Over the course of the past several years, law firm leaders have too often found themselves dealing with difficult situations on multiple fronts, all at the same time. From political strife to natural disasters, the leaders of some of our nation’s largest law firms have had to deal with near-constant disruptions, all the while figuring out how to put their firms in the best place for the future.
What’s it like behind the scenes at one of these firms? How can a managing partner lead with action, instead of mere optics? Who better to ask than the leader of a prominent law firm?
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kristina Lawson, managing partner of Hanson Bridgett — one of the largest California-based Am Law 200 firms — to get her thoughts on the matter. As a former mayor and current Chair of the Bay Area Council, Lawson is someone who truly understands how the legal profession intersects with California’s most pressing challenges, including wildfires, political volatility, regulatory gridlock, and now protests tied to recent ICE raids. Here is a (lightly edited and condensed) write-up of our lively conversation on law firm leadership during challenging times.
Staci Zaretsky (SZ): As the first woman to serve as managing partner of the firm, how do you think your leadership differs from that of your predecessors?
Kristina Lawson (KL): While I’m proud to be the first woman to serve as managing partner of Hanson Bridgett, I don’t view leadership through a gender lens. I’ve had the benefit of learning from my predecessor, Andrew Giacomini, who led the firm for nearly two decades. His tenure provided a strong foundation, and I’ve worked to build on his legacy by bringing my own perspective, priorities, and strengths to the role.
I am deeply committed to collaboration, creating opportunity, and staying true to our values. I focus on fostering meaningful relationships — within the firm, in our communities, and with our clients — and empowering people at every level of the firm to lead and succeed. I believe in values-based leadership that drives all that we do. That approach has led to our continued growth and success — and it reflects the kind of leader I’ve always strived to be.
SZ: From wildfires to ICE raids, how is your experience as a former California mayor impacting the way you’re guiding the firm through the state’s latest turbulence?
KL: As a proud Californian and former mayor, I know that crisis leadership requires empathy, clarity, and action. Our communities have faced enormous challenges — from wildfires to economic instability to political unrest — and those events demand not just legal guidance but strong leadership. My experience in public service has certainly helped shape and inform my community-oriented approach and leadership style.
When ICE raids affected California employers earlier this year, our team moved quickly. We published legal alerts, hosted an open-access webinar for employers, and made sure resources were available to clients and the greater business community. During the wildfires in Southern California, we opened our offices as places of refuge, launched a fire relief program for affected employees, and mobilized our pro bono team to support recovery efforts.
This work reflects a core belief: law firms have a role — and a responsibility — to play in helping communities weather disruption. We lead with values, we act quickly, and we show up. We view our firm as part of the fabric of California, embedded in the communities we serve.
SZ: Please tell me a little more about your values-based leadership at the firm, and how you’re showing up to assist lawyers and staff members.
KL: Our strategic plan describes how we are “Leading the way.” For me, that doesn’t just mean setting an example; it means letting your values guide you and creating opportunity for others to succeed. Values-based leadership means we always ground our decisions in integrity, respect, and collaboration. Those aren’t just words — they’re our guideposts, especially in challenging moments.
I show up by listening to our people, being present, and creating space for honest conversation. Whether you’re a first-year associate or a longtime member of our operations team, my goal is for everyone to feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow. We invest in professional development, expand access to leadership opportunities, and foster an inclusive culture where people can bring their whole selves to work.
It also means being bold when it matters. During the wildfires this year, we didn’t hesitate — we acted quickly to care for our employees and our community. In less tumultuous moments, we keep pushing forward, embracing new ideas, and holding each other accountable to our shared goals.
Ultimately, values-based leadership is a journey. It’s about evolving, listening, and never losing sight of what matters most: our people and our purpose.
SZ: You’ve spoken publicly about the responsibility of law firm leaders to defend the rule of law and democratic institutions. How has that commitment shaped your leadership in today’s political climate?
KL: For me, as a lawyer, defending the rule of law is pretty straightforward — and it’s not political. You either stand up for what’s right, or you stay silent. I believe deeply in the rule of law and the strength of our democracy. So for me, silence isn’t an option.
While I respect differing viewpoints, I also recognize that the legal profession carries a unique responsibility to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure access to justice. Law firm leaders must lead by example and be willing to speak out and act in accordance with those values. Thankfully, I’m not alone. Committing to uphold the rule of law isn’t situational, it’s foundational. In today’s political climate, it’s more important than ever that we don’t lose sight of our oath. In terms of how that’s shaped my leadership, I’ve placed greater focus on creating space for honest dialogue, offering a steady voice in uncertain times, and speaking up with courage when it matters most. I believe that can play a big role in inspiring confidence in us as leaders.
SZ: Many firms are reassessing the future of diversity and inclusion amid political backlash. How has Hanson Bridgett responded?
KL: At Hanson Bridgett, DEI isn’t performative — it’s core to who we are and more important now than ever. We’ve built a workplace where diversity is celebrated, where belonging is cultivated, and where our policies reflect our values. When the political climate turned hostile, we didn’t back down. In fact, we doubled down, because we know that inclusion drives better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the profession.
Our DEI programs comply with the law and are rooted in real needs. Take our associate sabbatical program: it began as a response to data showing that women attorneys were disproportionately leaving the profession during the pandemic. Now, it benefits all high-performing associates, helping prevent burnout and improving retention across the board.
We also continue to collect and act on data, invest in professional development, and listen to feedback across the firm. Our people and clients expect leadership on these issues. And we’ve heard from law students, candidates, and longtime colleagues that they appreciate our consistency and courage.
We won’t let political winds dictate our values. We believe in fairness, opportunity, and the power of diverse perspectives. That’s not changing — and neither are we.
On behalf of everyone here at Above the Law, we’d like to thank Kristina Lawson of Hanson Bridgett for taking the time to help answer some pressing questions on the challenges involved with running a law firm during an era of upheaval.

Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.
The post Hanson Bridgett’s Managing Partner Shares Her Thoughts On Leading A Law Firm Through Challenging Times appeared first on Above the Law.

Over the course of the past several years, law firm leaders have too often found themselves dealing with difficult situations on multiple fronts, all at the same time. From political strife to natural disasters, the leaders of some of our nation’s largest law firms have had to deal with near-constant disruptions, all the while figuring out how to put their firms in the best place for the future.
What’s it like behind the scenes at one of these firms? How can a managing partner lead with action, instead of mere optics? Who better to ask than the leader of a prominent law firm?
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kristina Lawson, managing partner of Hanson Bridgett — one of the largest California-based Am Law 200 firms — to get her thoughts on the matter. As a former mayor and current Chair of the Bay Area Council, Lawson is someone who truly understands how the legal profession intersects with California’s most pressing challenges, including wildfires, political volatility, regulatory gridlock, and now protests tied to recent ICE raids. Here is a (lightly edited and condensed) write-up of our lively conversation on law firm leadership during challenging times.
Staci Zaretsky (SZ): As the first woman to serve as managing partner of the firm, how do you think your leadership differs from that of your predecessors?
Kristina Lawson (KL): While I’m proud to be the first woman to serve as managing partner of Hanson Bridgett, I don’t view leadership through a gender lens. I’ve had the benefit of learning from my predecessor, Andrew Giacomini, who led the firm for nearly two decades. His tenure provided a strong foundation, and I’ve worked to build on his legacy by bringing my own perspective, priorities, and strengths to the role.
I am deeply committed to collaboration, creating opportunity, and staying true to our values. I focus on fostering meaningful relationships — within the firm, in our communities, and with our clients — and empowering people at every level of the firm to lead and succeed. I believe in values-based leadership that drives all that we do. That approach has led to our continued growth and success — and it reflects the kind of leader I’ve always strived to be.
SZ: From wildfires to ICE raids, how is your experience as a former California mayor impacting the way you’re guiding the firm through the state’s latest turbulence?
KL: As a proud Californian and former mayor, I know that crisis leadership requires empathy, clarity, and action. Our communities have faced enormous challenges — from wildfires to economic instability to political unrest — and those events demand not just legal guidance but strong leadership. My experience in public service has certainly helped shape and inform my community-oriented approach and leadership style.
When ICE raids affected California employers earlier this year, our team moved quickly. We published legal alerts, hosted an open-access webinar for employers, and made sure resources were available to clients and the greater business community. During the wildfires in Southern California, we opened our offices as places of refuge, launched a fire relief program for affected employees, and mobilized our pro bono team to support recovery efforts.
This work reflects a core belief: law firms have a role — and a responsibility — to play in helping communities weather disruption. We lead with values, we act quickly, and we show up. We view our firm as part of the fabric of California, embedded in the communities we serve.
SZ: Please tell me a little more about your values-based leadership at the firm, and how you’re showing up to assist lawyers and staff members.
KL: Our strategic plan describes how we are “Leading the way.” For me, that doesn’t just mean setting an example; it means letting your values guide you and creating opportunity for others to succeed. Values-based leadership means we always ground our decisions in integrity, respect, and collaboration. Those aren’t just words — they’re our guideposts, especially in challenging moments.
I show up by listening to our people, being present, and creating space for honest conversation. Whether you’re a first-year associate or a longtime member of our operations team, my goal is for everyone to feel respected, supported, and empowered to grow. We invest in professional development, expand access to leadership opportunities, and foster an inclusive culture where people can bring their whole selves to work.
It also means being bold when it matters. During the wildfires this year, we didn’t hesitate — we acted quickly to care for our employees and our community. In less tumultuous moments, we keep pushing forward, embracing new ideas, and holding each other accountable to our shared goals.
Ultimately, values-based leadership is a journey. It’s about evolving, listening, and never losing sight of what matters most: our people and our purpose.
SZ: You’ve spoken publicly about the responsibility of law firm leaders to defend the rule of law and democratic institutions. How has that commitment shaped your leadership in today’s political climate?
KL: For me, as a lawyer, defending the rule of law is pretty straightforward — and it’s not political. You either stand up for what’s right, or you stay silent. I believe deeply in the rule of law and the strength of our democracy. So for me, silence isn’t an option.
While I respect differing viewpoints, I also recognize that the legal profession carries a unique responsibility to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure access to justice. Law firm leaders must lead by example and be willing to speak out and act in accordance with those values. Thankfully, I’m not alone. Committing to uphold the rule of law isn’t situational, it’s foundational. In today’s political climate, it’s more important than ever that we don’t lose sight of our oath. In terms of how that’s shaped my leadership, I’ve placed greater focus on creating space for honest dialogue, offering a steady voice in uncertain times, and speaking up with courage when it matters most. I believe that can play a big role in inspiring confidence in us as leaders.
SZ: Many firms are reassessing the future of diversity and inclusion amid political backlash. How has Hanson Bridgett responded?
KL: At Hanson Bridgett, DEI isn’t performative — it’s core to who we are and more important now than ever. We’ve built a workplace where diversity is celebrated, where belonging is cultivated, and where our policies reflect our values. When the political climate turned hostile, we didn’t back down. In fact, we doubled down, because we know that inclusion drives better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the profession.
Our DEI programs comply with the law and are rooted in real needs. Take our associate sabbatical program: it began as a response to data showing that women attorneys were disproportionately leaving the profession during the pandemic. Now, it benefits all high-performing associates, helping prevent burnout and improving retention across the board.
We also continue to collect and act on data, invest in professional development, and listen to feedback across the firm. Our people and clients expect leadership on these issues. And we’ve heard from law students, candidates, and longtime colleagues that they appreciate our consistency and courage.
We won’t let political winds dictate our values. We believe in fairness, opportunity, and the power of diverse perspectives. That’s not changing — and neither are we.
On behalf of everyone here at Above the Law, we’d like to thank Kristina Lawson of Hanson Bridgett for taking the time to help answer some pressing questions on the challenges involved with running a law firm during an era of upheaval.

Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Bluesky, X/Twitter, and Threads, or connect with her on LinkedIn.