Kristen Sanocki, co-chair of the Complex and Class Actions group, is a litigator who counsels corporations on resolving commercial disputes, multidistrict litigation, and class actions. Kristen represents clients across a range of industries and manages all stages of litigation, from initial case assessment to large-scale discovery, dispositive motions, and trial. She advocates for clients in jury trials and the appeals process.
Kristen also has a strong state and local tax (SALT) practice centering on helping taxpayers in sales/use, property, corporate income, and other tax controversies. She regularly handles tax appeals before the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission and other state and local agencies.
Previously, Kristen served as deputy counsel to the governor of Missouri, where she oversaw legal departments for state agencies, including the Missouri Department of Revenue, and led the governor’s judicial selection process. During her tenure, she facilitated the appointment of over 20 judges to St. Louis courts and provided counsel on high-profile legal matters.
experience
- Defended clients in complex multidistrict litigation in the Midwest concerning 303 tractor hydraulic fluid.
- Secured dismissals of class actions in Florida and California, effectively representing clients in the food and higher education sectors against consumer protection and other tort claims.
- Won a jury trial in Illinois, obtaining a favorable verdict for a transportation client in a complex breach of contract dispute.
- Achieved summary judgment for agriculture-related client in Missouri over tort claims and successfully defended the outcome on appeal.
- Obtained the dismissal of seven-figure tax assessment for a client.
- Along with team of attorneys, represented telecommunications client on tax exemption, successfully defending the outcome to Missouri’s highest court.
Professional
- American Bar Association
- Missouri Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
Community
- Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, Supreme Court of Missouri, Member, Data Subcommittee
- St. Louis Business Journal 40 Under 40, 2024
- Missouri Lawyers Media Up & Coming Attorneys, 2024
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation in St. Louis, Missouri (by BL Rankings), 2021-2024
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Litigation and Controversy – Tax in St. Louis, Missouri (by BL Rankings), 2022-2024
- “Ethical and Professional Challenges Facing State Tax Professionals”
Council On State Taxation (COST) Spring Meeting, May 2024 - “Missouri State Tax Update”
Tax Executives Institute, Inc., Presenter, March 2024 - “State Income Tax for Sales Tax Professionals”
Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT), 2023 Sales Tax Symposium, Presenter, October 2023 - “Top Ten Income Tax Cases That Will Have You Yee-Hawing”
Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT), 2023 Annual Conference, Moderator, June 2023 - “West Coast State Income Tax Updates”
Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT), 2022 Annual Conference, Moderator, June 2022 - “National Judicial Update & Discussion of Selected State Tax Issues, Cases, and Policy Trends”
” Council On State Taxation (COST), Midwest Regional State Tax Seminar, August 2019
I am a wine enthusiast with an interest in exploring different regions and producers. Outside of work, I prioritize travel, regular exercise, and reading.