About Crystal

Bringing the valuable perspective of a negotiator, legal advisor, and litigator to my work, helping leaders unravel complexity and resolve risk—so they can get back to business.

I founded Banse Law in 2017 to leverage my senior advising, negotiations, and dispute resolution experience to help clients establish, develop, and protect their interests, primarily working with them in the professional services, retail, and technology sectors. 

Educated in business and law, I have structured and negotiated complex agreements, deals, and transactions; evaluated; resolved hundreds of disputes (in and out of the courtroom); and advised high-ranking officials, lawmakers, and other attorneys on highly sensitive matters—including investigations.

I began my career in public service and retired as a captain in the U.S. Army; I have held a range of leadership roles, including Special Victims’ Counsel for the National Guard Bureau, Office of the Chief Counsel, Washington, D.C.; Assistant Attorney General, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Madison, WI; and Judge Advocate for The U.S. Army’s JAG Corps, Wisconsin National Guard.

During that time, I argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and won a federal civil rights trial at the Department of Justice. I was also a key contributor to the 2012 edition of the Wisconsin Public Records Law Compliance Guide; was selected as one of seven to establish and manage a national legal assistance program for the National Guard Bureau; and advocated for changes to the Wisconsin Uniform Code of Military Justice, which were eventually adopted into law by the State Legislature.

Additionally, I have delivered over 75 keynotes, main stage presentations, and trainings drawing from my professional and personal experiences on topics ranging from ethics, risk management, and emerging law to DE&I and career/leadership development. Media appearances include the Lawyerist Podcast, Wisconsin Lawyer Magazine, Wisconsin Law Journal, Lady Business Pod, and Authentic Business Adventures.

I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration, magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business, and my Doctor of Law from the University of Wisconsin Law School, where I interned with the Wisconsin Innocence Project, served on the Wisconsin Law Review and was elected Secretary for the Latina/o Law Students’ Association.