Chris focuses his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, wealth transfer/gifting, and elder law. He has a passion for working with individuals, families, and family-controlled entities to create tailored tax and estate planning strategies.
Chris advises clients on the following types of matters:
- Design and preparation of comprehensive estate plans
- Formation, governance, and strategic planning of closely-held businesses
- Guardianships, conservatorships, and other fiduciary disputes
- Probate administration
- Trust administration
- Trust modification and reformation
- Preparation of Federal estate and gift tax returns
- Veterans’ benefits claims
A native of the D.C. area, Chris graduated from Gonzaga College High School and attended the University of Maryland and University of Baltimore School of Law. Chris then clerked for the Honorable Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County before serving eight years on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps as a first chair trial and appellate litigator.
Chris continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, defending Officers and Soldiers in administrative elimination proceedings and is accredited with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Outside of the office, Chris enjoys volunteering in the local community, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his wife, three children and the world’s only unaffectionate Goldendoodle.
Bar Admissions
- Virginia, 2021
- District of Columbia, 2020
- Maryland, 2011
Military Service
- U.S. Army (JAG): 2012-present
Education
- J.D., University of Baltimore School of Law, Cum Laude
- B.A., University of Maryland, College Park
Professional & Community Involvement
- Member of the Board of Directors, Alexandria Bar Association
- Member of the Board of Directors, Alexandria Rotary Club
- Member of the Board of Directors, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Day School
- Member of the Board of Directors, Senior Services of Alexandria
- Adjunct Professor, Estate Planning, The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law (Fall 2025)
- Member, Senior Law Day Planning Committee
BEST WAY TO CONTACT CHRIS
Email: cleighton@hughesleighton.com
