Chris Duren

Educational Background

• Juris Doctorate, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, 1997
• Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science & Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1993

From Solo Practitioner to Modern Law

Chris Duren brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the Modern Law team. For 26 years, Chris served as a solo practitioner in his hometown of Waunakee, Wisconsin, establishing his practice right after law school. Over the years, his practice spanned diverse areas of law, including family law, civil litigation, real estate law, business law, criminal law, and estate planning. His commitment extended beyond legal services, as he volunteered at the Family Law Assistance Center and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, a non-profit organization assisting domestic abuse victims in Dane County, Wisconsin.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Chris’s legal journey has been marked by notable achievements, including receiving the “40 under 40” award from In Business Magazine. He also organized and operated the “Safe at Home” Charity Softball Tournament for five years, directing all proceeds to benefit the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services. Chris takes immense pride in helping every family law client escape from abusive relationships.

A Passion for Family Law

With a career spanning over two decades, Chris’s dedication to family law stems from his desire to assist people and children in their most vulnerable moments. His particular strengths lie in litigation preparation and trial strategy for challenging contested cases, as well as settling difficult cases through creative solutions and effective communication.

Personal Experiences Shaping His Approach

Chris’s personal experiences as a step-parent and his own divorce have provided him with unique insights into the emotional challenges faced by clients going through a divorce. He approaches such situations with a calm demeanor, ready availability, straight-forward communication, and a clear understanding of the legal process to ease his clients’ anxiety.

Staying Informed and Professional

To stay updated on the latest developments in divorce law, Chris diligently reads the latest family law articles, studies recent caselaw, and attends continuing legal education (CLE) sessions. He balances empathy and professionalism when dealing with clients in contentious divorces, ensuring they feel supported while maintaining focus on their legal objectives.

A Dedicated Legal Professional

Chris is a member of the Family Law Section for the State Bar of Arizona and Wisconsin, and he has attended various family law CLEs over the years. He actively supports organizations like Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), which assists domestic abuse victims with shelter, legal services, and personal items.

A Passion Beyond Law

If he were not in the legal profession, Chris would have pursued a career as a high school teacher. In his legal practice, he wants clients to perceive him as confident, available, organized, and a strong advocate who will fight tirelessly on their behalf.

Fictional Courtroom Aspirations

Given the opportunity, Chris would choose to argue a case from “A Time to Kill” because of the high-stakes nature of the case and the complex legal issues involved.

Legal Inspiration and Memorable Moments

Chris resonates with Rudy Baylor from “The Rainmaker” due to the real-life experiences he encountered while attending law school in Birmingham, Alabama. He’s encountered numerous intriguing cases, including representing a woman with multiple personalities and a Jamaican grandmother in a felony battery case, both leaving indelible impressions on his legal career.

Legal Superpower and Proposed Law

If Chris could have a legal-themed superpower, he would choose the ability to persuade other lawyers to see his perspective. He envisions a new law requiring forced in-person mediation before filing for divorce, facilitating communication between spouses on all issues, even if they don’t agree on everything, with the aim of fostering understanding and resolution.