classes. He lives in Bentonville with his wife and three children.
