Kris Costello

Kris represents clients in white-collar defense, government investigations, regulatory enforcement, professional licensing matters, and complex civil litigation.

Her practice is grounded in trial experience. She approaches matters from the outset with an understanding of how the evidence, legal theories, and strategic decisions would ultimately withstand trial, while also identifying opportunities for favorable resolution before trial becomes necessary.

Kris frequently represents clients whose legal problems extend across criminal, civil, regulatory, enforcement, licensing, and business matters.

She considers how decisions in one proceeding may affect another and coordinates strategy accordingly, particularly when several proceedings are moving at the same time or in sequence.

As a business owner herself, Kris understands that a legal problem can threaten far more than the immediate proceeding.

For the business owners and professionals she represents, an investigation, allegation, or lawsuit may affect contracts, financing, employees, professional licenses, reputation, and the ability to continue operating. She approaches these matters as both legal and business problems, with the broader consequences in view.

Kris has tried more than 50 cases in state and federal court.

That courtroom experience informs how she evaluates evidence, legal theories, risk, and strategy from the beginning of a matter. It also shapes her approach to negotiation, pre-charge advocacy, and resolution, because preparation for trial often strengthens the client’s position long before a trial becomes necessary.

Kris is a longtime leader within the Women’s White Collar Defense Association and founded WWCDA’s Small Firm Initiative to support collaboration, professional development, and greater recognition of small-firm white-collar practitioners.

She taught trial advocacy at the University of Washington for 17 years and continues to mentor and develop lawyers.