Chris Balch, who started his career at Holland & Hart as a summer clerk in 1997, has been elected chair of the Am Law 200 firm as of Jan. 1, 2020, and in that role will implement a new strategic plan.

Balch said the plan is “heavily rooted” in investing in technology and process efficiencies, as well as implementing innovative service models, such as employing nonlawyers to provide service to clients. One example is using patent agents for intellectual property work, he said.