Christopher Martin Lake

Christopher Martin Lake

also known as Chris Lake

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 30 years

Family Lawyer at Dallas, TX
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation

8350 N. Central Expwy, Suite 1700, Dallas, TX

About Christopher

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 30 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1995

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Goranson Bain

8350 N. Central Expwy, Suite 1700, Dallas, TX, 75206

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Christopher Martin Lake's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

32 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Child Custody

Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Divorce case

Divorce case. CL seems to be honest. Apparently knows important people. He is cordial and polite in court. Has experience with mediation and trial. He is empathetic about issues regarding children, visitation rights, posession times, etc., not so much about financial/property issues; I feel it clearl...y reflects on his efforts in his advocacy regarding these issues. CL would often remind me of worse case scenarios which would cause anxiety & fear rather than try to focus on reassurance as compared to some of his attorney colleagues. Felt like he would criticize the opposing attorney's methods and billing practices as a means to gain credibility. Did not seem to maintain composure or professionalism after long hours in the mediated settlement meeting. I felt that he would lose patience with me and my questions/suggestions at times instead of being understanding, supportive and patient. He seemed to send unnecessary emails explaining or updating me on the process, which I never requested & were not helpful but other times was very difficult to contact. Can come off as a used car salesman once in awhile. Just prior to the mediated settlement meeting, when I needed his support & guidance the most, Christopher Lake plainly stated that if we did not reach a settlement and the case went to trial he would increase his hourly rate and I can either pay it or find another attorney. Felt like he was a champion for my ex-spouse instead of me during the mediated settlement process and not on my side 100%, especially for the financial and property issues. I was able to get joint custody however the circumstances and the agreement reached was less than ideal especially given the attorney's fees. I felt forced to settle by Christopher Lake due to his threat to increase his rates and somewhat impulsive temperament throughout the process, while being in an extremely vulnerable situation to lose my children and being constantly reminded of it by him.

Posted by Jennifer | October 02, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Compassion and integrity with fortitude

Mr. Lake recently represented by boyfriend in his divorce case in which the custody of his daughter was in dispute, and there were some very delicate issues at stake. He went above and beyond in insuring that her -- the child's -- well-being was the priority in the case (compassion). I appreciated ...his candor in working with my boyfriend and demanding that my boyfriend be upfront with him (integrity). I also appreciated that he represented my boyfriend, but not at all costs and that he continuously directed and redirected him toward what he could realistically expect from the outcome of his case given different potential avenues of action to finalize the divorce and custody issue. His wisdom and years of experience became evident time and time again. At times he (we) felt beat down, but Mr. Lake provided him (us) with words of encouragement and hope and the will to continue when he was ready to give up (fortitude). Even though he was clearly his client during the entire process, he did account for the mother and how she might be impacted by various outcomes (compassion).

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2015 | Child Custody

Game Changer

After having previous lawyers in my divorce case, and having spent a substantial amount on legal fees, I was introduced to Chris. Chris was able to bring a level of compassion and realism to the case that others before him lacked. He was also able to see through the manipulative front being present...ed by the other side and approach resolution in a level headed, reasonable way geared towards halting the conflict and financial hemorrhaging associated with fees. Most importantly (and I believe due in large part to himself being the father of young children) Chris remained steadfastly focused on reaching a resolution that better allowed for the well-being of my young child.

Posted by Dana | July 23, 2013 | Child Custody

Dana

Chris represented me in my divorce approximately a year ago. He did so with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity. Chris came up with creative solutions to custody issues and was very fair when it came to billing. I can't recommend Chris highly enough if you find yourself in a divorce situation....

Posted by VTW | July 11, 2013 | Child Custody

HAPPY DIVORCE CLIENT! MR. CHRIS LAKE A MAN WITH CLASS AND INTEGRITY

I have known Mr. Chris Lake for 3 years. He has ALWAYS shown the highest integrity of character, ethics and morals. Mr. Lake was recommended to me from a person that I trust and respect. From our first meeting till the very end, I knew that I had chosen the right attorney for me. I also knew that he ...would have my best interest in his heart. I was a very broken individual and trust is something I didnt have, but after that first meeting, I knew I could trust him. So many times I was extremely angry and wasn't very patient and many times broke down, but Mr. Lake always listened to me, made me feel that I was important and most of all a worthy individual. His guidance and counsel was always gentle and patient while expalining the bigger picture and coaching me as to how we were going to get there. Mr. Lake's work ethic impressed me as well. He has initiative, deligence, and thoroughness in all the work he does. His assistances are also aligned with his beliefs, morals and values which makes his team very strong. Chris always promised and over delivered. He always went over and beyond but at the same time kept my budget in mind. Once again, he always had my best interest at Heart. Mr. Lake has the ability to maintain confidential client information, he is honest and is a great team player. These qualities make him stand out among the competiton. I have recommended Mr. Chris Lake to many friends. Good people are sometimes hard to find, especially ones that have great morals, values, CLASS and integrity. Whether you are going through a painful divorce or a custody battle you need someone who you can trust, who is loyal, faithful, Professional and most of all someone who will stand up for you. Although my divorce is over and final, I have reached out to Mr. Lake for guidance, he is always there and I know whatever professional advice I need, he will guide me in the right direction. Mr. Christopher Martin Lake is a man that YOU can trust!

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Christopher Martin Lake's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Phillip A. Linder headshot
Phillip Linder

Family lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I first met Chris Lake when I worked as an opposing counsel in a case against him. The case and the clients were highly contentious-requiring a three day mediation. I was so impressed with his abilities and the ethical way in which he handled the case that he has now become my firm's go to referral for family law cases. He has all the requisite intelligence and ability of the sharpest family lawyers, yet his ethics and desire for peaceful resolution, where possible, leads him to find creative solutions where others fail."

Bruce Alford headshot
Bruce Alford

Family lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. He is truly one of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. His ability to successfully argue his client's case in front of a judge is without equal. I trust his integrity, professionalism, and knowledge of the law."

View All Endorsements
Tracey Edward Gajak headshot
Tracey Gajak

Family lawyer

Esther Rosenblum Donald headshot
Esther Donald

Family lawyer

Britney Elaine Harrison headshot
Britney Harrison

Family lawyer

J. Darlene Ewing headshot
J. Ewing

Family lawyer

Bruce Alford headshot
Bruce Alford

Family lawyer

Phillip A. Linder headshot
Phillip Linder

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2015

Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2014

Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2013

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2013

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2011

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2010

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2009

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2008

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2007

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2006

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2005

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2004

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2003

Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2003

Board Certified - Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Partner, GoransonBain, PLLC

Associations

Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section

Immediate Past Chair

Education

1995

Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Southern Methodist University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

English

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