Krista M. Enns

Overview

Krista Enns is a seasoned litigator and first-chair trial attorney with a focus on complex commercial disputes. Based in San Francisco, Krista is frequently called upon to lead high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts across California and beyond. In the past year alone, she led four trials and prepared for a fifth, underscoring how clients rely on her courtroom acumen and her commitment to taking matters the distance.

Krista regularly serves as lead counsel for clients in cases involving breach of contract and commercial torts. Her arsenal of experience, however, stretches beyond these types of cases. Krista has represented companies and individuals in a wide range of commercial matters, from securities fraud to deceptive trade practices to civil antitrust violations. She also has significant experience with intellectual property disputes, including trade secret matters, and disputes related to California’s cannabis business. Krista is deeply versed in the nuances of California state and local procedure, often acting as strategic counsel for multistate clients navigating litigation in jurisdictions up and down the state. Further, Krista has class action experience in both state and federal court, having defended consumer, investor and employee class actions over the course of her career.

Clients from Fortune 100 companies to fast-growing start-ups value Krista’s blend of intellectual rigor and pragmatic creativity, whether structuring out-of-the-box settlements, identifying procedural leverage points or advising on litigation risks tied to business operations. Described as both a legal strategist and a trusted business partner, Krista is known for her responsiveness, tireless work ethic and sharp instincts—often anticipating client needs before they arise.

Her recent experience includes defending a Fortune 100 technology company in multiple commercial litigation matters; handling all commercial litigation matters for a California cannabis company; trying a case for a publicly traded company in Delaware Chancery Court; and representing Gould Electronics in high-profile federal CERCLA litigation.

In addition to her litigation practice, Krista actively mentors associates through Benesch’s professional development programs, is part of the team developing Benesch’s in-house litigation training, and serves on the firm’s Risk and Ethics Committee and the firm’s Professional Personnel Committee, a committee charged with working with associates and their practice group chairs to ensure professional development and, if desired, attaining partnership.