Kristia Anderson
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Godfrey & Kahn
KAnderson@gklaw.com
(414) 287-9674
I am a Wisconsin native, having grown up in Sparta, WI. I attend the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for undergrad, followed by the University of Wisconsin Law School. I’ve practiced commercial real estate law at Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. since September of 2022. My practice focuses on negotiating commercial leases on behalf of both tenants and landlords for office, retail and industrial space; assisting lenders and borrowers in construction and mortgage loan transactions; and representing a variety of clients in the purchase and sale of office buildings, condominiums, vacant land and apartment complexes.
Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) The real estate industry is a people-centric business. I love getting to repeatedly work with colleagues, vendors and clients that make the work fun and worthwhile. The best part? The majority of the time, all stakeholders are working towards a common goal: constructing a project, filling a vacancy, or generally bringing to life a space that will benefit Milwaukee or greater Wisconsin. It makes bumps in the road easier to address because no one wants to see a deal die. I also love that real estate law is the most tangible area of law a lawyer can work in. I get to assist on projects through a legal lens that I ultimately get to enjoy or that benefit my community—I can’t say the same for my colleagues practicing tax law. This has made me more personally invested in Milwaukee and Wisconsin and, quite often, gives me the scoop on new spots coming to town.
Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) Establish boundaries but make yourself available. I continuously work on taking time off to rest and recharge while also being available so I’m still for great and complex work opportunities.
Q) What’s your favorite place to travel to?
A) I try not to return to the same destination if I can help it. My favorite recent trips have been to Peru and Italy–highly recommend trying cuy in Cusco!
Q) Which projects are you involved in/most excited about?
A) I recently assisted a newly established healthcare cooperative purchase an empty hospital in northwest Wisconsin. After the hospital had closed, the rural community where it’s located had effectively become a healthcare desert. Residents of neighboring rural towns would now need to travel upwards of an hour in order to receive medical attention and treatment. While this project became more complex as the weeks went by, both buyer and seller were fully committed to seeing it to closing and ensuring this healthcare facility would once again operate and provide necessary healthcare to the community. This was a project that directly and positively impacted all members of a community, rather than a handful of people.
Q) What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your Commercial Real Estate career?
A) My long term goal is to positively impact Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin through my work as an attorney. It would also be very meaningful to me to work on a development project in Sparta.
Q) What do you hope to get out of your NextGen Experience?
A) While I thoroughly enjoy practicing law, I’m selfishly hoping to make my career more enjoyable for me by establishing business relationships with people I like spending time with and can work with long term. Ideally, this NextGen cohort will turn into trusted business partners, referral sources, and friends for the remainder of my career. I grew up in western Wisconsin and did not spend much time in Milwaukee until I came to Godfrey & Kahn. I’m hoping to learn more about the real estate industry in Milwaukee and its connections throughout eastern Wisconsin, and hopefully introduce people to the always-growing westside of the state. I’ve got love for every corner of this state and look forward to doing my part to improve it for everyone.