Kathryn N. Nester

Kathryn N. Nester is a veteran trial attorney with over 30 years of litigation experience in both federal and state courts. She has tried more than sixty complex jury trials, handling high-stakes criminal and civil matters including capital murder, fraud, sex offenses, wrongful death, and civil rights violations. Her courtroom work has garnered national and international media attention.

Ms. Nester earned her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law in 1992 and holds a B.B.A. in International Business from The University of Texas at Austin. This academic foundation has guided her distinguished legal career and strategic approach to trial advocacy.

Throughout her career, Ms. Nester has been inducted into elite legal organizations including the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and the International Society of Barristers. She has handled cases in courts across the U.S., earning honors such as Mississippi Trial Lawyer of the Year and the Federal Bar Distinguished Service Award.

Ms. Nester led the Federal Defender offices in Salt Lake City and San Diego for over a decade. She was appointed by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Evidence. During the Obama Administration, she also played a pivotal role on the National Steering Committee for the Clemency Project, helping coordinate legal support for tens of thousands of applicants.

Ms. Nester’s practice spans a wide spectrum of legal disciplines, reflecting her deep trial expertise and commitment to justice. She is widely respected for her integrity, legal acumen, and unwavering dedication to protecting her clients’ rights.

Whether in the courtroom or on national legal committees, Kathryn N. Nester continues to shape the legal landscape through exceptional advocacy, thoughtful leadership, and a steadfast commitment to fairness and due process principles.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Nester Lewis PLLC
• Member, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Member, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
• Member, International Society of Barristers

Licensed State

• Utah
• California
• Mississippi

Education

• The University of Texas School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• The University of Texas at Austin
  BBA in International Business

Awards & Badges