Kristen is responsible for leading the legal team at Avita by overseeing all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, managing risk, and providing strategic legal guidance. She leads her team in the crucial role of navigating the complexities of healthcare operations, regulatory requirements, and patient safety. Her responsibilities include advising on corporate governance, handling litigation, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that all business practices align with federal and state laws. Since joining Avita in 2020, Kristen has served as Regulatory Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs.
With a career spanning over two decades, she began her career as a registered nurse providing compassionate and skilled care to patients. During this time, she honed her ability to manage complex medical situations, advocate for patient needs, and work collaboratively with healthcare teams. Driven by a passion for justice and a desire to impact the healthcare field in new ways, Kristen pursued a legal education. Her unique background as a nurse has provided invaluable insights into the legal challenges faced by healthcare institutions, professionals, and patients alike.
Prior to joining Avita, Kristen served as legal counsel at Hashmi Law Group, PLLC, providing defense and representation for hospitals and healthcare entities in connection with various matters, including contract disputes, revenue cycle management, state/federal audits and investigations, and litigation defense. Prior to this, Kristen held various roles as legal counsel in medical malpractice defense, healthcare compliance, and risk management.
“As a healthcare legal professional, my commitment is to bridge the gap between legal and regulatory complexities and compassionate care, ensuring that every decision we make upholds the highest standards of integrity and patient safety.”
Kristen received her nursing degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her law degree from Wake Forest University.
