Karri Bertrand

Family Law

Karri was born the first of ten children and raised in Dallas, Texas. Her large family afforded her an early opportunity to learn and understand complex family dynamics. Growing up, Karri excelled as a leader, earning recognition not only academically but also earning awards in extracurricular activities from archery to women’s chorale. She also personally experienced challenges, including her own divorce and custody matters; these events later inspired Karri to become the compassionate, ardent advocate she is today.

Karri did not pursue higher education right out of high school, unlike many attorneys. Instead, she raised her son while working as a certified paralegal for sixteen years. Not only did Karri balance the challenges of motherhood during this time, she gained invaluable practical legal experience from the ground-up. As a paralegal, Karri performed a broad range of legal work in complex litigation and appellate cases: drafting pleadings, reviewing evidence, preparing for trials and mediations, and of course, working directly with clients.

It was no wonder, then, that Karri was a high-achieving student as well. Karri graduated with major honors with a thesis, summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at Dallas. Later, she attended the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law—all while continuing to work at one of the premier family law firms in Texas, O’Neil Wysocki. Karri graduated cum laude, after receiving multiple awards for academic performance, writing for the Accessible Law review, and serving as an inaugural appointee to the Board of Advocates.

Licensure allowed Karri to transition from paralegal at O’Neil Wysocki to attorney, where she quickly flourished. Karri’s brilliant legal mind, commitment to leadership, and tenacious representation garnered additional honors and awards. She has published numerous articles and received invitations to speak at conferences, from Advanced Family Law (“the” family law conference for Texas lawyers) to Lavender Law, a nationally renowned conference focusing on issues affecting the LGBTQIA community. Texas Super Lawyers named Karri a Rising Star in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; Best Lawyers named Karri among the “Ones to Watch” in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

After only four years, Karri branched out to found her own firm, KB Family Law. Karri’s litigation and appellate practice flourished rapidly, allowing Karri to assemble a growing team equally committed to respect and collaboration. Each of her staff offers unique experiences and broad perspectives, and each shares Karri’s passion for serving the unique legal needs of diverse Texas families.