Meet Attorney Kristin Murray-James

A diversity of life experiences adds great texture to Kristin’s lens as an attorney

Attorney Kristin Murray-James’ robust life and career experience has prepared her well for her role at Berman & Simmons and it’s a path that has come full circle.

After a successful first career caring for women and families as a Certified Nurse Midwife, a pivot to law school then led Kristin to her role as an Assistant District Attorney in Kennebec County, where she focused primarily on domestic violence, sex crimes, and crimes against children. Before joining Berman & Simmons, Kristin served as the Executive Director of the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges (MAP). At MAP, she directed a program focused on the health and well-being of Maine’s legal community where her primary goal was to support Maine’s legal community in accessing resources to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, behavioral addictions, and life balance issues.

Kristin’s north star is to help people through difficult times in their lives, as evident throughout her life’s work. Handling sexual abuse and assault claims as the newest member of The Berman & Simmons Sexual Abuse Survivors Practice Team is the next step in this evolution.

Knowledgeable, compassionate, and persuasive with a welcoming approach to building relationships

As a personal injury attorney with a background in midwifery and public service, Kristin understands the effects of trauma and feels very comfortable holding space for people and families experiencing difficult, life-changing events. With kindness and respect, she builds trusting relationships with her clients, no matter their circumstances or background. Her approach is warm and welcoming, and she listens openly with empathy and non-judgment.

“People put themselves in our hands, often after the worst thing that has ever happened in their lives, and our job is not only to get them the best result possible but to do so with compassion, sensitivity and humanity.”

Kristin is no stranger to prosecuting challenging legal cases and brings years of client advocacy and leadership to the Sexual Abuse Survivors Practice Team. Known for her patience and tenacity, she is a skilled communicator and fierce negotiator. Along with her colleagues, she stands ready to address the psychological, emotional, and physical impact these cases have and provide the best possible outcome for victims of child sexual abuse.

From midwifery to law, Kristin’s career has been devoted to helping others

Kristin grew up on Long Island, one of six children. After graduating from SUNY Oneonta in 1991, she joined the Peace Corps and served in Morocco, working on environmental issues at the Rabat National Zoo. This distinctive cultural immersion inspired her choice to pursue graduate studies in midwifery. She then went on to complete her Master of Science degree in Nursing at Yale University School of Nursing and enjoyed a full career as a certified nurse-midwife before she received her J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law.

Though her educational pursuits and professional roles have varied, her dedication to serving the public and expanding how she can help people remains a constant source of inspiration.