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Christopher David William Philley
also known as Chris Philley
About Christopher
Biography
I've been involved in the Austin legal community since I was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, preparing occupational licenses, filing divorces, and making DWI videos. I went to Baylor University School of Law, graduated in 2.5 years and returned to practice here. Over that time I've watched the Austin legal community grow and developed a practice with experiences helping people with family law issues, business problems from breached contracts to document review for the sale of a small business, and the citizen accused criminally.
I have opened my own firm after 10 years of associate experience at firms of different size and practice areas. The majority of my pracitce is family law primarily due to it's litigation focus. We handle divorces, modifications, suits affecting parent-child relationships, and other issues that can arise, such as enforcement of existing decrees and orders. Typically these situations involve helping people during very stressful times in life. I enjoy what I do, and I aim to keep a practice focused on informed clients and long time relationships.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 15 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Chris Philley, PLLC
5806 Mesa Dr., Suite 360, Austin, TX, 78731
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Christopher David William Philley's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
40 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 40 reviews
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Over valued services
I hired Mr. Philley to assist with my divorce, over the course of a year i was billed a retainer every month, that only got me to the child support hearing. Then was asked to pay another 11k to refill my retainer and provide final hearing fees. He charged $400 to send 'ME' notifications about my ca...
Christopher Philley
Replied last January 13, 2025I am sorry for your disappointment. I am very aware of the potential cost of litigation, and I try to address that at the onset of representation during initial meetings and in the signature on contracts for legal services. My hope is always to achieve client goals with clarity in communication and to be direct about cost. Retainers are set and are my client's monies deposited with my office in trust used to pay for work as it is performed. Clear communication and honesty is a focus I believe is important so that work can be completed in resolving underlying disputes. If you'd like to discuss any disputes you may have, I'd ask for you to call and I'd be happy to discuss with you any billing.
Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
You really won’t find better for a lawyer
Chris has been my lawyer for a few different cases off and on through difficult child modifications and divorce over the course of 8 years. I simply won’t allow any other lawyer to work on my cases because It’s impossible to find one that is as quick witted as he is yet sympathetic, honest, fair and ...
Posted by Erin | January 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Responsive, Flexible, Honest, and Supportive
I began working with Chris when my first attorney had to move out of state and I am appreciative he took on my case in the middle. He always gave a range of answers to my "what if...?" questions, and based his answers on the law, his knowledge of opposing council, and what he had gleaned from my ex d...
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2021 | Child Support
super kind & knowledgeable!
i was referred to Chris for help on my child support & custody case. i had no idea where to begin and just needing a helping hand, and he gave me just that! within 15 minutes i knew all i needed to know to move forward and take the stand. he was very kind and answered all of my questions without...
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Great Counsel
I found Chris's firm online and contacted him needing same day legal advice and options regarding a child custody issue. Chris returned my call and we set up a 1 hour session that was very informative and gave me the direction I needed. I will definitely be using his services when we move forward!
Christopher David William Philley's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris is an excellent litigator and fearless advocate. Chris works hard to protect his clients and their interests. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a divorce or custody attorney."
"I have worked with Chris-- both as co-counsel and opposing counsel. He is a sharp lawyer and makes for both a great ally and challenging opponent."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris Philley is a hardworking attorney who will fight for his clients and ensure the best possible outcome."
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"Mr. Philley is an incredible litigator. He is quick on the draw in a crisis because of his keen intuition and iron grip on the law. He takes the time to prepare thoroughly and present his client's cases, however complicated, with professional ease. He listens effectively and develops strategy alongside his clients, ensuring that they are a part of the process every step of the way."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris is an outstanding attorney. His skill and knowledge are incredibly impressive, and his work ethic makes him stand out from the crowd. He goes the extra mile for his clients, and he also has a rare talent for thinking outside the box. I can't recommend him highly enough if you're looking for a great attorney."
"Chris is an experienced trial attorney with a nose for litigation. He never shies away from the court room. He is a compassionate lawyer, caring deeply about his clients' best interests, and never afraid to stand up for their rights."
"An excellent litigation attorney that is unabashed in his passion for family law or his representation of clients. An attorney that truly demands results and pushes forward the issue instead of waiting to react."
"Chris always work extremely hard on behalf of his clients. I can’t give him a high enough recommendation."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Rising Star 2022, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 10 Attorney Under 40 Award, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates
2017
3 Years 10 Best Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2015
10 Best Attorneys (Texas), American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2015
Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
2015
2015 Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2013
Texas Criminal Trial College, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Chris Philley, PLLC
2017 - 2020
Attorney, Weinman & Associates
2014 - 2017
Attorney, Zinda Law Group, PLLC
2014 - 2014
Attorney, Dunham Law Firm
2010 - 2014
Attorney, Keel & Nassour, LLP
2007 - 2009
Assistant Attorney, Keel & Nassour
2005 - 2007
Law Clerk, Keel & Nassour, LLP
Associations
2019 - Present
American Academy for Certified Financial LitigatorsMember
2014 - Present
Hays County Bar AssociationAttorney
2011 - Present
Austin Young Chamber of Commerce
2011 - Present
Austin Bar AssociationAttorney
2011 - Present
Williamson County Bar AssociationAttorney
2016 - 2018
American Inns of CourtAssociate
2010 - 2015
Austin Young Lawyers AssociationAttorney
Sample of Legal Cases
ITIO C
Tie-breaking decisions for client on health and education rights, with exclusive right to designate the primary residence, confirmation of child support judgment, and attorney fees.
ITIO J
Change in primary residence to client, child support, and make-up periods of possession.
IMMO M
Divorce finalized within six months of filing and obtained favorable resolution on alimony issue below originally offered amount and with two year duration.
I.M.M.O.R.
Sole Managing Conservatorship, child support, spousal maintenance, and denial of possession and access to opposing party.
I.M.M.O. R
Annulment Granted
C. v. C.
Protective Order not granted
I.M.M.O. T.
Settled at temporary order hearing
State v. R
Dismissal
State v. M.A.
Not Guilty
State v. J.L.
Dismissed
Education
N/A
Baylor University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
University of Texas System, Austin
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
November 2018 Paralegal Meeting
Williamson and Travis County Texas Court Policies and Procedures
2018
Inns of Court Meeting
Intersection of Business and Family Law
2017
Williamson County Inns of Court Meeting
Preserving Error on Appeal
2011
Membership meeting
Legal issues facing college students
Languages
English
French
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is the legal process to make a husband leave the house during a separation?
30 Aug 2019
Q&A
I’ve been seeing this married man for decades and I have written letters with his signature stating that he will provide for me?
05 Aug 2019
Q&A
Why are stepmoms always looked down on? Can schools, therapy, etc talk to stepmom or is it illegal?
07 Feb 2019