Christopher J. Phillips

When facing legal challenges, particularly those involving sensitive family matters like probate, finding the right attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada, is crucial. For residents navigating complex legal processes, having a knowledgeable and attentive legal professional by their side can make a significant difference. This article aims to provide an insightful overview of Christopher J. Phillips, an attorney practicing in Las Vegas, to help local users understand his services and approach.

Navigating the legal landscape, especially after the loss of a loved one, requires not only legal expertise but also a compassionate understanding of the emotional toll involved. For individuals and families in Nevada, seeking assistance with probate, estate planning, or trust litigation can be a challenging time. Christopher J. Phillips focuses on these specific areas of law, offering his services to help clients manage these often-intricate legal requirements.

This overview will detail Christopher J. Phillips' practice, including his location, the specific services he offers, and key aspects of his professional approach. It's important for local users to have a clear picture of what to expect when seeking legal counsel, particularly in such specialized and sensitive fields. We aim to present information that is both factual and helpful, empowering you to make informed decisions about your legal representation in Las Vegas.

Understanding the specific areas of law that an attorney focuses on can greatly assist in determining if their services align with your particular needs. Christopher J. Phillips has built his practice around a deep understanding of Nevada probate, trust administration, and estate litigation, areas that are vital for many families in the region. His firm, Phillips Ballenger, emphasizes a tailored and knowledgeable approach to these complex legal matters.

Christopher J. Phillips’ office is conveniently located in a prominent part of Las Vegas, making it accessible for clients across the metropolitan area. The address is:

3605 S Town Center Dr suite b, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA

This address places the office in the desirable Summerlin area of Las Vegas, specifically on South Town Center Drive. This location is well-known for its professional and commercial establishments, offering good infrastructure and ease of navigation for local residents. For those traveling by car, there is typically ample parking available in such commercial centers, which is a significant advantage for clients attending appointments. The office is situated right off the 215 freeway, enhancing its accessibility from various parts of Las Vegas and surrounding communities in Nevada.

Public transportation options in Las Vegas, while extensive, might require checking specific routes to reach this particular suite. However, the general area around Town Center Drive is generally serviced by local bus routes, making it potentially accessible for those who rely on public transit. The building's professional environment is designed to provide a comfortable and confidential setting for clients to discuss their legal needs, ensuring a discreet and respectful experience. The ease of access to this location in a well-established part of Las Vegas helps ensure that clients can reach Christopher J. Phillips' office without undue stress, allowing them to focus on the important legal matters at hand.

Christopher J. Phillips, as a co-founder of Phillips Ballenger, focuses primarily on a specialized range of legal services critical to individuals and families in Nevada, particularly concerning estates and trusts. His areas of practice include:

• Nevada Probate: Assisting families with the legal process of validating a will and administering a deceased person's estate. This includes navigating court procedures, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries. He handles everything from simple probate filings to more complex cases.
• Estate and Trust Litigation: Representing clients in disputes arising from wills, trusts, and estate administration. This involves contested matters such as will contests (e.g., based on undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud), trust contests, disputed creditor claims against estates, and real estate litigation related to probate and trusts. He also handles cases involving the theft of estate and trust assets.
• Trust Administration: Guiding trustees through their fiduciary duties in managing and distributing assets held within a trust, ensuring compliance with the trust document and applicable Nevada laws.
• Elder Abuse and Exploitation: Representing individuals and families who have experienced financial exploitation, identity theft, or real property title theft, often in the context of elder abuse. This involves pursuing legal action to recover misappropriated assets and ensure justice for victims.
• Guardianship Matters: While his primary focus is probate and trusts, his experience also extends to contested and uncontested adult guardianship matters, including cases involving the necessity of a guardianship, the legal capacity of a proposed ward, and misappropriation of a ward's assets.
• Asset Recovery: Assisting families in disputes regarding the administration of estates and the recovery of assets that may have been improperly taken or withheld.
• Creditor Claim Negotiation and Reduction: Helping to negotiate and reduce creditor claims against estates and trusts, protecting the assets for beneficiaries.

His practice emphasizes contested matters, showcasing extensive trial experience in complex estate and trust disputes.

Christopher J. Phillips’ legal practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that are particularly relevant to individuals and families in Nevada:

• Specialized Expertise in Probate and Trust Law: Christopher J. Phillips has practiced exclusively in Nevada probate, trust administration, and complex estate and trust litigation for over 20 years. This deep specialization ensures a high level of knowledge and skill in these often intricate and sensitive areas of law.
• Recognized Professional Excellence: He has received significant recognition, including being selected to Super Lawyers in multiple years (2014-2015; 2018-2022; 2024), an honor limited to 5% of lawyers in the Mountain States region. He also holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level of professional excellence, and has been recognized as a Top Rank Attorney in Nevada Business Magazine for Probate, Trust Administration, and Litigation in 2024. His Avvo® Rating is 10/10.
• Extensive Trial Experience: With considerable trial work, particularly in will and trust contests based on undue influence, testamentary/contractual capacity, fraud, and other complex issues, he is well-equipped to handle contentious legal battles effectively.
• Representation for Diverse Clients: His experience includes representing a wide range of clients, such as professional and private fiduciaries, banks, executors, trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, creditors, and even fellow estate planning attorneys, demonstrating versatility and a comprehensive understanding of all sides of estate and trust disputes.
• Focus on Contested Matters: Unlike some firms that may primarily handle uncontested estate planning, Christopher J. Phillips' practice excels in contested matters, providing robust advocacy when disputes arise.
• Modern Legal Representation: His approach incorporates creativity and the application of current technology, offering modern legal representation while maintaining personal attention to clients.

It is important to acknowledge, however, one review highlighting a significant concern regarding communication and responsiveness, stating, "7 unreturned calls, and still not a word. Very unprofessional. Only wants your money. So you don't waste as much time and anticipation for help, like I did, I recommend finding someone else that is more attentive during your time of sorrow and grief." This suggests a potential area where clients may experience challenges, and it underscores the importance of clear and consistent communication, especially during emotionally trying times. While other reviews praise his professionalism and knowledge, this particular feedback points to a critical aspect of client service that prospective clients should consider and potentially discuss upfront.

As a highly specialized and well-regarded legal practice focusing on complex areas like probate, estate, and trust litigation, Christopher J. Phillips and Phillips Ballenger typically do not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Their value proposition lies in their deep expertise, proven track record, and recognized professional excellence.

However, typical benefits and approaches that legal practices like this often provide for potential clients include:

• Initial Consultations: It is common practice for attorneys in these specialized fields to offer an initial consultation. This meeting allows potential clients to discuss the specifics of their situation, understand the complexities involved, and assess whether the firm's expertise aligns with their needs. While often not free, some firms may offer a brief introductory call or a consultation at a set fee, providing value by clarifying legal pathways.
• Clear Fee Structures: Transparent communication about legal fees and billing practices is crucial. Clients can expect a detailed explanation of how fees are structured (e.g., hourly rates, flat fees for certain services, or contingency fees for specific types of litigation if applicable).
• Value-Based Representation: Rather than discounts, the "offer" here is the value derived from experienced and highly rated legal counsel. Successful outcomes in complex probate or trust litigation can lead to significant financial or emotional benefits for clients, making the investment in expert representation worthwhile.

Prospective clients in Nevada are strongly encouraged to contact Christopher J. Phillips' office directly to inquire about their specific consultation policies and fee arrangements. Discussing these aspects early in the process ensures clarity and helps manage expectations.

For individuals and families in Las Vegas, Nevada, seeking assistance with probate, estate planning, or trust litigation, Christopher J. Phillips' office can be reached using the following contact details:

• Address: 3605 S Town Center Dr suite b, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
• Phone: (702) 997-5701
• Mobile Phone: +1 702-997-5701

These contact points provide direct access to the firm. It is advisable to call during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or inquire about specific legal needs. Given the specialized nature of the practice, appointments are typically required to ensure dedicated time for client discussions. While the mobile phone number offers an alternative contact method, primary communication is likely handled through the main office line. When reaching out, it is helpful to have a brief overview of your legal situation ready, particularly if it pertains to probate, estate, or trust matters, to facilitate an efficient initial discussion.

As with any legal engagement, clear and consistent communication is key. When contacting the office, it would be beneficial for prospective clients to establish expectations regarding response times and communication protocols to ensure their needs for attentiveness, especially during sensitive times of grief or sorrow, are addressed.

For residents of Las Vegas and the wider Nevada community dealing with the complexities of probate, estate administration, or trust disputes, Christopher J. Phillips' practice, Phillips Ballenger, presents a compelling option, albeit with considerations for communication.

Firstly, its advantageous location at 3605 S Town Center Dr suite b, Las Vegas, NV 89135, offers significant accessibility. Situated in the well-regarded Summerlin area, it's easily reachable from various parts of the city via major roads and typically offers convenient parking, reducing logistical burdens during what can be an already stressful time.

Secondly, and most critically, Christopher J. Phillips' deep specialization and extensive experience in Nevada probate, estate, and trust litigation are invaluable. With over two decades focused solely on these intricate areas, coupled with significant trial experience in contested matters, he brings a level of expertise that is highly sought after. His consistent recognition by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell, along with a top Avvo® rating, reinforces his standing as a highly knowledgeable and respected attorney in these fields. For locals facing complex legal battles related to inherited assets, will contests, or trust disputes, this specialized knowledge can be the decisive factor in achieving favorable outcomes.

However, it is vital for prospective clients to note the negative review regarding unreturned calls and perceived unresponsiveness, especially during times of grief. While other testimonials praise his professionalism and knowledge, this feedback highlights the importance of clear communication and attentiveness in client service. For locals, particularly when dealing with the emotional weight of probate after a death, ensuring an attorney provides consistent and timely communication is paramount.

Therefore, while Christopher J. Phillips offers robust legal expertise for complex estate and trust matters, particularly litigation, local users should prioritize discussing communication expectations upfront to ensure their need for support and responsiveness is met throughout their legal journey. For those seeking highly specialized knowledge in probate and trust law, with an understanding of the potential communication nuances, this practice remains a strong contender for legal assistance in Nevada.