Cristi Trusler, the Managing Partner at Trusler Legal PLLC in Austin, Texas, is a trailblazer in the field of family law, with a particular emphasis on transforming the divorce process through Collaborative Law. With over two decades of experience since founding her practice in June 2001, Cristi has become renowned for her unwavering dedication to crafting peaceful, dignified solutions for the families she represents, leveraging both her depth of legal knowledge and her profound empathy.
At the core of her practice lies a passionate advocacy for Collaborative Law, an area where Cristi truly excels. This approach prioritizes negotiation and collective problem-solving over adversarial courtroom battles, reflecting Cristi’s belief in addressing family law matters with compassion and understanding. Her expertise is recognized by her double Board Certification in Family Law and Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, alongside a Masters Level Certification in Collaborative Divorce from Collaborative Divorce Texas. This unique blend of qualifications underscores her commitment to collaborative practices as a means to resolve family disputes amicably and constructively.
Cristi’s contributions to the legal community extend far beyond her practice. As a co-founder of Collaborative Divorce Austin and an active member of both the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, she is at the forefront of promoting and developing collaborative law methodologies. Her leadership roles within these organizations highlight her dedication to advancing the practice and fostering a wider understanding of its benefits.
An accomplished author, Cristi has also shared her considerable expertise through practical guides that advocate for the merits of collaborative divorce, focusing on the preservation of dignity, privacy, and the well-being of all involved, especially children. Her insights are shaped by a comprehensive legal education, including a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, where she further honed her skills as an Administrative Editor at The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics.
Licensed in Texas, Colorado, Utah, and Maryland. Cristi\’s influence and reputation as a pioneer in collaborative divorce extends well beyond Austin. Her work has been recognized with several prestigious accolades, including being named one of the top attorneys in Austin by Austin Monthly Magazine and being recognized as a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine.
Beyond her legal accolades, Cristi’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to her community in Austin, where she resides with her family and two huskies, mirror her professional approach: balanced, holistic, and always focusing on the bigger picture. Her dedication to collaborative law not only defines her professional identity but also demonstrates her profound commitment to changing lives for the better, one family at a time.