A trial lawyer with a heart for justice, known for her professionalism, advocacy and trial skill.
Kristi is a third-generation Tri-Citian, an experienced trial lawyer, and a mom. Her path to the law began as a high school clerk at the firm where she is now the managing partner. As a young person, was inspired by trial work and by the people who spend their days fighting powerful interests on behalf of victims. By the time she was in law school, her journey working through college took her through three different eastern Washington law firms as a paralegal and legal assistant. This work opened her eyes to the power disparity in our justice system. After then prosecuting misdemeanors for two different counties during law school, Kristi knew she loved the courtroom. Her entire legal career has focused on representing injured people in civil lawsuits.
Kristi's career in the law spans nearly 30 years—from 1995 through the present. Her understanding of complex litigation, such as wrongful death, against municipalities, hospital systems, corporate landowners, and insurers, is second to none. She is respected by judges, mediators, and opposing counsel for her knowledge of the law and her ability to break down complex ideas into simple terms. Known for her professionalism, in 2018, she was selected by her peers to receive the Washington State Association for Justice's “Professionalism Award.”
Kristi's work on cases often doesn't end when a verdict or settlement is reached. In 2013, Kristi was fortunate to work with her friend and client, Dana, to help rewrite the law on the landlord's obligation to protect the keys to its tenant's residence. The “Safe Keys Law” RCW 59.18.060(7) was the result of Dana's brave fight, after her case concluded, to make Washington state a safer place for all of us.
In 2009 she was honored to be selected as the “Ready to Soar New Member of the Year” by the Washington State Association for Justice. She is proud to be “A-Rated” by Martindale Hubbell and is a “Super Lawyer.” Kristi is listed among the “Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers® Attorney national rating system.
Her cases have included successful suits against FedEx, Allstate, Mutual of Enumclaw, municipalities, school districts, manufacturers of defective products, negligent doctors, and corporate landlords on behalf of injured or deceased victims.
Kristi is an active high school mom, stepmom, and auntie. She is a runner and adores her chocolate lab, Milo. Kristi volunteers with her church and is involved in several civic organizations. She and her husband, Larry, live in Richland.
- Washington State Association for Justice's “Professionalism Award” – 2018
- Washington State Association for Justice's Ready to Soar New Member of the Year – 2009
- Super Lawyer “Rising Star” – 2012-2015 (learn about the selection process)
- “Super Lawyer” – 2016-present (learn about the selection process)
- “AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell” (learn about the selection process)
- “The Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers® attorney national rating system
- Avvo “Superb” Rating
- Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 598 Scholarship
- Richland Rotary Scholarship
- Washington State University “Scholar in Residence Award”
- Washington State University “Outstanding Pre-Law Student Award”
- CADD Foundation Scholarship
- Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) – 2005-present
- Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ) – Eagle Member (Board of Governors 2012-2021)
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)
- Idaho Law Review – Patron Program Coordinator (2004-2005)
- American Civil Liberties Union – Student Board Member (1999-2000)
- The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington – 2005-present
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Golden Key
- National Society for Collegiate Scholars
- Washington State University, B.A. magna cum laude – 2001
- University of Idaho College of Law, J.D. magna cum laude – 2005