Her Story
About Christen
Christen is a commercial litigation attorney and Principal at Masuda Funai, where she represents clients in complex commercial defense matters in both state and federal courts. Since beginning her legal career as a law clerk in 2016 and earning her Juris Doctor in 2018, Christen has built a reputation for providing strategic advocacy, meticulous legal analysis, and client-focused representation. Her practice includes handling motions, depositions, litigation strategy, and dispute resolution, always with a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for the businesses and individuals she serves. In January 2026, she reached a significant career milestone when she was promoted to Principal, a goal she had worked toward throughout her professional journey.
A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, Christen distinguished herself as President of the Trial Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution Honors Board and earned membership in the prestigious Order of Barristers Honors Society. Prior to law school, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she developed the communication skills that continue to serve her well in the courtroom and with clients. Her legal training was strengthened through a judicial externship with the Circuit Court of Cook County and her work with a Veterans Legal Clinic, where she advocated for veterans seeking discharge upgrades and access to critical benefits. She remains passionate about mentorship and continues to support and coach aspiring trial advocates.
Throughout her career, Christen has credited her success to the exceptional mentors, colleagues, and leaders who have guided her growth. She values integrity, emotional intelligence, and the importance of building strong relationships with both clients and peers. Recognized multiple times as an Illinois Rising Star, she approaches every case with professionalism, diligence, and a genuine commitment to client success. Whether securing a favorable motion to dismiss, obtaining summary judgment, or helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, Christen finds fulfillment in delivering meaningful results while fostering trust and collaboration in every aspect of her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christen
01What do you attribute your success to?
Discipline, ambition, and a little luck. I've always believed that talent can only take you so far—consistently showing up, putting in the work, and being willing to learn from every opportunity is what creates long-term success.
I've also been fortunate to have mentors who challenged me, trusted me with meaningful responsibility, and encouraged me to continue growing. When preparation meets opportunity, that's often where success happens. You can't always control when opportunities arise, but you can control whether you're ready for them. By continually developing your skills, embracing new challenges, and putting in the work before anyone is watching, you're prepared to make the most of opportunities when they present themselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be willing to raise your hand for opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my career came from saying "yes" before I felt completely ready b/c it allowed me to gain experience in a wide variety of practice areas very early on in my career. Every difficult assignment, courtroom appearance, or leadership opportunity became a chance to learn, build confidence, and grow as an attorney.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anyone convince you that your background, gender, or financial circumstances define your potential. I didn't come from a family of lawyers or have a built-in network, but I learned that hard work, preparation, and perseverance can open doors you never imagined. Find mentors who believe in you, continue investing in your skills, and don't be ever be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your work ethic and integrity will ultimately speak louder than any preconceived notions.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in the legal profession is the rapid evolution of technology. Artificial intelligence is transforming the way attorneys research, analyze information, and manage cases, creating opportunities to deliver legal services more efficiently than ever before. At the same time, technology can never replace sound judgment, strategic thinking, or the meaningful relationships we build with clients, judges, juries, and opposing counsel.
I recently attended the Alliott Global Alliance Academy, where attorneys and accountants from around the world discussed how our professions are adapting to AI. One of the key takeaways was that while AI is an incredibly valuable tool, it is most effective when it enhances—not replaces—the human aspect of our work. The challenge is finding the right balance: embracing innovation while preserving the trust and personal connections that remain at the heart of effective advocacy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. My word is everything to me. If I make a commitment, I follow through. I also believe in treating everyone with genuine respect, valuing their time, and taking the time to understand their perspective. While emotional intelligence is sometimes overlooked in the legal profession, I believe it is one of the most important qualities an attorney can possess. It allows us to communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and approach difficult situations with empathy. At the end of the day, we are all human, and I believe we should never lose sight of that.
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