In the ever-evolving landscape of California’s legal industry, where political shifts, environmental crises, and global pandemics intersect with complex regulatory demands, leadership demands more than just legal acumen—it requires vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to core values. Kristina D. Lawson, the Managing Partner of Hanson Bridgett LLP, embodies this multifaceted approach. As the first female Managing Partner in the firm’s over 65-year history, Lawson has steered the Am Law 200 firm through unprecedented challenges since assuming the role in January 2021. Her tenure has not only stabilized the firm during tumult but has also propelled it toward significant growth, all while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Hanson Bridgett, a California-based full-service law firm with offices across the state, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Walnut Creek, has long been recognized for its expertise in areas such as land use, environmental law, construction, and government relations. Under Lawson’s leadership, the firm has earned accolades like a Band 1 ranking in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide for its Construction Section—one of only three firms in California to achieve this distinction—and consistent recognition as one of the “Best Places to Work” in multiple regions, including 18 consecutive years in the San Francisco Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times. These honors reflect not just legal prowess but a holistic approach to firm management that Lawson has championed amid ongoing crises.
A Multifaceted Background Shaping Leadership
Lawson’s path to the helm of Hanson Bridgett is rooted in a diverse blend of public service, legal expertise, and community involvement. A native Californian, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now UC Law San Francisco), and began her career in Big Law before transitioning to Hanson Bridgett, where she specialized in complex land use, environmental, and municipal law. Her practice has focused on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, real estate development, and regulatory matters, advising clients on high-stakes projects amid the state’s stringent environmental regulations.
Beyond the courtroom and boardroom, Lawson’s public service record has profoundly influenced her leadership style. She served as Mayor of Walnut Creek, California, from 2012 to 2013, and later as Chair of the Bay Area Council, a prominent business association advocating for economic growth and policy solutions in the San Francisco Bay Area. In July 2023, she was appointed as the Council’s new Chair of the Board and Executive Committee, a role that positioned her at the forefront of regional issues like housing shortages, transportation, and economic recovery post-pandemic. Additionally, Lawson has been reappointed to the Medical Board of California by Governor Gavin Newsom, where she contributes to oversight of medical practices and public health policies.
This intersection of public and private sectors has equipped Lawson with a unique perspective on “leading with action over optics,” as she described in a July 2025 LinkedIn post reflecting on her approach to firm management. In an interview with Bloomberg Law in April 2021, shortly after becoming Managing Partner, Lawson emphasized how her mayoral experience informed her leadership: “Being a public servant has taught me the importance of community service and pro bono work in attracting clients and building trust.” She credits mentors for guiding her career, underscoring the value of relationships in navigating professional challenges.
Assuming the Reins Amid Crisis
Lawson took over as Managing Partner in January 2021, a time when the legal industry was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Law firms nationwide grappled with remote work transitions, client uncertainties, and talent retention issues. For Hanson Bridgett, the challenges were compounded by California’s specific tumult: wildfires ravaging the state, political polarization, and economic disruptions from lockdowns. Yet, under Lawson’s guidance, the firm not only weathered these storms but grew, adding 15% more attorneys in 2020 alone and expanding key practice areas.
One of her early decisive actions was implementing a vaccine mandate for all employees and visitors to firm offices and events in July 2021, a move ahead of many peers and reflective of her public health background. In a Law.com interview, Lawson explained the rationale: “We prioritized safety to ensure continuity for our clients amid ongoing health risks.” This values-driven decision aligned with the firm’s commitment to employee well-being, which has contributed to its repeated “Best Places to Work” designations.
Environmental and political crises have also tested Lawson’s mettle. California’s wildfires, such as those impacting Los Angeles in recent years, have heightened demand for the firm’s expertise in disaster recovery and insurance law. The firm provides resources for affected clients, including legal guidance on rebuilding and compliance. Politically, as Chair of the Bay Area Council, Lawson has moderated discussions on judicial systems and post-pandemic recovery, including a 2021 panel with California Attorney General Rob Bonta on building a better future for the state.
In a July 2025 Above the Law feature, Lawson shared insights on leading through challenging times: “The key is to lead with values that help those who truly need it, focusing on action rather than appearances.” She highlighted how the firm navigated client risks amplified by economic volatility, noting in a mid-2025 report on law firm leaders’ concerns that “the volume of risk our clients are facing requires us to build confidence through proactive strategies.”
Strategies for Growth and Innovation
Despite the tumult, Hanson Bridgett has experienced robust growth under Lawson. The firm climbed in The National Law Journal’s NLJ 500 rankings, with Lawson attributing this to strategic hires and practice expansions. In 2021, the firm revamped its associate compensation model, introducing productivity and sabbatical bonuses to attract and retain top talent amid fierce competition. Lawson told The Recorder: “This change aims to reward high-performers and foster long-term commitment.”
Innovation is central to her strategy. The firm has invested in technology for remote collaboration and expanded services in emerging areas like the Corporate Transparency Act and Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) guidance. Lawson’s leadership has also emphasized cross-practice integration, positioning Hanson Bridgett as a “one-stop shop” for California-specific legal needs.
A cornerstone of her approach is DEI. As the firm’s first female Managing Partner, Lawson has led efforts to create the most diverse leadership team in Hanson Bridgett’s history. In a February 2025 LinkedIn post, the firm celebrated her role in advancing women in leadership, noting her influence in a historically male-dominated field. Alongside Chief DEI Officer Jennifer Martinez, Lawson has prioritized full-time DEI initiatives, discussing in a May 2021 podcast why law firms must embed these efforts into their core operations. This commitment earned Lawson recognition as a 2021 honoree for Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards.
Recognition and Influence
Lawson’s impact extends beyond the firm. In April 2025, she was named a finalist for ALM’s 2025 California Legal Awards Office Managing Partner of the Year, one of eight shortlisted leaders recognized for balancing practice management with strategic vision. Earlier that month, she was included in Lawdragon’s 2025 list of 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know, one of just 31 women honored for innovative leadership. These accolades follow earlier honors, such as being named to the San Francisco Business Times’ Power 100 list in 2023.
In a January 2025 interview with Baretz+Brunelle, Lawson reflected on transitioning from Big Law to leading a values-driven mid-sized firm: “Our culture emphasizes collaboration and client service, which has been key to our resilience.” She also hosted panels at events like the 2022 World Services Group Annual Meeting, showcasing the firm’s expertise.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Sustainable Growth
As California continues to face environmental pressures, political changes, and economic shifts, Lawson’s leadership positions Hanson Bridgett for continued success. In a recent Law.com interview, she discussed shepherding the firm through crises while fostering growth: “We’ve focused on adaptability and core values to emerge stronger.” Her goals include further expanding the firm’s footprint and enhancing DEI efforts to reflect California’s diverse population.
Lawson’s story is one of trailblazing amid adversity, proving that effective leadership in law is about more than survival—it’s about thriving through innovation, inclusivity, and unwavering principles. As she continues to influence the legal landscape, Hanson Bridgett stands as a testament to what values-driven growth can achieve in tumultuous times.