Her Story
About Frances
Frances Phelan Krische, Esq., is an attorney and the owner of The Phelan Krische Law Firm, an all-female law practice serving clients in the New York City metropolitan area. She has practiced law for 31 years, beginning her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County before transitioning into civil litigation. After the birth of her first child, Frances founded her own firm approximately 23 years ago and has since built a practice focused on providing legal representation and planning services to her clients.
Her areas of practice include construction defense and estate planning, with experience handling wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and personal care planning. Frances earned her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and maintains professional connections through the New York State Bar Association, its Trusts and Estates Section, Lawyers With Purpose, and the St. John’s University School of Law Alumni Leadership Council. Her career reflects more than three decades of experience in both criminal and civil legal environments.
Outside of her legal practice, Frances supports the You Are My Light Trust, an organization focused on helping victims of sexual trafficking. She attributes her professional success to the strong work ethic modeled by her parents and emphasizes perseverance, confidence, and knowing one's worth. For women entering the legal profession, she encourages building supportive relationships with other female attorneys, communicating with confidence, and recognizing the breadth of opportunities available to women in law.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Frances
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic my parents instilled in me. I was one of six siblings and the only one in my family to attend college and pursue an advanced degree. My parents were exceptionally hardworking, and their example taught me the importance of dedication, perseverance, and commitment.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the legal profession to keep their heads up and know their worth. Build a strong professional community and reach out to other female attorneys for support, guidance, and connection. Know your value, communicate confidently and affirmatively, and remember that hard work does pay off. There are many opportunities available to women in the legal profession, and I believe women can pursue whatever path they choose.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in the legal field is the increasing role of artificial intelligence, particularly its potential impact on administrative work and jobs. As AI continues to develop, certain administrative aspects of legal practice may become increasingly automated. At the same time, the profession continues to provide opportunities for attorneys who can offer meaningful personal connections, sound judgment, and individualized client service.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are hard work, integrity, determination, loyalty, family, community, personal connection, and knowing my worth. I believe clients deserve to feel that their attorney genuinely knows and cares about them, and that personal approach is an important part of the culture I have created within my firm. I also place great value on supporting other women professionally because I have seen how much women can benefit from strong professional communities where they can exchange advice, create opportunities, and encourage one another to advocate for themselves.
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