Christopher J. Winton

Christopher J. Winton has built a highly regarded career in estate planning, business planning, taxation, real estate, and civil litigation. Over the years, he has represented clients in complex legal matters, earning a reputation for his ability to deliver solutions that balance both practical needs and long-term planning strategies.

Chris began his education at the University of Virginia, where he graduated with high distinction in 1982 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He then continued at the University of Virginia School of Law, completing his J.D. in 1985. This strong academic foundation has supported his ability to handle sophisticated trust, estate, and business law issues.

Chris is licensed in both the West Virginia State Bar and the Virginia State Bar. His active involvement includes membership in the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the American Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Charleston Estate Planning Council. He has also long served on the West Virginia State Bar Probate Committee and became its Chair in 2019, contributing to legislative initiatives in estate and trust law.

Chris has received significant recognition in his field. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates since 2012 and was named Best Lawyers’ Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year for Charleston in 2016 and 2019. He has been honored as a West Virginia Super Lawyer, holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In 2015, he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Christopher J. Winton continues to advance the practice of estate and trust law while providing guidance that helps clients and professionals navigate these complex areas. Chris shares his knowledge through lectures and publications. He co-authored Laying Claim: A Practitioner’s Guide to Will Contests in West Virginia and its follow-up, Still Laying Claim, in the West Virginia University Law Review. He also created the “Probate Happens” series for The West Virginia Lawyer Magazine.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Member, Ray Winton & Kelley
• Member, West Virginia State Bar
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
• Member, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Member, Charleston Estate Planning Council
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Licensed State

• West Virginia
• Virginia

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges