Kristen Petagna is an associate in the Litigation Department who helps clients navigate complex litigation matters, including class actions, commercial litigation, and product liability claims. She brings extensive experience in both federal and state courts, representing clients in class action defense, product liability defense, breach of contract/warranty claims, and consumer fraud matters.
From the outset of a case through resolution, Kristen provides strategic, detail-oriented guidance—drafting pleadings, managing motions to dismiss, overseeing discovery (including supervising document reviews ranging from several hundred to several hundred thousand documents and addressing challenges with foreign-language materials), and executing motions for summary judgment and class certification. She also guides clients through mediation and settlement negotiations, always focused on achieving results that align with their legal and business goals.
Kristen has successfully represented a wide range of clients in matters from modest disputes to high-stakes litigation, tailoring her approach to the scope and complexity of each case while maintaining clear communication, strong advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to protecting her clients’ interests.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Secured favorable settlements for an automotive distributor and manufacturer facing allegations of engine design defects, breaches of express and implied warranties, and consumer fraud violations in federal court
- Represented a corporate client in a slip-and-fall matter, achieving case dismissal through effective briefing and oral argument on a summary judgment motion in state court
- Briefed and served as second chair for oral argument on a complex motion to quash a subpoena demanding extensive documentation from a law firm in federal court
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
During law school, Kristen dedicated significant hours to pro bono services, notably working on—and later leading—the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Pro Bono Project at Rutgers Law to provide free tax return preparation assistance. Throughout her legal career, she has continued her strong commitment to pro bono work by assisting on asylum cases, slip-and-fall matters (securing an outright dismissal in state court through effective summary judgment briefing and oral argument), and representing various entities, authors, and parents challenging school library book removals on free speech and equal protection grounds. To date, she has dedicated at least 50 hours per year to pro bono initiatives each year since 2022.
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. Noel L. Hillman, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2020-2021
Judicial Externships
Hon. Robert B. Kugler, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, January 2019 - April 2019
Recognition & Accomplishments
Legal 500, Dispute resolution - Product liability, mass tort and class action - automotive/transport - defense, 2022
Credentials
Education
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law-Camden (J.D., summa cum laude, 2019)
Executive Editor, Rutgers University Law Review
Member, Order of the Coif
Recipient, Pro Bono Public Award for Exceptional Service
Participant and Co-Chair, Hunter Appellate Advocacy Program
University of Scranton (B.A., summa cum laude, 2016)
Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania