Kristina Bakardjiev leverages decades of legal experience in her role as director of legal practice innovation, where she leads the charge in redefining how law firms adapt to an evolving profession and shifting business models. Her collaborative approach brings together attorneys, clients, and technology developers to design and implement transformative solutions that elevate performance, deliver actionable insights, and enhance client service. Known for her strategic vision, Kristina champions the responsible integration of generative AI and data-driven practice intelligence, fostering innovation through engagement and adaptability. She is also a trusted adviser on AI governance, guiding firms to mitigate risk, optimize operations, and protect sensitive information in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Before rejoining the firm in her current role, Kristina was a member in the Commercial Litigation group in the Miami office where she handled complex business disputes, trying both jury and non-jury cases for plaintiffs and defendants in state, federal, and appellate courts and before arbitration tribunals. She also helped clients develop and acquire software solutions to transform and grow their businesses.
Kristina is a frequent speaker on the intersection between the law and emerging technologies and AI ethics — most recently for ARMA, ILTA Evolve, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and Thomson Reuter’s Future of the Profession. She has been a guest lecturer and faculty member at various institutions and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy on trial presentation and litigation techniques, effective deposition skills, and women in the law. And she currently co-chairs the Innovation Task Force of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and is a member of the Florida Bar’s Governance Committee and the Sedona Conference’s AI Working Committee.
Kristina has also served as trustee and a member of the board of directors of multiple institutions including The American University in Bulgaria, Japan America Society (Shofuso Japanese House and Garden), Best Buddies International, and the Wichita Grand Opera.
After spending much of her youth in Europe, Kristina now lives in Philadelphia, where she enjoys playing racquet sports, reading, and traveling. She is an animal lover and enjoys thoughtful conversations.