Kristina Bergsten began her legal career in 2013 at a family law firm in Pennsylvania. Early on, she had the support of mentors who allowed her to explore different areas of law. When she expressed an interest in animal and environmental law, her employers encouraged her to pursue it, despite not knowing much about animal law at the time. Once they added animal law to the firm’s website, they began receiving numerous inquiries regarding pet custody disputes, stolen pets, and even cases involving law enforcement and animals. At EliteX, we are proud to have Kristina Bergsten as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Legal World, 2025.
Kristina Bergsten | Owner | The Animal Law Firm
In 2016, personal changes led Kristina to move to Colorado. She initially planned to find an associate position at a law firm but faced challenges securing a role. While waiting for her law license transfer from Pennsylvania to Colorado, she took a temporary job at a tax resolution company. However, within a month, the company came under investigation for the unauthorized practice of law, forcing her and other attorneys to make a tough decision. Determined to continue her legal career, she reached out to contacts in search of work. Though no one had immediate opportunities, a private investigator offered her an office space to start her own practice. Despite feeling apprehensive, she decided to take the risk and establish her own firm. Initially, she did not intend to focus solely on animal law, but as client inquiries centered around that area, she removed other practice areas from her website. Over time, her firm, The Animal Law Firm, expanded to five states: Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Pennsylvania, handling pet custody, dog bite defense, service animal representation, equine law, and veterinary malpractice.
“Tenacity is integral to the practice of law—you have to get back up and try again.”
Kristina’s initial goal in pursuing law was to advocate for environmental justice, particularly for communities affected by environmental racism. However, the opportunities available after law school led her into family law, where she eventually discovered a deep passion for animal law. The most rewarding aspect of her work is saving animals from euthanasia. Her firm has had significant success in this area, and she takes pride in being at the forefront of an emerging legal field. As one of the few multi-state firms exclusively dedicated to animal law, she and her team constantly develop new legal arguments and push boundaries to protect animals and their owners.
As a woman in the legal profession, Kristina has faced significant challenges. She frequently experiences bias from judges and opposing counsel, particularly in a field that many do not take seriously. Male attorneys often receive preferential treatment, and she has had to work harder to prove herself in court. Some peers dismiss animal law as trivial, failing to recognize its importance. Despite this, she remains steadfast in her mission, determined to elevate the legitimacy of animal law and advocate for her clients.
Among her most notable legal cases is an ongoing appeal involving Emotional Support Chickens in New Jersey. She believes the case will set a precedent for persons with disabilities who rely on support animals. Additionally, her firm won an appeal in Colorado regarding a disabled veteran and his service dog, Ruger, who faced discrimination at Colorado Mesa University. That victory strengthened protections for service dog handlers in the state, marking a significant legal achievement.
Balancing professional and personal life is a constant challenge for Kristina. As both a practicing attorney and business owner, she carries immense responsibilities. However, she finds solace in creative pursuits such as working with clay, writing novels, and spending time with her dog, Maggie. Engaging in these activities helps her maintain emotional resilience amid the demands of her career. Kristina believes that tenacity is the most essential quality for success in law. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, learning from failures, and adapting strategies when faced with setbacks. The legal profession is not about finding the “right” answer but about crafting persuasive arguments and never giving up.
While progress has been made for women in law, Kristina acknowledges that sexism remains prevalent. Many judges and male attorneys continue to exhibit biases, and inappropriate behavior persists. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to pushing forward and supporting other women in the field. Though she does not formally mentor individuals due to time constraints, she makes a concerted effort to support the young women on her team by providing guidance, encouragement, and feedback. She frequently speaks at law schools and is always willing to help aspiring attorneys who reach out for advice. Kristina sees diversity as essential to the future of law. The changing demographics of society demand legal systems that reflect and accommodate diverse perspectives. She believes that embracing diversity will be crucial in addressing future legal challenges and ensuring equitable representation.
Her greatest passion lies in animal law, but she also has a strong interest in environmental law, admiralty law, and international law. She found these areas particularly fascinating during law school, despite attending The Ohio State University, which is located in a landlocked state. The intersection of international and maritime law intrigued her, highlighting her broader interest in legal complexities beyond animal law. For young women pursuing a career in law, Kristina advises resilience and adaptability. She encourages them to stay determined despite setbacks and to learn from every experience. The legal profession is unpredictable, with each courtroom presenting unique challenges. Flexibility and perseverance are key to success.
During difficult times, Kristina finds it helpful to step back and take a break. Whether it’s a day off or a trip, taking time away from work allows her to return with a fresh perspective. She believes that self-care is crucial to maintaining motivation and effectiveness as an attorney. Regarding changes in the legal industry, Kristina advocates for stricter enforcement of professional conduct. Many judges hesitate to intervene in disputes between attorneys, allowing inappropriate behavior to go unchecked. She believes holding attorneys accountable for misconduct would improve the profession as a whole.
Looking to the future, Kristina’s ultimate goal is to expand The Animal Law Firm to all 50 states. She recognizes the growing demand for animal law attorneys and is determined to provide legal representation for pet owners across the country. Through her work, she aims to ensure that animals and their human companions receive the justice they deserve.
“Saving animals from death row is the greatest feeling.”