Lucas, Robert D.

Christopher B. Wencker is the newest Associate at Benavidez Law Group, P.C., although he has been with the firm since December of 2000. Chris joined the Hochuli & Benavidez, P.C., team as a Law Clerk during his second year of law school at the University of Arizona, and has been here ever since. Chris has worked in nearly all of the areas of law practiced by Hochuli & Benavidez, P.C., and Benavidez Law Group, P.C., including civil litigation, criminal prosecution and defense, and municipal and government matters.

Chris' experience at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law prepared him well for his legal career. His course work focused on criminal law, constitutional law and trial advocacy. Chris served as a writer for the Arizona Law Review during his second year, and was the Review's first ever full‑year Case Notes Editor during his third year. Chris also served as a member of the Moot Court Board and as a member of the board of directors of the Criminal Law Student Association.

Chris' education also honed his trial advocacy skills. Chris was awarded the William T. Birmingham Trial Advocacy Award and was a member of the University of Arizona's first team to participate in the Student Trial Advocacy Competition held each year by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Chris also participated in the Criminal Prosecution Clinic, which allowed him to try real cases in court, and was named an Outstanding Oral Advocate during the First Year Moot Court competition.

Chris' legal education and practice have also reflected his love for animals. Chris founded the University of Arizona's Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, which is a student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a national organization dedicated to representing the interests of animals. Chris has been a member of ALDF since 2001, and regularly attends the annual Animal Law Conference in Portland, Oregon. After Chris graduated from law school, he continued to pursue his interest in animals and the law. Chris was one of the first members of the Executive Council of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. Additionally, Chris has served on the board of directors of local animal welfare groups, and often provides advice to local animal welfare professionals. This focus has given Chris a great deal of experience in the field of Animal Law – so much that he actually serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Arizona, teaching Animal Law < http://www.law.arizona.edu/ualaw/academicprogram/schedules/Master/SecondThirdYr/AnimalLaw.htm > to future lawyers, and has taught Continuing Legal Education seminars to other lawyers regarding Animal Law topics.

Before he attended law school, Chris served in the U.S. Air Force as a Cryptologic Linguist, where he learned to speak Mandarin Chinese and traveled around the world. When he is away from work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and their many companion animals.