Kristina is co-chair, along with Susan Stone, of KJK’s Student & Athlete Defense / Title IX Practice Group.
For more than fifteen years, Kristina has protected and counseled clients during the most difficult periods in their lives. She has developed a sophisticated federal and state practice with a particular focus on internet-based crimes. Her experience is regularly enlisted for complex cases involving allegations of sexual assault, and she has worked on national defense teams representing students and executives facing prosecution in the United States and abroad. Kristina is also extremely adept at working with families and defending juveniles facing prosecution, particularly when the child has a physical or mental disability.
Kristina has achieved great success protecting students and professors in campus Title IX proceedings, which has garnered her a national reputation. Her services are particularly sought after to navigate Title IX cases involving a parallel criminal investigation. In addition to being a skilled Title IX attorney, Kristina also helps students of all ages facing academic misconduct, research misconduct and other types of discipline. Additionally, she is certified in restorative justice and has worked to guide students through informal resolution, including mediation and restorative justice. Kristina has also represented Greek organizations involved in student disciplinary matters and assisted with drafting policies and implementing training. When Title IX and other campus misconduct matters require litigation, Kristina has filed civil suit in federal courts across the country and successfully negotiated resolutions.
Over the years, Kristina’s practice has grown to include representation of people with complex mental health and neurological disorders. She serves as a tireless advocate for clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Kristina’s understanding of ASD enables her to effectively communicate the social and behavioral deficits associated with ASD to school officials, lawyers and judges.
With training in crisis communication, Kristina leads teams that can protect her clients’ needs not only in court, schools and the workplace, but also in the public realm. Kristina and Susan Stone co-created the firm’s Reputation Management practice to protect clients facing backlash from social media and internet postings, as well as other forms of defamation. Given the diversity of her clients and their needs, Kristina understands the importance of a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategy.
Kristina regularly writes and speaks on issues involving students and education. Regarded as a go-to authority for journalists examining student legal issues, she has appeared on television and is frequently interviewed. Kristina and Susan Stone host a podcast entitled Real Talk With Susan and Kristina, which explores student issues and offers guidance for parents. Kristina also believes in the importance of service to her profession and the community. For six years, Kristina served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). She also served as a trustee for the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association. Currently, Kristina serves on the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Judge4Yourself committee, which interviews and rates judicial candidates in order to assist the public in the election of qualified judges in Ohio.
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