About Chris Balch
Chris Balch is a seasoned and respected defense lawyer. He has represented public entity clients from Valdosta to LaFayette and from Columbus to Augusta. His private clients have sent him around the world in defense of claims. He served his country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps, receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1993. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal in 1989. At the award ceremony for the Navy Achievement Medal, Brigadier General Brabham remarked he had not ever heard a more detailed or deserving citation.
Upon graduation from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law with honors in 1992, Mr. Balch clerked for United States District Judge Duross Fitzpatrick. His duties and responsibilities in Chambers brought him intimate knowledge and understanding of federal civil rights statutes and their litigation. Assisting with over 15 jury trials and more than a dozen non-jury trials during his two year clerkship, Mr. Balch learned important lessons for the young lawyer on preparation, integrity and tenacity.
His career defending public officials and individuals began immediately after his clerkship. While still in Macon he successfully defended claims against the Historic New Perry Hotel, Dougherty County, Georgia, the City of Macon, and many individuals and companies around Middle and South Georgia.
After moving to Atlanta in 1996, he continued to represent counties and school districts, businesses and individuals. His successes quickly earned him speaking slots before continuing legal education audiences. He has presented papers for the Defense Research Institute, the Georgia Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the Ohio Association of Civil Defense Attorneys, and clients around the country. His publications have appeared in scholarly journals and association publications nationally.
In 2018 Chris was named as a Local Government Fellow of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. Since 1999, IMLA has only recognized 83 local government lawyers in the United States and Canada as Local Government Fellows. Chris is the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to have achieved this distinction.
Professional Affiliations
IMLA Local Government Fellow
IMLA Georgia State Chair
IMLA Small and Rural Communities Co-Chair (2017-19)
IMLA Annual Meeting Host Committee Co-Chair (2018-19)
GMA City Attorney Section Vice Chair (2018-19)
GMA City Attorney Section Chair (2019-20)
GMA Board of Directors (2019-20)