My passion is in the area of family law, which I have been involved with since 1999. More specifically, to be a voice for the children of divorce. My ultimate goal is to shift the focus to the children, detour the animosity that is all too often involved in these intense and emotional cases, as these children not only get lost in the mess, but will be the ones to benefit from a lifetime of co-parenting.
Practice areas
I have fifteen years of family law experience, originating in California. I have been involved in dozens upon dozens of domestic relations cases. My passion lies with the children of divorce or other family related issues and making sure that they do not get lost within the shuffle.
20 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 2008 | 05/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top 10 Attorney | Attorney and Practice Magazine | 2018 |
Pro Bono Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2015 |
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2014 |
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2013 |
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2012 |
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2011 |
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2010 |
Public Interest Law Grant | Public Interest Clearinghouse | 2001 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Bienstock Law, PLLC | 2008 - Present |
Paralegal/Attorney | The Jimenez Law Group/Bienstock Law | 2007 - 2009 |
Law Clerk | Law Offices of Marc Berry | 2006 - 2007 |
Volunteer | San Diego Public Defender's Office | 2001 - 2002 |
Law Clerk | Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc. | 2000 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington State Bar Association | Moderate Means - Mentor Attorney | 2016 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Moderate Means - Program Attorney | 2015 - Present |
King County Superior Court | Training Oversight Committee | 2013 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Neighborhood Legal Clinic Volunteer Attorney | 2011 - Present |
Kings County Bar Association | Family Law Section | 2010 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
American Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2007 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2002 - Present |
King County Bar Foundation | Volunteer Attorney | 2011 - 2013 |
King County Bar Association | Family Law Mentee | 2010 - 2011 |
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2009 - 2011 |
ARAG | Network Attorney | 2008 - 2014 |
Washington State Bar, Family Law Section | Member | 2008 - 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
New England School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2002 |
San Diego State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1999 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Unifed family court training | Therapeutic interventions for special needs children. | 2014 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Herrera-Garcia | Bail granted; Change of venue granted. |
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Kathy Bruya, Family Attorney on Oct 27, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Emilia Castillo, Family Attorney on Jun 9, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Kathy Bruya, Family Attorney on Oct 27, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Emilia Castillo, Family Attorney on Jun 9, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Monica Chin, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 7, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Dave Hawkins, Family Attorney on Jul 27, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Gavin West, Family Attorney on Mar 25, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kristen has years of experience so nothing will surprise her, and more importantly, she really cares about her clients and passionately represents their interests in court.
Amanda Johnson, Family Attorney on Mar 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Kristen is a highly energetic and engaging individual who also knows the law. All of these qualities are necessary for a successful Family Law attorney. Not only do you as a client need to personally like your attorney, but you need someone who will use every ounce of their energy on your behalf, who can engage with opposing counsel in a professional manner, and thoroughly understands the complicated web that is Family Law. Kristen has all of these qualities. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking Family Law services in her geographic practice area.
Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Nov 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John McKindles, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 19, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work and particularly applaud her community service evidenced by the many responses to the questions posed on this site. She reflects a true empathy for her clients. As a fellow family law attorney, I appreciate the balance of legal acumen and relational sensitivity she brings to her practice, as exemplified by her contributions here. I encourage anyone dealing with a family law issue to consult with Kristen.
Gerald Lutkenhaus, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 23, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. I came across this lawyer's work on AVVO. I found her answers to be helpful and an asset to the AVVO coummunity. She has expertise in her field.
Donald Cobb, Family Attorney on Jul 9, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work. I am familiar with Ms. Bienstock from her many insightful and intelligent answers to questions posted on Avvo. Always willing to help out and give good concise answers. In the end, you may need to hire an attorney to get to the outcome you seek, but at least here you can get a good start with her informative answers, blogs, and legal guides.
J. Kulerski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 9, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Kristen Bienstock's work. I have had occasion to read many of the answers she has provided in response to questions from Avvo readers, and I am genuinely impressed with her knowledge of the law, her professionalism, and her sincerity. I give her all five stars.
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