Christopher Mills
Member Spotlight
November 2025
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Chris Mills focuses on civil and complex commercial litigation and trial practice, covering a wide range of subjects. He has litigated cases of all sizes, with up to $1.4 billion at stake. He particularly enjoys sophisticated matters.
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Law School: Duke University School of Law
Lives in: Golden
Works at: Jones & Keller, P.C.
Practice Area: Complex Commercial Litigation
Why did you become a lawyer?
I majored in philosophy as an undergrad and competed in intercollegiate debate. It was virtually preordained that I would become a lawyer. Nothing else blends strategic thinking and competition quite the same way.
What do you like the most about your practice area?
The variety of subject matter—no case is the same. The skillset required is also incredibly broad. Drafting a motion to dismiss is very different from cross-examining a witness at trial. There is lots of room for creative thinking in every dispute.
What kind of legal matter do you find most rewarding or personally satisfying?
Any topic, but the more complex the better. As nerdy as it sounds, I love the intellectual challenge. Is it cognitively demanding? Sign me up.
What do you think is the most essential professional skill?
Humility and dedication. The willingness to really engage with the matter—to live and breathe it and commit the effort to think a mile rather than an inch deep, even if you are already an expert—is key.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Backpacking and listening to music.
On your desk right now:
An awesome headphone-based hi-fi audio system. I love to listen to music while I work; it often helps me concentrate.
What kind of music are you into?
Mostly instrumental progressive rock and progressive metal, and high-tempo acoustic guitar.
What sport do you love to play or watch or both?
When I was a little kid, I wanted to be a professional cyclist. That was never remotely in the cards, but I still find professional cycling fascinating to watch. The last hour of a mountain stage, for example, is incredibly suspenseful. I always look forward to July when the Tour de France is televised.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Thru-hiking the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail from the Mexican border with New Mexico to the Canadian border with Montana.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can whistle with two tones simultaneously.
If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be:
Bored. I honestly have no idea what other job would offer the same kind of intellectual engagement as litigation.
What advice would you give a new lawyer?
If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.
How has the CBA impacted your career?
I’ve been most involved with the Litigation Section, serving as chair this past year. It’s been a privilege to support Colorado litigators through our free monthly CLEs, annual daylong Litigators’ Summit CLE, and joint programs with other sections. It has also been fun watching the next generation of lawyers develop through the High School Mock Trial Program we support. But mostly, it’s the people. Through the CBA, I have met and become friends with many wonderful lawyers in our community who have helped my career with advice, referrals, support, and so much more.
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