Kristen is a Partner at KPMG Law advising corporations, financial institutions, and business owners on complex Canadian tax disputes and regulatory matters. With more than a decade of experience representing taxpayers exclusively, she has acted in novel and precedent‑setting tax cases and led complex, multi‑party disputes involving both income tax and indirect tax regimes.
Kristen’s practice focuses on tax litigation, controversy, and advising on tax interpretation questions. She has represented taxpayers in disputes involving transfer pricing, foreign accrual property income (FAPI), general anti‑avoidance rule (GAAR) matters, GST/HST, and large-scale taxpayer remediation and refund processes. She regularly represents clients before the Canada Revenue Agency at all stages of dispute resolution and appears as counsel before the Tax Court of Canada and appellate courts. Her clients span regulated industries, financial services, investment management, technology, real estate, retail, and cross‑border businesses.
Clients value Kristen for her commercial judgment and balanced approach to resolution. She is trial‑ready when matters require decisive advocacy, yet equally focused on achieving efficient, principled resolutions aligned with business objectives. Drawing on a strong business background and experience gained from working alongside former senior members of the Department of Justice and the CRA, she brings deep insight into how tax authorities assess risk, apply policy, and litigate contentious files. This perspective allows her to develop strategies that protect client rights and advance practical solutions.
Her work is recognized by leading legal directories, including Lexpert, where she is “Repeatedly Recommended” in Corporate Tax Litigation, International Tax Review, where she is “Highly Regarded” in Tax Controversy and recognized as a “Women in Tax Leader”, and Best Lawyers in Canada in Tax Law.
Kristen is an active writer, presenter and thought leader on Canadian tax litigation and dispute resolution and regularly contributes to educational initiatives within the tax community, including contributions to the Canadian Tax Foundation. She sits on the Mid-Career Advocates’ Standing Committee of The Advocates’ Society and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Advocacy Matters. Outside of practice, she plays the flute with a Baroque recreational ensemble.