Biography

As corporate transactional counsel to a variety of corporate clients with operations around the globe, Kristy guides her clients in meeting their business objectives while understanding that risk-taking is often part of moving a business forward. Rather than viewing risks as roadblocks to her client’s business objectives, Kristy helps clients minimize risk when possible and otherwise understand, evaluate and weigh the risks presented against the potential for business growth. She utilizes her significant experience to help clients identify areas of risk and potential conflict in their business transactions and then carefully crafts and negotiates contracts on their behalf. Her practical, common sense approach to advising clients sets her apart from other corporate attorneys and allows her to build long-lasting relationships with her clients, not just as their attorney but as a trusted advisor and team member.

Kristy represents a diverse group of clients, ranging from small locally-owned businesses to national and international corporate clients of all sizes. For many business clients, Kristy serves in a general counsel role, coordinating with subject matter specialists within Preti Flaherty and in other states and countries as needed.

Kristy previously served as the Chair of Preti Flaherty’s Corporate and M&A Practice Group for two years, managing one of the firm’s largest and most diverse practice groups.

Outside the firm, Kristy is actively involved in the Greater Portland community. She served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine from 2008-2016, and as its Board President from 2013-2015, and, until recently, as the Vice President of Maternal Health Alliance of Maine, an organization committed to supporting women facing maternal challenges, including post-partum depression, through awareness, collaboration, education, and communication. Kristy lives in Scarborough with her husband and three young children where she has been a volunteer youth softball coach and serves as the president of her neighborhood homeowner’s association.

Civic and Charitable Activities

  • Former Vice President, Maternal Health Alliance of Maine
  • Former Board Member and former President, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine
  • Former Board Member, Kennebunk Development Corporation
  • Former Committee Member, Mad Horse Theater, Jump Start Committee

Firm Highlights

News

Preti Flaherty Names Michael S. Smith as Managing Partner

Preti Flaherty announced this week the election of Michael S. Smith as the firm’s new Managing Partner, effective July 15, 2024. He succeeds David Van Slyke, who is resuming his role as chair of...

News

36 Preti Flaherty Attorneys, including 4 “Ones to Watch” Recognized by National Directory

Thirty-six Preti Flaherty attorneys, including four “Ones to Watch,” have been named to Best Lawyers in America 2025, a highly regarded directory of attorneys and law firms in the United States. The individual attorneys...

Press Coverage

Portland law firm Preti Flaherty unveils renovated HQ space

Preti Flaherty has remodeled its Portland headquarters, spanning three floors and 41,000 square feet at One City Center. The update features hybrid workstations, collaborative areas, and an internal staircase that integrates flexible conference and...

Event

2024 Maine Employment Law Summit

Join us for Preti Flaherty's 2024 Maine Employment Law Summit! For almost three decades, Preti Flaherty's Employment Law team has delivered practical insights and best practices to Maine employers at our annual fall Employment...

News

Matthew C. Worthen Joins Preti Flaherty’s Real Estate and Finance Practice Group

Preti Flaherty is pleased to welcome Matthew C. Worthen as a Director in the firm’s Real Estate and Finance Group. Worthen previously served as a Shareholder and Chair of the Real Estate Group at...

Publication

Supreme Court Clarifies Constitutionality of Outdoor Camping Bans

Earlier today the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the  City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson et al. , overturning a 2019 decision from the 9 th  Circuit Court, which held...

Publication

Recent Massachusetts Appeals Court Decision Holds that Construction Defects Are Not Covered by CGL Policy

The recent Massachusetts Appeals Court decision in Lessard v. R.C. Havens & Sons, Inc. (August 2024) offers important clarification for contractors, subcontractors, and insurers regarding the coverage of construction defects under commercial general liability...

Press Coverage

Looking to 'new generation,' Preti Flaherty promotes 42-year-old litigator to managing partner

Effective July 15, Michael S. Smith has been named managing partner of the law firm Preti Flaherty. Michael succeeds David Van Slyke, who will resume his role as chair of the firm’s environmental practice...

Publication

Maine DEP Issues PFAS in Products Concept Draft Rule

The Maine DEP’s PFAS in Products Program has released its long-awaited Chapter 90 concept draft language (the “PFAS in Products Rule”) for implementation of Maine’s recently-amended “PFAS in Products Law.” The concept draft provides...

Publication

Copyright Litigation: Substantial Similarity

In copyright litigation, courts assess substantial similarity to determine if alleged copying constitutes infringement. This evaluation involves comparing works across different categories using objective measures and subjective impressions to weigh similarities and dissimilarities. Even when...