Kimberly Buffington Crockrell

About Kimberly Buffington Crockrell

I retired young after a 20+ year career as a trial lawyer and Partner at Pillsbury, where I specialized in consumer class actions and intellectual property disputes. Along the way, I served as Los Angeles Office Managing Partner, Hiring Partner, and co-led Pillsbury’s Internet & Social Media team. But what I loved most about the law wasn’t just courtroom wins: it was problem-solving, advocacy, and the people at my firm.These days, I’m an advocate for neurodivergent kids and a community volunteer. My focus: using the skills I honed in law (strategy, persuasion, and resilience) to make systems more inclusive and to spark change. I retired as a Partner but not from purpose.I still believe in bringing curiosity and fun to everything I do, whether serving on a board, organizing fundraisers, or dissecting the latest sci-fi film. I keep my brain sharp (and entertained) as an amateur sci-fi film critic and unapologetic pop culture nerd. Although I ended my legal career, my passion for making an impact remains.

Experience

1. Barnhart School Parent Leadership Roles

   Barnhart School

   Jun 2024 — Present · Arcadia, CA, US

   Room Parent (2025–2026): Serve as liaison between teachers, administration, and parents; organize classroom volunteers, events, and fundraising activities.Restaurant Chair (2024–2026): Built partnerships with local restaurants to support fundraising, managed logistics and promotion, and strengthened community ties.Annual Fund Grade Captain (2023–2026): Acted as ambassador for the school’s Annual Fund, increasing parent participation and engagement.

Education

• Swarthmore College

  Domestic Exchange Student, American Government and Politics (United States)

  1993 — 1993

• University of Michigan Law School

  Doctor of Law (JD)

  1994 — 1997

• Claremont McKenna College

  Washington, D.C. Semester Program, Political Science and Government

  1992 — 1992

• Pomona College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), American Government and Politics (United States)

  1990 — 1994

Skills

• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Licensing
• Securities Litigation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Mediation
• Privacy Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Trademarks
• Civil Litigation
• Intellectual Property
• Business Litigation
• Securities Regulation
• Trade Secrets
• Insurance Law
• Legal Research
• Trials
• Employment Law
• Patents
• Class Actions
• Intellectual Property Litigation
• Construction Law
• Copyright Law
• Corporate Law
• Courts