Brisco Named College Counsel at St. Mary’s

Cristal Brisco has been named college counsel at Saint Mary’s College. She most recently served as corporation counsel for the city of South Bend. Brisco joined Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s administration in 2013, serving as chief legal officer and managing the city of South Bend’s legal department. She provides counsel to the mayor and other city officials on issues involving legal compliance, negotiating the terms and conditions of various city contracts, and oversees litigation and strategic initiatives. During her time with the city, Brisco served as lead negotiator with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, reaching two separate agreements that will result in a guaranteed $2 million annually in city revenue and an estimated $5 million community donation impact.

Brisco has been recognized as a Rising Star in Indiana Super Lawyers. The Rising Stars list commends no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. She was also named to Lawyers of Color’s “Hot List” in 2013 and was one of 15 “Up and Coming Lawyers” recognized by Indiana Lawyer’s fifth-annual Leadership in Law awards. 

Prior to joining the mayor’s office in 2013, Brisco served as an attorney with Barnes & Thornburg LLP where she represented corporate and government clients before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

She received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2006 where she was captain of the ATLA Student Mock Trial Team, an intern with the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, and vice president of the Black Law Students Association. Brisco currently serves as a Board Member for the Notre Dame Law Association and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County.

Brisco is admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern District Courts of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.