Chris Harkins

D. Chris Harkins is a shareholder specializing in probate and estate planning and litigation in the Amarillo, Texas office. A significant portion of Mr. Harkins’ practice concentrates on probate and estate litigation, having advocated on all sides of the bar in will contests and guardianship fights. He is certified by the State Bar of Texas as an Attorney Ad Litem and is often called upon by local courts to represent the interests of proposed wards in guardianship proceedings. In addition to probate litigation, Mr. Harkins has extensive expertise in the drafting and proper execution of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning vehicles. A substantial amount of his practice also involves traditional, uncontested probate and probate alternatives utilized to settle decedent’s estates.

Mr. Harkins also represents clients in the formation and operation of various business entities in Texas, including limited liability companies, limited partnerships, corporations (both C corps. and S corps.), general partnership, etc. He also frequently engages in corporate litigation matters involving conflicts between partners, shareholders, and members in the operation or dissolution of various entities.

An Amarillo native, Mr. Harkins graduated from Tascosa High School, West Texas State University (WTAMU), and Texas Tech University School of Law. His local roots give him a unique and invaluable perspective and ability to meet the needs of his clients. He has been married since 1993 to Becky Harkins and they have two beautiful daughters, Abby and Sophie. When not in the office or the courtroom, you can almost certainly find him standing in a trout stream, sitting in a deer stand, or bird hunting with friends and family.

  • Estate planning
  • Guardianships
  • Powers of attorney
  • Will probate, probate alternatives, and intestate administration
  • Litigation of will contests
  • Family asset planning including marital agreements, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, etc.
  • General estate and tax planning including wills, family trusts, life insurance trusts, business entities, and other forms of asset protection
  • Business entity formation
  • Corporate litigation
  • Admitted to the State Bar of Texas, 2003
  • Hidden Falls Ranch, Board of Directors – present
  • Project Healing Waters/Amarillo Fly Guys – president 2010; current secretary
  • Opportunity School Board of Trustees – president, 2008
  • Amarillo Area Young Lawyers Association – director, 2002-2006
  • United Way Loaned Executive, 2005
  • J.D. Texas Tech University School of Law, 2002
    • Cum Laude
    • Phi Delta Phi National Honorary Fraternity
    • Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review, 2002-2003
      • Outstanding Second Year Student, 2001-2002
      • Outstanding Student Article, 2001-2002
  • B.G.S. West Texas State University, 1992