In the Counsel's Chair: Kristina Lawson's journey from mayor to managing partner

In this episode of In the Counsel's Chair, Kristina Lawson offers a roadmap for attorneys considering a leap into public service -- and explains why more lawyers should be willing to make it.

Kristina is the first female Managing Partner in Hanson Bridgett's 65-year history, overseeing more than 200 attorneys across eight California offices. She's also a former Mayor of Walnut Creek, current chair of the Bay Area Council, and a gubernatorial appointee to California's Medical Board.

In this conversation, Kristina discusses what convinced her to run for city council, how she managed a contested campaign while working full-time with a newborn, and which skills from legal practice gave her an advantage in office. She explains why she ultimately chose to leave elected office after one term and how she's continued advancing the issues she cares about -- housing, affordability, community development -- from the private sector.

She also shares practical strategies for balancing legal practice with public service and makes the case for why firm leaders need to value civic engagement as deeply as client work.

About Kristina: Kristina Lawson serves as the Managing Partner and Chair of the firm's Management Committee at Hanson Bridgett. As the firm's chief executive, she oversees all aspects of the firm's strategic direction and management.

In addition to leading the firm, Kristina serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Bay Area Council, an organization of 300+ influential employers committed to working with public and community leaders to keep the Bay Area the most innovative, globally competitive, inclusive, and sustainable region in the world.

Kristina is a specialist in complex California entitlement, land use, environmental/natural resources, and municipal matters.

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