Of counsel to WLF | The Williams Lindberg Law Firm, PC®
Mr. Kistner’s practice focuses on business transactional and insurance matters, with a concentration in disability insurance matters. Mr. Kistner founded two very successful law firms in his career and served as a mediator in numerous litigation matters, assisting other lawyers and their clients in resolving highly-charged cases.

He also teaches mediation and conflict resolution classes as an adjunct professor, as well as classes on ethics and substance abuse at Saddleback College and Cypress Community College. Mr. Kistner frequently lectures on various insurance issues, including claims and disability insurance issues. He has given presentations on "Legal and Ethical Issues in Confidentiality" to government organizations.

He also serves as outside general counsel to several businesses and regularly advises companies on issues of corporate governance, employment issues, insurance and various non-profit issues. An experienced litigator, Mr. Kistner’s corporate and disability insurance practice benefits from his intimate understanding of the court system, a perspective unique among transactional lawyers. Mr. Kistner devotes time to several non-profit organizations and has been honored by the United States Congress for his many contributions to the community.

Areas of Practice:
General Corporate
Corporate Governance
Business Formation
Contract Law
Business Litigation
Insurance Law
Disability Claims Services
Coverage Disputes
Employment Law
Non-profit Law
Mediation, Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Practice Concentrations:
90% of current practice devoted to contract, business and disability insurance matters
10% of current practice devoted to litigation

Bar Admissions:
California
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Education:
Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, California, 1981, J.D., Moot Court Honors Program
California State University, Long Beach, 1978, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Cum Laude
Birmingham University, Birmingham, England, 1972-1973
St. Patrick's College Seminary, Los Altos, California, 1971-1972

Honors and Awards:
Southwestern University School of Law, 1981
Donald Wright California Moot Court Competition - Best Advocate, 1st Place Team
Farmers Insurance Company – Scholarship Award
Outstanding Young Men of America, 1981
Congressional Tribute – United States House of Representatives, September 26, 1991
Listed in Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
California State University Long Beach, Presidents Honor List, 1978

Professional Associations and Memberships:
Long Beach Bar Association – Current member, two past terms Board of Governors
Long Beach Ball Hunt Inn of Court – Current member, past Program Chair
Leadership Long Beach – Current Board of Governors, Past President

Prior Legal Positions:
General Counsel, Brookside Institute, 2005 - Present
General Counsel, W.L. Hickey Sons, Inc., 2004 - Present
Principal, WTK Mediation and Legal Consulting, 1999 - 2005
Partner, Bennett & Kistner, 1991 - 1999
Founding Partner, Bennett, Kerry, Kistner & Garcia, 1985 - 1991
Associate, Haley & Bennett, 1982 - 1985

Reported Cases:
Fremont Indemnity v. Superior Court of Orange County (1982) 137 Cal.App.3d 554

Guest Lectures/Presentations/Seminars:
Impact General, Forensic Institute "Handling the Suspect Claim."
RIMS National Conference – Risk Management Services "How to Detect Fraud."
Orange County Department of Social Services "Legal and Ethical Issues in Confidentiality."
Santa Clara County Probation Department "Legal and Ethical Issues in Confidentiality."

Teaching Experience:
Adjunct Professor, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California, 1997 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Cypress Community College, Cypress, California, 1998 - Present

Courses Taught:
Basic Mediation and Conflict Resolution Training
Ethical Issues in the Helping Professions
Drugs and Alcohol in Society
Introduction to Human Services