Crystal Center is a civil attorney and licensed real estate broker who brings calm, strategic thinking to complex legal challenges.

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With a background in civil litigation, Crystal now maintains a general civil practice focused on business matters, real estate transactions and disputes, contract formation and review, and informal conflict resolution. She's equally comfortable negotiating agreements, mediating disputes, or advocating in the courtroom—whatever her clients need to reach the best outcome.

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Crystal's diverse experience as both an attorney and broker gives her a unique perspective on her clients' challenges. She approaches each case with genuine curiosity about her clients' businesses and lives, using creative, holistic solutions tailored to their specific situations. Her calm demeanor in high-stress moments and ability to understand different viewpoints make her particularly effective as a trusted advisor.

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Clients return to Crystal year after year—often bringing their families and friends—because they know they'll receive thoughtful, dedicated legal service from someone who truly invests in their success.

 

Crystal's prior experience includes:

• Deputy County Counsel for Placer County, representing the County in suits in state, appellate, and federal court 

• Civil litigator with the AV-rated civil law firm of Reese, Smalley, Wiseman and Schweitzer, LLP in Redding, California 

• Terrorism analyst, researcher and writer, Department for Homeland Security and Office of Military Commissions, Prosecution team (contractor)

• Counter-terrorism expert, creating and teaching counter-terrorism training for military, civilian and law enforcement

• Sergeant, U.S. Army military intelligence during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom 

 

Crystal lives on the South Fork American River and enjoys exploring the great outdoors and above all, a long, slow meal with her friends and family.

 

 

PRACTICE AREAS

 

• General Civil

• Real Estate Law

• Business Law

• Landlord-Tenant

• Contracts

 

BAR ADMISSIONS

 

• California, 2012

• Certified to practice in the Federal Eastern and Central Districts of California.

 

 

EDUCATION

 

• J.D., King Hall School of Law, University of California, Davis

• M.S. Strategic Studies, Nanyang Technological Institute, focus on Counterterrorism Studies

• B.A., Humanities, University of Maryland University College

• Graduate, Defense Language Institute, Korean Basic Course

 

 

ASSOCIATIONS, ACCREDITATION & AWARDS

 

• California Real Estate Broker BRE # 02084767

• Board Member, El Dorado County Law Library Board of Trustees (2022-Present)

• Board Member, El Dorado County Bar Association Board of Directors (2017-2023)

• President and Founder, UC Davis Student Veteran's Association 

• Certificates in Pro Bono Legal Studies and Public Interest, King Hall School of Law, UC Davis

• Current Member, El Dorado County Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors. 

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