Karri Bertrand

Attorney, O'Neil Wysocki, P.C.

Karri Bertrand’s approach to family law embraces both the role of protector and champion, a philosophy which stems from growing up the oldest child of 13. Her passion for family law was ignited when she witnessed a close friend’s traumatizing divorce, which then fueled her through 8 years of night school to finish her undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Karri brings a unique foundation to the practice of law, having been a certified paralegal for 15 years prior to obtaining her law degree. This experience provided her with many hands-on opportunities, including trials, depositions, and mediations, as well as knowledge in handling complex legal matters reserved for more senior attorneys. Further, she assisted renowned family law appellate attorney Michelle O’Neil in her preparation and presentation of an oral argument before the Supreme Court of Texas.

As a law student, Karri received training in advocacy both in the classroom and representing clients at UNT Dallas College of Law’s Community Lawyering Center (CLC), where her achievements earned her special recognition. Because of her diverse experience and background, Karri has the unique ability to analyze family law from every angle - from client to paralegal to lawyer.

Karri graduated summa cum laude with Major Honors from the University of Texas at Dallas with a B.A. in Literary Studies. While an undergraduate, she was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Golden Key Honor Society, and on the Dean’s List. At the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, Karri received many accolades, including appointment to the Accessible Law law review, multiple appearances on the Dean’s List, the CALI Awards for the highest grade in contracts and trial practice, and a Dean’s scholarship. Additionally, she was an inaugural appointee to the Board of Advocates for demonstrating strong advocacy skills in performance-based coursework.

Bar Admission

• State Bar of Texas, 2018

Education

• J.D., University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law cum laude (May 2018); Law Review – Accessible
• Bachelor of Arts – Literary Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, summa cum laude with Major Honors (thesis completion) (2014)
• Dean’s List – Spring 2014; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Golden Key Honor Society Law Reporter;
• Dean’s List – Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2016 & Spring 2017, Spring 2018;
• Student Bar Association Officer (2014-15)
• CALI Award (Highest Grade – Contracts; Trial Practice)
• Board of Advocates – Inaugural Appointee
• Dean’s Scholarship (2015- 16)
• North Texas Giving Day Scholarship (2015).

Legal Experience:

• O’Neil Wysocki, P.C., Associate Attorney (2018 – Present)
• O’Neil Wysocki, P.C., Law Clerk/Paralegal (2016 – 2017)
• Modjarrad, Abusaad, Saad (MAS) Law Firm, Head Paralegal - Family Law (2015-2016)
• Glast, Phillips & Murray, P.C., Paralegal (2012-2015) Intrepid USA (Snelling Holdings, LLC), Paralegal (2010-2011)
• Colven & Tran, P.C.: Paralegal (2004-2010)
• Intrepid USA (Snelling Holdings, LLC), Paralegal (2010-2011).

Memberships

• State Bar of Texas – Family Law Section, Appellate Law Section, and LGBT Law Section
• Dallas Bar Association – Family Law Section and Appellate Law Section
• Dallas Women Lawyers Association
• Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
• Collin County Young Lawyers Association
• Collin County Bar Association
• Dallas LGBT Bar Association

Publications

• Michelle M. Purvis & Karri Bertrand Bolton, Criminal Law Issues Affecting Your Family Law Practice, St. Bar of Tex. Advanced Family Law Course, Ch. 53 (2017)
• Michelle May O’Neil & Karri Bertrand Bolton, Top 10 Paralegal Responsibilities, TAPS October 5, 2017
• Michelle May O’Neil & Karri Bertrand Bolton, Alimony vs. Maintenance: Differences & Similarities*, TAPS September 26, 2018
• Contributor: Dallas Divorce Law Blog
• Contributor: Gay & Lesbian Family Law in Texas

Honors

• Dallas Women Lawyers Association – Inaugural Leadership Class 2015

Volunteer Activities

• Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)

Certifications

• National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): Certified Paralegal (2010)
• NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal – Trial Practice (2010)