Kristen Gavigan

Kristen Gavigan is a Senior Trial Attorney at Barbieri Law Firm, where she focuses exclusively on criminal defense for individuals facing serious charges across North Texas, including Dallas County, Collin County, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area. She represents clients accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including drug crimes, assault and domestic violence charges, and complex sex offense allegations. Ms. Gavigan’s commitment to criminal defense was shaped early in her legal career. While in law school, she worked with the Innocence Project of Texas, where she saw firsthand how wrongful convictions occur and the profound impact they have on individuals and families. That experience led her to devote her career to defending the accused and ensuring that every client receives a thorough and fair defense. Before entering private practice, Ms. Gavigan gained valuable insight into the criminal justice system through internships with the Tarrant County and Dallas County District Attorney’s Offices. Her prosecutorial experience allows her to anticipate how the State builds cases and to identify weaknesses that can be challenged on behalf of the defense. She now applies that knowledge to developing strategic, evidence-focused defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances. Clients often seek Ms. Gavigan’s counsel during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. She is known for taking the time to understand not only the facts of a case, but also the personal impact a criminal charge can have on a client’s future. She emphasizes open communication, careful preparation, and advocacy grounded in both the law and the individual details of each case. Ms. Gavigan’s work in criminal defense has earned professional recognition, including selection to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, an honor awarded to attorneys demonstrating skill and dedication in criminal defense practice. She earned her Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2018, where she was a five-time national, regional, and state advocacy champion and was named Best Oral Advocate in Texas by the Texas Young Lawyers Association. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development. Ms. Gavigan is licensed to practice law in Texas and is an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Dallas Bar Association, the Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Dallas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Kristen Gavigan included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors National Order of Barristers, 2018 Donald M. Hunt Outstanding Barrister Award, Texas Tech University School of Law, 2018 Pro Bono Achievement Award, Texas Tech University School of Law, 2018 Top Grade Award, Innocence Project of Texas - Texas Tech University School of Law Clinic, 2018 Top Grade Award, Texas Tech University School of Law Trial Advocacy, 2018 National Champion, Stetson National Pre-Trial Competition, 2018 National Best Advocate Award, Stetson National Pre-Trial Competition, 2018 Best Advocate Award, Texas Young Lawyers Association Moot Court Competition, 2018 Best Advocate Award, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2018 Regional Champion, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2018 Regional Champion, National Moot Court Competition, 2018 Regional Best Advocate, National Moot Court Competition, 2018 Regional Champion, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2017 Best Advocate Award, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, 2017 Quarterfinalist, National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition, 2016 National Best Advocate Award, National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition, 2016 Other Sources of Feedback About Kristen Gavigan Included on the 2026Texas Super Lawyers list

• Senior Trial Attorney

• Dunham & Jones, P.C., Associate Attorney, 2019 - 2020
• Tarrant and Dallas County District Attorney’s Offices, Post Bar Intern, 2018
• Languages
• English (Primary)

• Texas, 2018

• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA), 2023 - Present (Women's Caucus Committee Vice Chair (2023-2025), Member)
• Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA), 2019 - Present (Member)