Cristina Q. Almendarez
About Cristina Q. Almendarez
Cristina Q. Almendarez is an Associate at Benesch Law in Chicago, specializing in litigation involving trademark, copyright, and pharmaceutical cases. She actively promotes Latino representation within the firm and has held various leadership roles in community and professional organizations.
Work at Benesch Law
Cristina Q. Almendarez has been an Associate at Benesch Law since 2021. In her role, she focuses on litigation and has developed extensive experience in various sectors, including biologic and pharmaceutical drugs, consumer goods, and medical devices. She is actively involved in promoting Latino representation within the firm as Co-Chair of the Benesch Latino Employee Resources Group. Additionally, she serves on the Benesch Associate Development Committee Board, where she co-chairs the Programming, Education & Development Subcommittee.
Previous Experience at Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Cristina worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP as a Summer Associate in 2013 for two months in the Greater Chicago Area. She later returned to the firm as an Intellectual Property Litigation Associate from 2014 to 2018, where she gained significant experience in litigation. Her tenure at Kirkland & Ellis contributed to her understanding of complex legal issues in intellectual property.
Professional Background at Honigman LLP
Cristina served as a Partner at Honigman LLP from 2019 to 2021 in the Greater Chicago Area. During her time there, she further developed her litigation skills and specialized in various legal matters. This role allowed her to build a strong foundation in handling complex cases.
Education and Expertise
Cristina Q. Almendarez earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School, where she studied from 2011 to 2014. Prior to that, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology from Yale University, studying from 2004 to 2008. She also studied Advanced Japanese at the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies from 2008 to 2009. Her educational background supports her expertise in litigation, particularly in areas involving trademark, copyright, trade secrets, and false advertising.
Community Involvement and Leadership Roles
Cristina is actively involved in community initiatives, serving as Co-Chair of the Programming, Education & Development Subcommittee on the Benesch Associate Development Committee Board. She also chairs the Day of the Dead Ball Subcommittee for the National Museum of Mexican Art Auxiliary Board, demonstrating her commitment to cultural representation and community engagement.