Litigation and Dispute Resolution Kristin is highly
regarded by the bench and her peers and has 22 years' experience as a
trial lawyer. She also serves frequently as an arbitrator and engages
in many mediations, thus Kristin has great expertise and insight into
getting cases resolved without the expense of trial. Her goal is always
to find the most effective and efficient way to resolve disputes. Kristin's
litigation expertise is primarily in the areas of general business and
commercial disputes, conflicts among partnerships, real estate law,
disputed probates and guardianships, construction matters and personal
injuries. Kristin has argued and won cases before the Court of Appeals,
United States District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Personal Injury Kristin
represents clients in all types of personal injury matters including
motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, construction accidents
and premises liability claims. Her most recent settlement in a motor
vehicle accident was over $200,000. If you are injured, it is
important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible, to
enhance your chances of obtaining a fair and complete recovery for your
injuries. Kristin believes that litigation should be the last resort,
reserved for the most serious cases. However,
if your case does need to go to trial, Kristin has significant trial
experience. Your case will be handled competently by Kristin, who will
diligently represent you from the beginning of insurance negotiations
with the insurance adjusters to thoroughly preparing your case for trial
and taking it to trial, if necessary. Employment Law Kristin
counsels and advises employers and employees in areas ranging from
workplace policy to separation of employment issues. She has engaged
with individual and small business clients to both plan policy and
personnel changes, as well as to negotiate when a particular event has
occurred in a client's work or business life. While
litigation is best avoided, Kristin has the experience and expertise to
guide employers or employees through the adversarial process to obtain a
good outcome whether the setting is an administrative proceeding,
mediation, arbitration, or in court. Estate Planning/Probate Having
the tools in place to ensure that your property passes as you wish upon
your death provides not only peace of mind, but is essential for
efficient estate administration. Kristin assists clients with all of
the documents appropriate to carry out their estate planning goals:
Wills, Trusts, Community Property Agreements, Pre-Nuptial Agreements and
other marital agreements. Your
estate planning package should also include powers of attorney, giving
persons of your choosing the authority to make certain decisions,
including financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf, if you
become unable to do so. Directives to physicians (living wills) should
also be prepared to address your desires regarding use of
"extraordinary means" to prolong your life. Upon the death of a loved one, Kristin can also assist the surviving spouse, children, personal representative or trustee in carrying out the administration of the decedent's estate. Her goal is always to ensure that the estate is managed not only in compliance with applicable legal requirements, but also as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Real Estate/Landlord Tenant Law Kristin
is experienced in handling all aspects of purchases, sales and
leasing of residential and commercial properties. Complemented by her
litigation practice, Kristin is also well-versed in handling lease
disputes and enforcement issues. Kristin has handled numerous
residential and commercial evictions, primarily for landlords. Guardianships If
your loved one is incapable of handling his or her affairs and there is
no power of attorney, you must petition the court to be appointed the
guardian of the person and/or the estate. Guardianships are frequently
contested and Kristin has experience filing the petition, working with
the guardian ad litem and making sure that you are appointed guardian in
the most efficient and stress-free manner. Sealing Juvenile Records/Vacating Misdemeanors In
certain circumstances, your past criminal history can be sealed or
expunged. Kristin has experience doing this for many clients. If this
is important to you for job reasons or other reasons, you should
schedule an appointment with Kristin. |