Kristyn Judkins, a 2011 alumna of the University of Virginia School of Law, has joined the school as a director in the Office of Private Practice.

Judkins practiced for six years as a tax associate in the Washington, D.C., office of Baker McKenzie. She also has experience running her own firm and most recently worked as an associate attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center in Charlottesville.

In her new role, she will counsel students and alumni on career strategies with a focus on law firm positions, including assisting with resumes and cover letters, and preparing them for interviews.

“I’ve been practicing law in one form or another for the past 10 years, and when I reflect on that time, the parts of my practice that ultimately were the most fulfilling were the times when I was able to mentor young attorneys and young law students,” she said. “When I saw this opportunity to spend more time doing that and equipping students with tools to really thrive in legal practice, it just seemed like a really great fit.”

As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Judkins said she also looks forward to working with students from diverse backgrounds.

“I really want to be a resource for students as they’re charting their career paths and working to find inclusive workplaces in which their views are respected and heard,” she said.

At UVA Law, Judkins received the Rosenbloom Award, served as editor-in-chief of the Virginia Tax Review and was a Dillard Fellow (now known as a Legal Writing Fellow) with the Legal Research and Writing Program.

Judkins will work under the supervision of Kevin M. Donovan, senior assistant dean of career development.

“Kristyn’s strong firm experience combined with the breadth of her legal work make her a great addition to this office,” Donovan said. “She has held and thrived in a number of the jobs that are attractive to our students and she has spent significant time thinking about how you structure a successful professional career that is part of a full and rewarding life.”

Judkins earned an LL.M. in environmental, natural resources and energy law from Lewis & Clark Law School, and a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Miami.

Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia School of Law is the second-oldest continuously operating law school in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top law schools, Virginia is a world-renowned training ground for distinguished lawyers and public servants, instilling in them a commitment to leadership, integrity and community service.

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