Chris Wallace
Current association: Christopher B. Wallace, Attorney at Law, Utica, New York
Past associations: Edisto Resources/NRM Petroleum Company; Anadarko Production Company; Pennzoil Company
Law School: St. Mary’s University
Undergraduate: University of Vermont (B.A. Political Science)
Spouse: Widower
Children/Grandchildren: Daughter – Mackie (Mineral Land Manager, Boulders Group – Dallas, Texas)
Daughter – Emily (Paralegal in my office for 15 years)
Son – William (Accomplished oil and gas lawyer and EMLF member, Saunders Kahler L.L.P. – Utica, New York)
Three grandsons
Hometown: Utica, New York
Favorite restaurant: From my early days in the oil and gas business, The Gourmet House in Mandan, North Dakota. A terrific steakhouse and gathering spot for oil and gas lawyers, landmen, and fieldhands of any and every sort. Thankfully, walls can’t talk – I understand it’s a funeral home these days! Currently, I’d put Ocean Blue here in Utica up against any fine dining seafood spot in a landlubber location. Excellent.
EMLF Involvement: I’ve been an EMLF member since 1985. Served on the Executive Committee for several years from the late ’80s thru the mid ’90s. Speaker at several Special Institutes. Member-Board of Trustees for many years. Currently an Honorary Trustee.
Many of the cases you have handled through the years have been in mineral and natural resources law. How did you get involved in this area of law? I was fortunate enough to have Richard Maxwell for Oil & Gas Law in law school as a visiting professor from UCLA where he was then Dean. Maxwell, together with Williams & Meyers, wrote the textbook and was an engaging professor. He had me hooked in the very first class.
Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? I practice oil and gas law in many jurisdictions and my involvement in EMLF across five decades has been invaluable in building a network of personal and professional friends and colleagues. Thinking back, there have been so many who have readily shared advice, opinions, laughs, warnings, recommendations, case cites, etc. And, as an energy educational organization, EMLF’s programs are consistently first rate. From the standpoint of my practice, the Foundation has always rightfully taken pride in delivering current and informative seminars to the natural resources bar. No one can compete with us in that realm.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? I grew up going to the beaches from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach so that is a favorite destination. In addition, my wife and I went to Texas sight unseen when I started law school. We somehow became everyone’s favorite token Yankees among my classmates – warmly welcomed by such friendly people. I am forever drawn back to old San Antonio.
Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies?
My reading interests are pretty wide open, from historical biographies to crime/courtroom fiction. As for hobbies, I am hoping that healing hips and wrists will allow me to get back on the golf course this spring. Otherwise, you’re likely to find me swearing at the Pirates and Penguins knowing full well they can hear me through the TV.
You have been practicing law for a number of years and have had substantial success. Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? Professional relationships (whether they be true friendships, mentors, mere business contacts or somewhere in between) will be incredibly important to you and your career. Take necessary time to develop them. Whether you pursue interaction with other lawyers, judges, law students, court officials, etc. within your own law firms, bar associations, education organizations such as EMLF or social activities, become open/involved for the purposes of developing a wide and lasting network of trusted friends and colleagues.