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Overview

Kristen helps both emerging startups and established international companies grow their businesses and scale to the next level.

As a corporate attorney, Kristen combines the lessons she learned and the skills acquired as a collegiate athlete to ensure that clients are adequately prepared on their own “game day.” With a reputation of resilience and determination, Kristen knows that success is all about the ability to anticipate the next steps and that having the discipline to attend to even the most minute details will often win the day. 

Kristen began her legal career as a summer associate at Husch Blackwell where she quickly built an interest in business and complex transactions. More importantly, she realized that corporate law could create a path for her to advocate for both individuals and their surrounding communities. Although Kristen works with clients of all sizes, she is especially passionate about helping startups and minority-owned businesses get off the ground and grow.

Kristen devotes the majority of her practice to corporate matters, with occasional work on commercial real estate transactions. She assists on various aspects of corporate matters, such as corporate governance and general corporate due diligence, including guidance on state and federal regulations for nonprofits, LLCs and corporations, as well as with transactions and accompanying agreements, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, franchise disclosure and registration matters, and non-disclosure agreements. Kristen also helps clients obtain certification for new businesses and initial seeding and funding.

Services

Education

  • J.D., Marquette University Law School
    • Marquette Law Review, Articles Editor
    • Black Law Student Association, Secretary
    • Student Bar Association, Vice President
    • Academic Success Program Leader, Contracts and Legal Analysis and Writing
    • Judicial Intern to Justice Rebecca Grassl Bradley
    • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Scholar
  • B.A., Virginia Wesleyan University
    • Political Science, Business Administration minor
    • Varsity Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • Texas

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
2023 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Drafted, reviewed and revised intercompany loan agreement for company valued at $5.3 billion.
  • Revised series seed equity financing packages.
  • Reviewed and negotiated municipal economic incentive agreements for emerging businesses.
  • Drafted stock purchase agreement for franchisee owner of fast-food restaurant.
  • Provided state-specific guidance to consumer financial services company on leasing agreements throughout the country.
Case Studies
Building a Lasting Partnership

Husch Blackwell’s Communities for Change initiative has walked alongside a Milwaukee real estate developer since early 2021, helping the company grow in both revenue and influence and building a valuable partnership.

SpenDebt Accepted to Northwestern Mutual Black Founder's Accelerator With Pro Bono Legal Assistance From HB Communities for Change

HB Communities for Change helped SpenDebt prepare its application for the prestigious accelerator that granted the startup a $100,000 investment.

Outside the Office

Kristen loves to travel and binge-watch Netflix. She also looks forward to continuing volunteer tutoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Community Leadership
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, Tutor