Overview
Kristen Hartley is an experienced trial lawyer who represents insurers and businesses in casualty and insurance-related litigation, including automobile accidents, premises liability, and commercial claims.
Kristen brings a rare and highly practical perspective to her defense practice. She spent more than 17 years as a Senior Trial Attorney at a national insurance company and its affiliated companies, defending complex claims and working closely with claims professionals to evaluate risk, develop strategy, and try cases to verdict. She later represented plaintiffs in personal injury matters, handling cases from intake through trial and arguing before the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.
This dual experience gives Kristen a clear understanding of how cases are built, valued, negotiated, and resolved on both sides. She knows how plaintiffs develop their cases — and how insurers analyze exposure and make settlement decisions. That insight allows her to anticipate strategy early, identify leverage points, and guide matters toward efficient, well-reasoned outcomes.
Kristen handles all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and trial. She has tried both bench and jury cases and regularly manages high-volume, complex caseloads.
Earlier in her career, Kristen served as an Assistant Parish Attorney for Jefferson Parish, where she handled property-related litigation and land use matters.
Professional and Community Affiliations
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Former Tier I Committee Member, Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board
- Mother’s Club, St. Dominic School
Education
- Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2004
- Louisiana State University, B.A., Political Science, 2001
Bar and Court Admissions
- Louisiana Bar, 2004
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
