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Kristen Herwitz
Attorney (General Counsel) for Heart-Led Businesses
Professional Background
Kristen Herwitz is an accomplished attorney specializing in empowering women entrepreneurs through comprehensive legal strategies. With a robust background that includes serving as General Counsel for BlogHer, Kristen played a pivotal role in nurturing one of the largest women-focused digital media platforms on the internet. Her hands-on experience in navigating fundraising, compliance, and protective contract setup has equipped her with unparalleled insights into the legal landscape that businesses face. Today, Kristen channels her knowledge into her practice at Herwitz Law, where she curates and implements strategic legal plans tailored to the unique needs of women-led ventures.
In her career, Kristen has successfully worked with a diverse range of industries, all sharing the common goal of elevating women's voices and creating mission-driven work. As a strong advocate for female entrepreneurs, her passion transcends legal counsel; it embodies her commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive in business. Kristen’s approach emphasizes a partnership model where she collaborates closely with clients to ensure their businesses are legally sound while also aligned with their overarching goals and aspirations.
Education and Achievements
Kristen’s educational journey laid the foundation for her successful legal career. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she cultivated her passion for law and honed her legal expertise. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she balanced academic rigor with her budding interest in entrepreneurial endeavors.
Her educational background is complemented by significant hands-on experience in various legal and business roles. She has served as a Judicial Extern at the Supreme Court of California and gained valuable insights as a Legal Research Assistant for Professor Jo Carrillo at Hastings. Kristen’s versatility is further illustrated by her time as a Commercial Contracts Consultant at Savds and her foundational role as a Corporate and Securities Paralegal at Perkins Coie LLP. Notably, her early career included significant experience as a Banker and Small Business Specialist at Bank of America, which provided her with a well-rounded perspective on the intersection between law and business.
Through her work, Kristen has developed an extensive portfolio of protective contracts and strategic legal plans, which are essential for women entrepreneurs looking to safeguard their businesses. She firmly believes in the power of legal protection as a means to achieve personal and professional growth, and this belief is woven into her work ethos. Additionally, Kristen exhibits a dedication to social responsibility, as she reinvests or donates at least 10% of her profits to organizations focused on supporting women and promoting social justice. This forward-thinking and impactful approach is a hallmark of her practice.
Contributions and Impact
Beyond her role as an attorney, Kristen is committed to creating a community of empowered women entrepreneurs. Through her website, she outlines not only her services but also her commitment to social impact. By supporting women-led initiatives and mission-driven work, Kristen cultivates an ecosystem where women can not only start their own businesses but also find the resources and legal support they, crucially, need to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Her belief in paying it forward is deeply embedded in her professional practices, serving as a beacon of hope and support for women looking to break into entrepreneurship.
Kristen's previous experience as the Owner and Recipe Developer of Batterlicker.com allowed her to explore her creative side while solidifying her business acumen, showcasing her multifaceted talents that contribute to her ability to serve clients comprehensively. Each role she has embraced has been a step on her journey toward creating meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of women entrepreneurs.
Kristen's efforts to elevate women's roles in business extend beyond her client work. She is an advocate for women in law and encourages collaboration and mentorship among women in the legal field. As she continues her practice, Kristen remains focused on the importance of creating opportunities, legal protections, and a supportive environment for the women she works with.
In summary, Kristen Herwitz is a trailblazer in the legal field, committed to empowering women entrepreneurs with the strategic tools they need to succeed. Her unique blend of legal expertise, business understanding, and commitment to social impact positions her as a guiding light for women embarking on their entrepreneurship journeys. Through Herwitz Law, Kristen continues to influence and shape the future of women-led businesses, ensuring that they are not only protected legally but are also set up for success as they grow and evolve.
