Baker Donelson elects Kristine L. Roberts as its next president and chief operating officer.
Roberts, a shareholder in the firm’s Memphis office, is chair of the firm’s Financial Services Department and a former member of the board of directors. She will assume the role in May 2027, when Jennifer Keller, who has served in this role since 2015, will step down but will remain with Baker Donelson.
“Over her career of more than 20 years at Baker Donelson, Kristine has distinguished herself through her ability to build high-performing teams, lead through change, drive results and foster strong engagement across the organization,” said Timothy Lupinacci, chairman and CEO of Baker Donelson. “She has a clear vision for the future of the firm, a strong operational mindset, a keen awareness of the shifting dynamics in the legal marketplace and, most importantly, a deep commitment to helping our attorneys, business professionals and clients succeed.”
Roberts joined the firm in 2004 and is an experienced litigator, defending banking and financial institutions in class actions and other complex litigation matters in federal and state courts.
She is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She also has been recognized in multiple practice categories in Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers. She is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and the Memphis Bar Foundation, and is a member of the American, Tennessee and Memphis bar associations.