Kristian Nelson

Partner

Kristian.Nelson@lewisbrisbois.com

Kristian Nelson is a partner in the Phoenix office of Lewis Brisbois. During his 18 years in private practice, he has defended publicly traded and privately held corporations, including their directors, officers, and employees, and various licensed professionals against claims of negligent and intentional wrongdoing. He has defended claims with nine-figure demands and been lead counsel on over 10 cases tried to verdict/decision. For four consecutive years (2012-2015), he was selected as a Southwest Super Lawyer - Rising Star, and for the last two years (2023, 2024), he has been included in Best Lawyers of America for general and commercial litigation.

Mr. Nelson’s primary practices are in the areas of general and professional liability. His general liability practice includes defending large transportation companies, retail organizations, and municipalities on a host of high-exposure personal industry claims. His professional liability practice is focused on defending lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents and brokers against claims of malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty. He also works with directors and officers of companies on a variety of commercial litigation matters and claims of corporate malfeasance.  

Primary Area(s) of Practice

  • Complex Business & Commercial Litigation
  • Professional Liability
  • Directors & Officers Litigation
  • General Liability
  • Transportation
  • Legal Malpractice Defense
  • Real Estate & Land Use

Additional Experience

Admissions

Arizona

United States District Court of the District of Arizona

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Associations

  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Arizona Association of Defense Counsel (AADC)
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS)

Awards & Honors

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America® 2023-2024 — Commercial Litigation
  • Southwest Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition, 2012-2015
  • Full Merit Scholar, Michigan State University College of Law, 2003-2006

Education

Michigan State University College of Law

Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2006

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science, Finance, magna cum laude, 2003

Publications

  • Professional Liability and Directors and Officers Case Law Update – Contributor, May 4, 2016
  • Common Law and Consumer Fraud, Co-Author, Arizona Tort Law Handbook, State Bar of Arizona, 2012
  • Case Alert: Insurance Bad Faith Decision Reflects Arizona’s Trend Toward a 1:1 Ratio for Punitive Damages Awards, Co-Author, Lewis Brisbois Case Alerts, May, 2012
  • No Fault Insurance, Co-Author, Couch on Insurance 3d, West Group, 2008
  • Bad Faith and Ethical Issues in Claims Handling Practices, Co-Presenter, Rimkus Consulting Group Conference, May 18, 2011
  • Summary of Arizona Law on Directors and Officers Liability, Co-Presenter, Maricopa County Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Division, October 25, 2009