Blue Ocean Global Technology interviews Krista Baughman | Esq. Partner Dhillon Law Group Inc.

Krista is a prominent expert in First Amendment and defamation law, known for her fierce courtroom advocacy and handling of complex legal issues. She has achieved significant successes, including multi-million-dollar judgments and precedent-setting verdicts that reshape legal standards. Praised for her outstanding trial presentation skills, Krista effectively communicates intricate ideas to judges and juries. Beyond her litigation work, she is a respected speaker and writer on free speech and civil liberties, sharing her insights at various events and through published works. Additionally, Krista represents her clients’ interests in the media, managing inquiries and public scrutiny with professionalism. Committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals and organizations, she is a key advocate in the evolving field of free speech law.

Blue Ocean: Tell us about your professional journey.

Krista Baughman: I am a fifth-generation Californian, and growing up, I developed a deep dislike for hypocrisy and a passion for thoughtful philosophical debates. These interests inevitably led me to the legal profession, where accountability and critical thinking are crucial. I discovered early on that I was particularly drawn to speech-related matters, especially defending the First Amendment. It has been immensely satisfying to have discussions about the fundamentals of free speech and their importance to our past, present, and future. I have been a First Amendment and free speech specialist for the past ten years, concentrating on the nuances that shape our legal system. Through this journey, I have been able to combine my love of critical thinking with my dedication to defending the rights that form the foundation of our democracy.

Blue Ocean: What inspired you to work in these sectors? Was there a particular moment or case that drew you to defending free speech and civil rights, or was this a path you had always envisioned?

Krista Baughman: I didn’t always have a clear vision of my legal career. Like many aspiring lawyers, I entered law school uncertain about my focus, initially leaning toward international law. My ambition was to make an impact, but I wasn’t sure how to channel that. During my early years of practice, I explored various fields, gaining experience and insights along the way. It wasn’t until I encountered cases that felt fundamentally unjust—such as government restrictions on how we should express ourselves—that I began to rethink my direction. These experiences stirred something within me and made me realize how vital free speech is to our democracy.

This made me want to learn more about the intricate details of free speech law. Researching these topics was an exciting and empowering experience for me. My passion for promoting these rights grew as I gained more knowledge. I think there’s a turning point in a person’s career when a certain area of study excites real passion; for me, that area of study is free speech concerns. This experience has greatly enhanced my sense of fulfillment at work and molded my career path.

Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look like in your role as a partner at Dhillon Law Group?

Krista Baughman: My days at the firm are incredibly varied, which is one of the aspects I love most about my job. I primarily counsel clients who feel wronged, often due to defamatory comments from business partners, personal acquaintances or the press. Our reputations are hard-earned, and when they are unjustly tarnished, it can be traumatic and have significant effects on our livelihoods and personal relationships. I help clients navigate what to do after they are defamed, or wrongly accused of defamation, considering not only their legal options but also the broader implications for their business and personal relationships.

In addition to counseling, I spend time litigating—whether I’m arguing motions in court, writing briefs, or preparing for trials. I’m also passionate about speaking and writing on First Amendment and free speech topics. I aim to engage not only with other attorneys, but also with individuals outside my industry, helping them understand how free speech and expression principles apply to their lives. In today’s polarized climate, fostering civil dialogue is vital for meaningful debate, and I find this work incredibly rewarding.

Krista L. Baughman, Esq. Partner | Dhillon Law Group Inc.

Blue Ocean: With your track record of landmark victories, how do you stay focused and effective in such high-stakes environments?

Krista Baughman: In the early days of my career – particularly in litigation, which is exceptionally rules-bound – every potential mistake felt like a disaster. I relied heavily on my mentors to guide me as I learned the ropes. Over the past decade as my litigation expertise has deepend, it has become easier to manage stress and balance the workload.

To be sure, there are some things – like presenting to a jury or arguing a major motion in a packed courthouse – that will always get your adrenaline pumping. In those situations, the way I quiet my nerves is by focusing on being a strong advocate for my client. Remembering the “why” of my work – getting justice for my client – helps alleviate stress in the moment, and this perspective continues to serve me well in high-stakes environments.

Blue Ocean: What current trends in your industry excite you the most, and how do you foresee these trends shaping the future of the legal landscape, particularly in civil rights and free speech?

Krista Baughman: One notable trend is the growing scrutiny of social media companies, and the growing skepticism of the federal immunities that have historically given platforms immunity from liability for the content they host. As lawsuits demanding increased accountability proliferate, we may witness substantial changes in the way these platforms operate.

The emergence of state and federal regulations targeting AI-generated content, such as deep fakes, raises crucial constitutional questions. California’s recent enactment of three related laws exemplifies this trend. Striking a balance between protecting individuals from misinformation and upholding First Amendment rights will be the new frontier.

Additionally, the challenges of public authorities communicating with citizens online present unique considerations.

Overall, these developments signal a pivotal moment in our understanding and application of free speech principles, necessitating adaptations to our legal frameworks to accommodate the complexities of the digital age.

Blue Ocean: You’ve worked across a range of cases, from defamation to civil rights. How have you differentiated yourself in these competitive fields, and what do you believe has been the key to your success?

Krista Baughman: I believe my success has stemmed from an unwavering dedication to the First Amendment’s tenets. Being a free speech attorney often means that you are representing clients who you might strongly disagree with, whose speech is unpopular, controversial or offensive. Defense of First Amendment principles requires a deep sense of purpose and often a “David v. Goliath” courage to go against the grain and fight powerful and well-funded opponents. I thrive in this setting, which has led to success in the work that I do.

Moreover, I prioritize involvement in causes and principles that make a difference, rather than placing the sole emphasis on financial gain. These values are shared by my law firm, the Dhillon Law Group, which has supported my practice and given me a strong foundation to tackle challenging issues.

Blue Ocean: Can you share how your diverse experiences shaped you both as a legal leader and personally?

Krista Baughman: I work at a firm populated by diverse colleagues, and often my own political views do not align with theirs. This environment has been invaluable for my professional growth by showing me how diversity of viewpoint can enhance creativity and critical thinking, leading to the best end result for a client. The meaningful collaboration and mutual respect that my colleagues and I share has profoundly shaped how I approach my work and engage with the public, reinforcing the idea that diversity of thought is essential across industries.

Outside of my legal work, I have a strong desire to support young people from all backgrounds in obtaining higher education. I’m a proud Leadership Council member of PeerForward, a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to close the knowledge gap by connecting youth in low-income communities to colleges and careers. Participating in these projects has broadened my viewpoint.

Having a wide range of experiences as a lawyer helps me relate to people on an authentic level, which is especially important when I’m addressing a jury. In the end, my varied experiences help me be a more empathic person and a better lawyer.

Krista L. Baughman

Blue Ocean: What is something unique that you offer to your clients?

Krista Baughman: I strive to be a partner to my clients, to really listen to what their goals are, and to help them understand and navigate the complexities of defamation and First Amendment disputes. Decades of complex case law and statutory law renders this area of practice fraught with legal minefields, making it challenging to navigate the various defenses and associated litigation costs. Beyond addressing legal needs, I assist clients in considering the broader implications of their choices, encompassing personal and professional factors.

For instance, we discuss how pursuing a lawsuit could impact future relationships or draw unwanted attention to their situation. By understanding their goals, I develop a comprehensive plan tailored to their specific needs. My multifaceted approach and active listening skills enable me to communicate persuasively on my clients’ behalf, whether in court, with a jury, or in negotiations with the other side. Ultimately, it’s my sense of teamwork that my clients end up appreciating the most about working together.

Blue Ocean: Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Krista Baughman: I’d tell my younger self to seize as many opportunities as possible, especially those that might seem intimidating, like pro bono trial work. These initiatives can offer even first-year lawyers invaluable experience and the chance to represent individuals who truly need legal assistance. I’m grateful to say that my firm has always supported such endeavors, recognizing their significance for professional growth. Gaining early hands-on experience helps build confidence, which is essential for effective litigation. It also helps a young attorney develop her own assertive style, distinct from that of her mentors.

I’d also suggest prioritizing a good work-life balance. Law students often have such a strong work ethic that they forget to establish boundaries, which is crucial for long-term job satisfaction and well-being. Even if weekend and late-night work is sometimes necessary, regularly assess your overall levels of happiness. Burnout is common in the demanding field of law, and losing passion for the work can be the unfortunate result. Make self-care a priority to ensure you can sustain your career and do the work that you love.

Blue Ocean: What is something in your professional or personal life that you are particularly grateful for?

Krista Baughman: I am extremely grateful that my role as a First Amendment and civil rights attorney allows me to contribute to a national dialogue about speech and debate in the modern world. I am also exceedingly grateful to Dhillon Law Group and its founder, Harmeet Dhillon, for their significant investment in my career development. With this support, I have been able to advance professionally and do the work I love, while also being able to have a family of my own and spend quality time on the homefront.

Blue Ocean: What passions or hobbies do you pursue outside of your legal career?

Krista Baughman: My main hobby these days revolves around my children. On weekends, my husband and I embrace our roles as soccer parents and taxi drivers, which brings us great joy. I also love cooking; spending hours in the kitchen chopping, sauteing and simmering while listening to music is a favorite pastime. In addition, I love being active outdoors, whether it’s swimming, hiking, or exploring nature.

Travel Adventures with Family

Taking time for these moments of joy allows me to return to work feeling refreshed and eager to tackle the complex topics I engage with. It’s important to recognize that while the work can be intellectually demanding, having those fulfilling experiences helps me recharge and approach my responsibilities with renewed energy and focus.

Blue Ocean: Is there a particular quote or philosophy that resonates with you?

Krista Baughman: The saying “Keep your head up in failure and your head down in success” has always resonated with me. This sums up how crucial it is to put aside ego and concentrate on having a positive impact in the world. Failures do not mean the end, nor do other people’s perceptions of you (whether good or bad) determine your value. If you can stick to your principles and fight hard for the causes that are important to you, you’ll live a life that is meaningful and significant.

Conclusion

Krista’s professional journey reflects her deep commitment to free speech and civil rights. As a First Amendment specialist at Dhillon Law Group, she navigates complex defamation cases while emphasizing the broader implications for her clients. Krista aims to foster civil dialogue in today’s polarized environment, shaping her vision to engage more voices in critical discussions about free speech and its role in democracy.