Christopher D. Jones

Certifications & Specializations

• Fellow, The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
• Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Biography & Practice Distinctions

Christopher D. Jones is a Member of Sprouse Shrader Smith PLLC whose practice focuses on wealth planning, including estate planning, trusts, probate, and related tax matters. Chris also regularly advises clients on real estate matters, including ownership structures, 1031 exchanges, and related tax and transactional issues.

Chris and his wife are Amarillo natives and enjoy spending time with their son, Wit, attending OSU football games, and traveling.

Chris is also president of Lonestar 1031, a qualified intermediary for Section 1031 exchanges.

Admissions

• Texas State Courts (2011)
• Oklahoma State Courts (2026)

Education

• Southern Methodist University, Juris Doctor (2011)
• Oklahoma State University, Bachelor of Science in Accounting (2008)

Bar Memberships

• State Bar of Texas
• State Bar of Oklahoma
• Amarillo Young Lawyers Association
• Amarillo Area Bar Association

Professional Memberships & Activities

• Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (REPTL)
  • Council Member (2022–2025)
  • Trusts Committee Co-Chair (2024–Present)
  • Website Committee (2023–Present)
• Texas Real Estate & Probate Institute (T-REP)
  • Director (2025–Present)
  • Trusts Committee Co-Chair (2024–Present)
•  Amarillo Area Estate Planning Council (Former Board Member and President)
• REPTL Leadership Academy, Class of 2018–2019
• Texas Bar College

Civic & Community Involvement 

• Board Member, Amarillo Children’s Home
• Board Member, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
• Board Member, Hidden Falls Ranch
• Leadership Amarillo, Class of 2014–2015

Presentations & Publications

• “Perfectly Imprecise: Drafting and Interpreting Trust Distribution Provisions” — TexasBarCLE, Handling Your First (or Next) Trust (April 2023)
• “Terminating Trusts: Ten Common Issues” — UTCLE, 24th Annual Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2022)
• “Fixing Real Estate Headaches: Deeds, Trusts, and Title Issues” — TexasBarCLE, 46th Annual Estate Planning & Probate Course (June 2022); UTCLE, 22nd Annual Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (July 2020)
• “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – Ethical Duties and Practical Tips When Firing Clients or Changing Firms” — TexasBarCLE, 32nd Annual Estate Planning & Probate Drafting Course (October 2021)
• “Planning for and Litigating a Business Divorce” — TexasBarCLE, 45th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Course (June 2021)
• “Settlement Agreements – Difficult Issues in Trusts & Estates” — TexasBarCLE, 31st Annual Estate Planning and Probate Drafting Course(October 2020)
• “Trustee, Personal Representative, and Guardianship Resignation: How to Jump Ship” — TexasBarCLE, 44th Annual Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course (June 2020); UTCLE, 21st Annual Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2019)
• “Funding Trusts” — TexasBarCLE, Intermediate Estate Planning & Probate Course (June 2020); TexasBarCLE, Handling Your First (or Next) Trust (February 2019)
• “Mind Your Business: Confidential Information and Related Parties” — TexasBarCLE, Intermediate Estate Planning & Probate Course (June 2019)
• “DSUE Uncertainty: Drafting to Avoid Conflict and Refine Rights, Remedies, and Obligations” — TexasBarCLE, 28th Annual Estate Planning & Probate Drafting Course (October 2017)
• “Series LLCs: A Business Structure That Provides New Options to Real Estate Investors and Commercial Clients” — Texas Realtor Magazine (April 2017)