Hi, 👋 I'm Kristen Hart, a U.S. Immigration & Criminal Lawyer in the heart of Southern California
I am a Lawyer a Mother a Activist
Kristen Hart is the dynamic and dedicated Managing Attorney of Cabrera & Hart Law, APC, a premier Criminal Defense and Immigration law firm in the heart of Southern California. Conveniently located between the three Los Angeles area courts, just 3 miles from the newest Immigration Court in Santa Ana, and near the two San Diego Immigration Courts, our firm serves the greater Los Angeles area with dedication and expertise. Kristen’s journey in the legal field began during law school, where she clerked in criminal defense firms, a family law firm, and the Orange County District Attorney’s office. Her exceptional talent and dedication led her to become a partner within two years at Cabrera & Hart, LLC, a firm she would eventually come to own in 2018. As of 2023, Cabrera & Hart Law, APC emerged with the expansion of our offices and relocation to Costa Mesa, while maintaining our mailing address in Newport Beach.
Have an professional lawyer guide you toward your American Dream
My Journey
Always ahead of the curve, Kristen graduated high school early with an over perfect G.P.A. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, and received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from CSU Sacramento, in just three years. Following graduation, she began working for Woodside Capital Partners, an investment group focused primarily on boutique retail and restaurant projects.
Kristen then attended Whittier Law School, graduating with her Juris Doctorate, as well as a Certificate in Intellectual Property and Criminal Law at the age of 25. She has argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as countless Federal Immigration Courts across the country and Criminal Courts throughout California.
Personal Life: Kristen is an avid reader of historical fiction, a fan of law-and-order related content and enjoys music from all genres. She loves adrenaline fueled activities like sky diving, bungee jumping, cliff diving, and has traveled to 27 countries and counting. A fitness enthusiast, Kristen enjoys pilates, running, hiking, working out, playing basketball, and volleyball. She also just gave birth to her first baby in May 2023.
Exceeding Expectations & Endless Possibilities.
Have an expert Immigration & Criminal Defense lawyer guide you toward your American Dream.
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Cases Worked On
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Years of Experience
California Award Winning Immigration & Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Achievements & Ventures
In recognition of her outstanding work, Kristen was honored by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys as one of the 10 Best in 2017 and 2018, named one of the 10 Best Attorneys in the Immigration Law Division, and listed among the Top 40 under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.
Beyond her legal practice, Kristen is a philanthropist and entrepreneur. In 2014, she formed Dare to Dream LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with medical and educational restrictions. Although she sold her Southern Jazz and Latin infused eatery in Tempe, Arizona, Kristen continues to explore new ventures and opportunities, and is an investor in Drake’s Hollywood, located in West Hollywood, California.
At Cabrera & Hart Law, APC, our mission, vision, and values are the fundamental principles that guide our actions, decisions, and service. They embody our dedication to providing superior legal services in Criminal Defense and Immigration law. Discover how these principles shape our work and commitment to our clients.
At Cabrera & Hart Law, APC, our mission is to provide top-tier legal representation in the fields of Criminal Defense and Immigration law. Our commitment is to relentlessly advocate for our clients, utilizing our deep expertise to secure justice. We strive to not only meet but surpass our clients’ expectations by offering personalized, effective, and ethical legal solutions.
Our vision is to be the leading Criminal Defense and Immigration law firm in Southern California, renowned for our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction. We aspire to create lasting impacts in our clients’ lives, shaping a just society where everyone has access to fair representation.
Our values are deeply rooted in professionalism, dedication, and compassion. We believe in providing comprehensive legal services that prioritize our clients’ needs above all else. We value the power of knowledge, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of community. We strive for excellence in all we do, continually learning and adapting to serve our clients better. We uphold the principles of honesty, respect, and integrity in our interactions with clients and within our team. Lastly, we cherish the spirit of giving back to society, seeking to uplift those in need through our legal expertise and philanthropic endeavors.
My Education
The legal team at Cabrera & Hart is experienced & ready to fight for your rights
Whittier College
Law School
CSU Sacramento
Psychology
Our Dynamic Team & Our Growth
Discover the dedicated professionals who make Cabrera & Hart Law, APC a trusted name in legal services. Our team section offers a closer look at the individuals who bring their expertise and passion to our firm every day. Plus, learn about our exciting expansion plans as we continue to grow and broaden our reach to serve you better.
Cristina Cooper
Office Manager & Lead Paralegal
With 11 years of extensive experience in the legal field, Cristina Cooper is the office manager and lead paralegal at Cabrera & Hart Law, APC, proficient in both English and Spanish. Her career has been marked by a commitment to providing exceptional support in various legal settings, ensuring attention to detail and comprehensive legal research and documentation.
Client coordination and advocacy are at the heart of her professional endeavors. She is passionate about advocating for clients, ensuring their needs are met, and facilitating smooth communication between all parties involved. Her bilingual skills have enabled her to effectively communicate with a broad clientele, making case management more efficient and client-centric. Having worked on a diverse range of cases, she possesses a deep understanding of legal procedures and terminology, which enhances her ability to serve clients effectively.
About Michael Cabrera (Retired)
Michael S. Cabrera, now retired, was a creative business professional who was the sole proprietor of the Law Offices of Michael S. Cabrera for over twenty years before Kristen made partner, and ultimately took over the firm. Despite retiring from active practice within the office, Michael remains a vital part of the firm’s history and continues to serve as a consultant, providing valuable insights based on his more than two decades of experience.
Michael attended college at the University of Southern California, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, before attending Southwestern Law School, and receiving his Juris Doctorate. He ventured into various businesses, including the fitness world where he created One80 Fitness, now Crunch Fitness, and the restaurant industry.
In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his son’s sports teams, and following his favorite Los Angeles professional and college teams.
We are proud to offer an in-house and traveling notary service, helmed by Trevor Lambright. Trevor is a CA-licensed notary and Certified Law clerk, set to graduate in May 2024. His expertise adds another layer of convenience and comprehensive service to our clients.
Cabrera & Hart Law, APC is thrilled to announce our recent expansion and relocation to Costa Mesa. We’ve invested in new legal talent – both experienced attorneys and fresh graduates – to enhance our service delivery and handle more cases. To accommodate our growing team, we’ve moved into a larger office equipped with modern facilities. These steps mark a significant milestone in our growth journey, set to improve our client satisfaction and impact in the legal field.