Kristen Gibbons Feden, Shareholder at Anapol Weiss, is dedicated and committed to justice. Throughout her career, she has championed the rights of survivors, ensuring they receive the diligent representation they deserve. Her unwavering dedication has led to them securing favorable outcomes worth millions of dollars. While working as a Prosecutor, Kristen also ensured that perpetrators do not escape justice, especially in homicide, domestic violence, and elder abuse cases.
Since the beginning of her journey in the legal industry, Kristen has been steadfast in her commitment to redefining the standards of legal representation and advocacy. So, her successes not only brings justice to victims but also sets new precedents in the legal arena. And, over the years, she has received numerous awards, which recognize her relentless efforts in assisting victims.
Kristen’s commitment to uplifting the vulnerable and marginalized individuals extends beyond the courtroom. Outside of litigation, she has been proactive in shaping the discourse around legal practices and victim rights. “In essence, my journey in the legal industry has been marked by a deep-seated passion for justice and a continuous drive to redefine the boundaries of what legal representation can achieve,” she says.
The Journey Begins with a Single Step
Every influential leader’s journey begins with a single step. Kristen’s began with “unwavering faith” and “unyielding commitment” to justice. And, for her, both her spiritual faith and her family have been the cornerstone of her foray into the legal profession.
During her formative years, her family instilled in her a deep sense of purpose, commitment to values, and the value of standing up for all. Kristen points out that their guidance and unwavering support served as her anchor when she was striving to carve out a place for herself in the legal industry. They encouraged her to strive harder without compromising on the principles that form the core of who she is.
It is not easy to build a strong, positive reputation for oneself in the legal world. Kristen succeeded by tapping into her faith as a compass. It provided her with the strength to navigate the turbulent waters of the legal world and the resilience to continue fighting even when the odds were stacked against her. “It also taught me compassion, love, and the inherent value of every individual,” she says. “I’ve always believed that my faith was God’s way of preparing me for the path I was meant to take.”
Kristen was drawn closer to her calling because of the stories of survivors, tales of injustices, and the evident disparities in society. And, she highlights that when she decided to specialize in the field of sexual abuse and civil rights, it was not just a career choice. “It was a manifestation of my faith in action,” she says. Every survivor’s story she championed was a testament to her belief in justice, equality, and the divine purpose of standing up for the truth.
Throughout her stellar career, Kristen has ensured multiple times that victims are awarded sustainable and meaningful sums in damages. For example, she secured $22 million in damages in a child sexual abuse case and obtained a $ 10.3 million verdict in favor of victims of terrorist threats. In fact, this year alone, Kristen has obtained over $300M in verdicts for survivors of sexual abuse. She does not consider these achievements as mere professional accomplishments. “They are victories of faith, of the belief in the power of justice, and the hope that light will always triumph over darkness,” she says.
“My involvement in cases like Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby might have brought me into the international spotlight, but my true motivation has always been the survivors and my commitment, rooted deeply in my faith, to be their beacon of hope,” she adds.
Overcoming ‘Insurmountable’ Obstacles
Kristen believes that challenges are like a crucible through which one’s character is forged, and they make one stronger. When she encountered “insurmountable” obstacles, her faith, the support of her family, and the stories of survivors were her guiding light that helped her overcome them.
She recalls that one of the most significant roadblocks in her career was the inherent bias and skepticism that survivors of sexual abuse often face when coming forward. “The weight of the world’s doubts can be crushing, but it was in these moments that I learned the true value of compassion, resilience, and the belief in the cause of justice,” she says. Her commitment to standing with survivors, especially in high-profile cases, like Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby and the R. Kelly, taught her the importance of perseverance and the power of truth.
Another challenging aspect of Kristen’s professional journey was navigating the turbulent waters of the legal world. She points out that every courtroom battle and case preparation was a lesson in patience, strategy, and understanding the intricacies of the law. And, for her, a setback was never an endpoint. She always saw it as an opportunity to reassess, realign, and come back stronger.
In addition to external challenges, Kristen also experienced moments of self-doubt. There were times when she felt that the path she was on was extremely arduous. It was during these times that her faith and her family’s support became her pillars of strength. She says that they taught her that strength is not only required to face external adversities but also needed to conquer one’s internal demons.
“In conclusion, the roadblocks I encountered in my professional journey were not just barriers; they were teachers in disguise,” Kristen says. “They instilled in me a deeper understanding of justice, compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the cause I champion.”
“Every challenge was an affirmation of the adage: what doesn’t kill or break you, makes you stronger,” she adds.
Uplifting Silenced Groups
As a black woman, Kristen firsthand witnessed the disparities and challenges that her community faces. So, her definition of success intertwines with the need to address these inequities. For her, success means uplifting those who have been silenced, advocating for the rights of victims, and ensuring justice is accessible to all – regardless of the color of their skin, what gender they were born, or any aspect of their background. And she firmly believes in the transformative power of advocacy.
Kristen is also of the opinion that one truly achieves success when one creates an environment where every voice is heard, where every victim’s rights are championed, and where black women can stand in their power without fear. This perspective is her driving force, reminding her of the broader purpose and the profound impact that she can make in the lives of many.
“Dedicated” is the word that captures the essence of Kristen’s professional drive and personal commitment. “Dedication serves as the heartbeat of my practice, the pulse of my family life, and the spirit of my community involvement, all of which are inextricably linked to the person I am today,” she says.
And, as for recognition, Kristen appreciates accolades, but for her, the best acknowledgment of her leadership has come from the survivors she has represented. Their trust in her to advocate on their behalf and stand with them in their pursuit of justice is the most profound recognition she could ever receive. “To be seen as a leader by those who have been through so much, to know that they believe in my ability to give them a voice, is the greatest honor,” she says. “It reinforces my commitment to the path I’ve chosen and to the continued fight for justice on behalf of those who need it most.”
Life before Joining Anapol Weiss
Before joining the civil Plaintiff’s world, in March of 2020, Kristen’s life was a blend of public service, personal growth, and relentless advocacy. The beginning of her career was marked by a calling to serve the public and a commitment to justice. It started in earnest when she took the role of a judicial law clerk. She moved to her current role as a Shareholder at Anapol Weiss in March 2024, and founder of the firm’s Sexual Abuse and Crime Victim’s Practice Group. Prior to that, she served as a Partner at Saltz Mongeluzzi & Bendesky (SMB), where she successfully founded a thriving Sexual Abuse and Crime Victim’s practice group, dedicating her expertise to helping survivors seek justice. Before her time at SMB, she worked as an Associate at Stradley Ronon. Kristen also served as Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, where she honed her skills in the courtroom and built a reputation for herself as a fierce litigator, particularly in the Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Units, and as a member of the Sex Crimes Unit. She says that the courtroom offered her a platform where she could blend her passion for the law with a deep-seated desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Throughout her career, Kristen has been a tireless advocate for victims of abuse and has worked to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Professionally, I was dedicated to pursuing justice for the most vulnerable, fighting for victims whose voices were often marginalized,” she adds. “This chapter of my career was more than a job; it was a mission to serve the community and ensure that justice was not just a privilege, but a right for all.”
Kristen considers her life outside the courtroom equally full and rewarding. As a mother to two children, she successfully navigated the delicate balance between her career and family. She made sure she was present for her children, along with setting an example of professional dedication and civic responsibility at work. “My role as a wife and a partner was also central to my life, providing a foundation of support and understanding for the demanding and often emotional work I undertook,” she says.
In her personal life as well, Kristen was committed to advocacy. She was – and continues to be – vocal about victims’ rights, raised awareness, and made a tangible difference in the community. Her involvement in community outreach and education, particularly in the realm of sexual violence, was driven by a belief in proactive change and empowerment through knowledge.
Kristen feels that the decision to join Anapol Weiss as a Shareholder, was a natural progression in her journey. It allows her to leverage her trial experience, victim advocacy, and passion for justice on a larger stage. In addition to that, it also provides her a new platform to continue the work she is deeply passionate about, fight for those in need, and strive for excellence in every aspect of her personal and professional life.
Responsibilities as the Shareholder at Anapol Weiss
Kristen’s move to Anapol Weiss in March 2024 was a significant milestone for the firm, as her addition to the leadership team made Anapol Weiss a majority female-owned law firm. This achievement not only showcased the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion but also highlighted the growing influence and impact of women in the legal profession. As a majority female-owned firm, Anapol Weiss serves as an inspiration and role model for aspiring female lawyers, demonstrating that women can thrive and lead in the competitive world of law. Kristen’s presence on the leadership team brings a valuable perspective and reinforces the firm’s dedication to advocating for the rights of those who have been wronged or injured, particularly victims of sexual abuse, and other crimes or gender-based violence, and medical negligence. Her experience and passion for justice align perfectly with Anapol Weiss’s mission, strengthening the firm’s ability to make a positive difference in the lives of their clients and the community at large.
As a Shareholder at Anapol Weiss, Kristen’s role transcends the bounds of traditional legal responsibilities. It intertwines professional leadership with personal dedication. And, her typical day at work is a mosaic of strategic legal planning, mentorship, and direct client engagement. She ensures that each case is approached with precision and empathy. “I balance the rigorous demands of overseeing a dynamic team, crafting litigation strategies, and managing the nuances of client relations with the same commitment I give to my roles outside the firm as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend,” she says.
Kristen’s mornings often start before the sun rises. It helps her set the tone for the day with preparation and biblical reflection. When she reaches office, there is a number of tasks waiting for her — from intricate legal analyses to empowering the attorneys and staff on her team to excel. “Client meetings are woven throughout, where my role is to listen intently and offer counsel that aligns with our firm’s reputation for unparalleled advocacy,” she says.
At work, Kristen strives to prioritize efficiency and focus during work hours, which allows her to be fully present for her family during their time together. She has the complete support of her family, including her husband and their two boys, who she is raising to be warriors of respect. “Their presence strengthens my resolve, ensuring that every case I undertake isn’t just an act of professional duty but a deeply personal mission to leave behind a more just world for the future generations,” she says.
A Brief Introduction to Anapol Weiss
Anapol Weiss is a nationally renowned personal injury law firm with offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded in 1977, the firm has established itself as a leader in advocating for the rights of individuals and families who have suffered harm due to the negligence of others. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, Anapol Weiss has a proven track record of success in handling complex cases across various areas of personal injury law, including class actions, mass torts, and catastrophic injuries from medical malpractice, product liability, sex abuse and crashworthy cases.
Throughout its history, Anapol Weiss has garnered numerous accolades and recognition for its outstanding work in the legal community. The firm’s attorneys have been consistently recognized by prestigious organizations such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, Anapol Weiss has been named among the “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report for many years.
One of the firm’s most notable recent achievements is its involvement in the Kids-for-Cash scandal, where firm co-founder Sol Weiss received a verdict of over $200M against two disgraced and jailed former state judges who violated the civil rights of nearly 300 children by imprisoning them in for-profit juvenile detention centers without due process. Mr. Weiss was also co-lead counsel representing former injured NFL players in the landmark $1B class action settlement where the NFL knowingly failed to adequately protect its players from suffering neurocognitive injuries.
In addition, firm leaders have and hold various leadership positions in numerous multi-district litigations (MDLs), and the firm represents numerous clients in high-profile mass tort litigations, including those related to defective medical devices and dangerous drugs. The firm currently represents nearly 1000 veterans who developed cancer and other catastrophic injuries after ingesting polluted water at Camp Lejune and is active in the talcum powder and NEC MDLs. Additionally, shareholder Tracy Finken is currently involved in leadership in both the JUUL and PPI litigations, and is nationally recognized for her leadership roles in drug and device mass tort cases.
Anapol Weiss also has an active catastrophic single injury practice. Most recently, shareholder Miriam Barish obtained a $6M settlement for a woman who was injured when she was hit by a tractor trailer while walking behind the vehicle. The firm represents numerous parents who lost their children due to the negligence of the delivery obstetricians, has medical malpractice cases in all areas including missed cancer diagnoses, neurosurgery malpractice, and products liability cases. The firm also recently grew its practice to develop a nursing home abuse practice.
In November of 2022 Kila Baldwin joined the firm as a shareholder. Kila is a seasoned litigator, having earned verdicts in the transvaginal mesh litigation in the amounts of $80M, $57.1M, and $40M. She most recently earned a verdict of nearly $10M in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in a neurosurgical malpractice case, where there was previously a $12.75M settlement with the manufacturer of the neurosurgical device used in the subject surgery. Under Kila’s leadership, the firm continues to represent hundreds of women suffering the effects of these dangerous transvaginal mesh products and continues to have a strong practice in the medical malpractice and products liability fields.
Firm shareholder Larry Coben literally wrote the book on crashworthiness cases and is one of the founding members of Attorney Information Exchange Group, an organization dedicated to crashworthiness cases where Larry routinely provides national Amicus brief writing support for the group. The firm also has 3 former presidents of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice in Jim Ronca, Tom Anapol, and Kila Baldwin.
In March of 2024, Kristen Feden joined Anapol Weiss as a Shareholder. Recognized as a leading fierce advocate in the #MeToo movement and for her masterful closing argument in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial, Kristen leads the firm’s practice areas focused on sexual abuse litigation, sex trafficking lawsuits, rideshare sexual assault cases, institutional exploitation, child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases, Title IX and campus sexual misconduct claims, daycare, residential facility, and school abuse lawsuits, and civil rights litigation.
This year, Kristen has obtained over $300M in verdicts for survivors of sexual abuse. Last year, in 2023, she won two eight-figure verdicts in a single day – a $10.5M verdict for survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking by singer R. Kelly and a $22M verdict for a childhood sexual abuse survivor of a renowned New York pediatrician. Her other victories include a $6.5 million settlement against a commercial entity and a $1 million Title IX settlement. Most recently she was nominated for Attorney of the Year by American Lehal Media’s Pennsylvania Legal Awards celebration.
Kristen emphasizes the firm’s commitment to providing personalized attention and unwavering support to each client. “At Anapol Weiss, we understand the profound impact, sexual abuse, medical negligence, catastrophic car accidents, and birth injuries can have on victims and their loved ones. Our goal is to not only secure the compensation our clients deserve but also to help them navigate the legal process with compassion and understanding,” she says.
With a team of seasoned litigators and access to top-notch resources, Anapol Weiss is well-equipped to take on even the most complex cases. The firm’s attorneys work collaboratively to develop tailored strategies for each client, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met. “We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Kristen notes. “That’s why we offer free case evaluations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients only pay if we secure a successful outcome on their behalf.”
Anapol Weiss is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. The firm recognizes the value of bringing together attorneys with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve the needs of its clients.
For those seeking experienced, compassionate legal representation in the face of personal injury, sexual abuse, mass torts, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, or other related matters, Anapol Weiss stands ready to fight for their rights and help them achieve the justice they deserve.
Plans for Future
Kristen and her team are committed to further solidify Anapol Weiss’s position as pioneers in legal advocacy, particularly in the realm of personal injury law. They aim to continue expanding the firm’s reach, ensuring that victims of negligence, especially in the workplace, have access to the highest caliber of legal representation.
“Our plans include embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance our research and litigation strategies, as well as broadening our educational initiatives to empower more individuals with the knowledge to seek justice,” Kristen reveals.
As a legal professional, she also has a set of personal goals. She wants to further develop her expertise in complex litigation and continue advocating for the rights of victims. She also has plans to mentor the next generation of lawyers, and by sharing her experience and knowledge, she wants to inspire and shape future advocates.
Message to Aspiring Legal Professionals
Kristen’s message to aspiring legal professionals is one of resilience and purpose. She underscores that the path of law is as challenging as it is rewarding; so, it requires a steadfast commitment to justice and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “Always remember that this profession is about service — to the law, to our clients, and the greater good,” she tells legal professionals. “You must always uphold integrity, seek out mentors, and never stop learning.”
“Let your passion for the law fuel your journey, and let the victories, no matter how small they may seem, remind you of the reason you chose to walk this path,” she adds.
