How one attorney is reshaping animal law—and challenging the system from within

In a legal landscape dominated by corporate interests and precedent-bound thinking, Kristina Bergsten, Esq. stands apart. The founder and owner of The Animal Law Firm, Bergsten doesn’t just practice law—she’s rewriting it. Since launching her firm in 2017, she has expanded her practice across five states (Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania), becoming one of the few attorneys in the country to focus exclusively on animal law.

“We represent pets and their people in all areas of animal law, giving hope to people faced with legal situations that threaten their pets’ lives or safety,” Kristina explains.

But Bergsten isn’t just filling a niche—she’s disrupting one. Her firm’s motto, “Fighting for the Underdog,” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a mission. In a system where animals are still legally classified as property, Bergsten and her team are pushing courts to recognize the emotional and intrinsic value of pets—one groundbreaking case at a time.

“The law moves slowly, but society doesn’t,” Bergsten says. “People see their pets as family. The legal system needs to catch up.”

From Broken Treaties to Animal Rights: An Unconventional Path

Bergsten’s journey into law wasn’t linear. A descendant of Native American ancestry, she initially envisioned herself litigating on behalf of Indigenous communities—fighting to reclaim stolen land and water rights. But life had other plans.

“Animal law and environmental law have a lot in common,” she reflects. “Both deal with marginalized voices, with systems that prioritize profit over welfare. In many ways, this was a natural transition.”

She has been practicing animal law for over a decade now. Her passion for animal welfare has propelled her to become a leading advocate in the field, specializing in areas such as service animal compliance, pet custody disputes, veterinary malpractice, and more. She serves on the Board of Directors for Colorado Voters for Animals and is an active member of several legal associations, including the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations, the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations, the New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association, and the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. Her dedication to the field has earned her recognition as a 2022 Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Star and a 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star. Beyond her legal practice, Bergsten is a nationally recognized animal advocate, committed to advancing the rights and welfare of animals through both her professional and personal endeavors.

What sets Bergsten apart isn’t just her legal acumen—it’s her willingness to challenge convention. Where other attorneys might hesitate to test untested legal theories, she leans in.

“A lot of the problems with the legal system stem from the fact that no one is willing to take a chance,” she says. “But real change only happens when someone dares to do things differently.”

Breaking the “Property” Paradigm

One of Bergsten’s most significant battles is against the “animals as property” doctrine—a legal framework that limits damages in cases of wrongful injury or death of a pet to mere replacement value (e.g., the cost of buying a new dog).

“Imagine losing a beloved companion, and the court tells you they’re worth no more than a used couch,” Bergsten says. “It’s not just legally archaic—it’s morally bankrupt.”

Her firm has been at the forefront of novel legal arguments, pushing courts to recognize emotional damages in animal-related cases. Recently, she helped secure groundbreaking changes in service animal law, strengthening protections for handlers and their animals.

“Every win is incremental,” she admits. “But every case that challenges this outdated thinking moves the needle.”

Innovation in a Tradition-Bound Industry

The legal profession is notoriously resistant to change, but Bergsten’s firm operates differently from the start.

1. A Fully Remote, Tech-Forward Firm

Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar practices, The Animal Law Firm is fully remote, leveraging AI and digital tools to serve clients across state lines. “We’re proof that you don’t need a mahogany desk to practice good law,” she jokes.

2. Mentorship & Diversity as Core Values

Bergsten prioritizes young, diverse talent, fostering a culture where unconventional thinking thrives. “Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions,” she says. “And in emotionally charged cases, empathy is just as important as legal strategy.”

3. Flexibility as a Survival Strategy

“The legal industry is at a crossroads,” Bergsten observes. “The leaders who succeed will be the ones who adapt—whether that’s integrating AI, embracing remote work, or rethinking outdated legal doctrines.”

Changing Laws—and Minds

Looking ahead, Kristina envisions a legal landscape where animals are recognized not merely as property but as sentient beings deserving of protection and respect. “As a society, it holds us back from recognizing and protecting our changing values and family structures,” she observes. Through her work, Kristina aims to challenge and change these outdated perceptions, advocating for a more compassionate and just legal system. Bergsten sees two major fronts in her fight: expanding legal recognition of animals’ emotional value and pushing for nationwide reforms in veterinary malpractice and service animal protections.

“The law is a reflection of society’s values,” she says. “And society is ready for this change.”

More Than a Lawyer—A Movement

Kristina Bergsten’s journey from aspiring environmental lawyer to pioneering animal law advocate underscores the power of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Through The Animal Law Firm, she continues to fight for the underdog, ensuring that the legal system evolves to reflect the values of empathy, justice, and respect for all living beings. She isn’t just running a law firm—she’s leading a movement. In a profession often criticized for its rigidity, she embodies the kind of bold, adaptive leadership needed to drag the legal system into the 21st century.

“We’re not just arguing cases,” she says. “We’re changing the conversation.”

And if history is any indication, she’s just getting started.