Kristi has been a mediator with First Court since 2020. In 2022, Kristi became one of our trial consultants as well, bringing decades of experience in the courtroom as both an attorney and judge. Utilizing her background as the former Director of Advocacy at Charleston School of Law, Kristi has provided research and strategic advice on many cases. Over the years, she taught numerous courses including legal communication, effective persuasion, and trial skills at colleges and conferences across the country. She has trained and consulted in six different countries on American jury trial skills.
Kristi became the youngest Circuit Court judge and one of only six female circuit judges in the state of
South Carolina on February 6, 2008, when she was unanimously elected by the state legislature. Kristi tried to verdict over 250 jury trials. Her representative cases include medical malpractice, construction defect, personal injury, and murder. During those trials, Kristi had the opportunity to observe and to interact with thousands of jurors and uses that knowledge to give practical advice from a unique perspective.
On June 30, 2018, Kristi retired from the bench after serving two terms. She is a certified South Carolina Supreme Court mediator and arbitrator. She is honored to be on the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Judicial Panel and a member of Arbitral Women. She is a past-Chair of the Faculty Council of The National Judicial College, where she has taught judges nationally on evidence issues and the transition from private practice to the bench.
What’s your favorite thing about working at First Court?
It truly is a family business. From the first day working here, I felt welcomed and a part of the larger group.
What are two fun facts about you?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Antarctica is next on my list.
What's your biggest dream?
To walk the Camino de Santiago.
What would you order at a coffee shop?
Coffee. Black.
Contact Kristi:
Email: kristi@firstcourt.com
