August 2, 2024
Kristin Bender, a partner in the Litigation Department and a member of the Crisis Management Group and the Strategic Motions & Appeals Group, has been profiled in “How I Made Partner,” a Law.com series spotlighting the industry’s notable new partners and their guidelines for success.
In the Q&A profile, Kristin discussed her path to partnership at Willkie and her development as a leading litigator, highlighting the skills and opportunities that have guided her career.
Kristin joined Willkie in 2020 and was elected to the firm’s partnership in 2024. She maintains a robust pro bono practice and has served as trial counsel for plaintiffs and defendants on numerous federal trials. Most recently, Kristin was instrumental on the Willkie team at trial on behalf of former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in a lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani for launching a conspiracy to falsely accuse them of committing election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The trial resulted in a $148.1 million jury verdict.
She also offered advice to associates looking to make partner: “show and tell.” She stressed the importance of communicating one’s goals at the firm and picking up cases that will enhance one’s skills and increase exposure.
Kristin reflected on the mentors and colleagues who have influenced her career, the importance of relationships, and the practices and people who drew her to join Willkie.
“It is my impression that making partner is some combination of exposure, timing, soft skills, and hard skills,” she said. “I couldn't tell you the breakdown of these elements in my case, but I do know that each ingredient was at play—and I'm extremely grateful for those who advocated for me along the way.”
Read the full profile here (subscription may be required).
In the Q&A profile, Kristin discussed her path to partnership at Willkie and her development as a leading litigator, highlighting the skills and opportunities that have guided her career.
Kristin joined Willkie in 2020 and was elected to the firm’s partnership in 2024. She maintains a robust pro bono practice and has served as trial counsel for plaintiffs and defendants on numerous federal trials. Most recently, Kristin was instrumental on the Willkie team at trial on behalf of former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in a lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani for launching a conspiracy to falsely accuse them of committing election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. The trial resulted in a $148.1 million jury verdict.
She also offered advice to associates looking to make partner: “show and tell.” She stressed the importance of communicating one’s goals at the firm and picking up cases that will enhance one’s skills and increase exposure.
Kristin reflected on the mentors and colleagues who have influenced her career, the importance of relationships, and the practices and people who drew her to join Willkie.
“It is my impression that making partner is some combination of exposure, timing, soft skills, and hard skills,” she said. “I couldn't tell you the breakdown of these elements in my case, but I do know that each ingredient was at play—and I'm extremely grateful for those who advocated for me along the way.”
Read the full profile here (subscription may be required).
