1. Home
  2. Our People
  3. Kristi J. French

Kristi J. French, managing shareholder of Reinhart's Wausau office, is a member of the firm's Corporate Law Practice who has deep experience in the complexities of consumer finance law. As co-chair of the highly specialized Consumer Finance Team, she is especially adept at helping finance companies and other clients navigate the specific, state-by-state regulations that govern non-bank lenders.

Clients appreciate her thorough industry knowledge and ability to assist in making effective, efficient business decisions. Kristi is often involved in their day-to-day operations, available to evaluate options, explain regulations and has developed monitoring programs to ensure clients are up to date on legal requirements. She advises on matters related to direct and indirect lending, closed- and open-end contracts, and licensing issues for finance companies with a nationwide footprint.

Kristi holds a B.S. in Accounting and worked for a major firm before law school, giving her excellent perspective on the financial implications of legal strategies.

Away from the office, Kristi enjoys spending time with her family and running.

Education

  • J.D., University of Denver Sturm College of Law
  • B.S., cum laude, Marquette University

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • Wisconsin Supreme Court

Matters

  • Advises finance companies on compliance matters and represents finance companies on compliance matters for lending due diligence
  • Drafts indirect and direct financing installment and revolving contracts
  • Works with finance companies to obtain the proper licensing and has obtained many types of finance licenses and collection licenses, including all indirect finance licenses for consumer goods and motor vehicles

Honors & Affiliations

Affiliations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Oregon Bar Association (Inactive)
  • American Bar Association (Member, Consumer Finance Committee)

News & Insights

Presentations

  • Speaker, Consumer Finance Symposium, Chicago, Illinois (May 2022)
  • Speaker, Independent Finance Company Conference, Chicago, Illinois (December 2013)