Kirsten has dedicated her career to public service. She currently works as an Assistant Attorney General for the Oregon Department of Justice, where she manages criminal and civil cases on appeal. Before working at the DOJ, she served as a Deputy District Attorney in Deschutes County, prosecuting crimes ranging from low-level offenses to serious assault and sexual abuse cases. She joined the district attorney’s office after spending several years as a defense attorney, representing low-income, court appointed clients.
Kirsten also volunteers with organizations to promote equal, affordable access to the justice system. She has volunteered with the Campaign for Equal Justice, helping fund Legal Aid and access to the justice system for everyone, regardless of resources. She is also a prior board member and current advocacy committee member of the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
Born and raised in Portland, Kirsten went to Glencoe and Laurelhurst elementary, Mt. Tabor Middle School, and Lincoln High School. She graduated from Vassar College and the University of Washington School of Law. Kirsten and her wife are raising their son in a three-generation household in Portland, along with their rescue dog Snoopy.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
