Brisco named College Counsel at Saint Mary’s College

July 27, 2017 (Notre Dame, Ind.) —  Cristal Brisco, corporation counsel for the city of South Bend, has been named college counsel at Saint Mary’s College, effective September 1.

Cristal Briscoe, new College CounselBrisco joined Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s administration in 2013, serving as chief legal officer and managing the city of South Bend’s legal department. She provides counsel to the Mayor and other city officials on issues involving legal compliance, negotiating the terms and conditions of various city contracts, and oversees litigation and strategic initiatives.

“I’m delighted Cristal Brisco has agreed to join my leadership team,” President Jan Cervelli said. “Her wealth of knowledge, her experience with the city and Barnes & Thornburg, and her deep appreciation of Saint Mary’s mission make her superbly qualified.”

Mayor Pete Buttigieg commends Brisco for her guidance, leadership, and hard work.

“Cristal Brisco served the City of South Bend with great distinction. She will be difficult to replace, but as a colleague and friend I am pleased to see her take on a new leadership opportunity. I wish her and her new Saint Mary’s College family the best of luck as I know Cristal will continue her excellent record of service in this new position.”

Brisco has been recognized as a Rising Star in Indiana Super Lawyers. The Rising Stars list commends no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state. Brisco was also named to Lawyers of Color’s “Hot List” in 2013 and was one of 15 “Up and Coming Lawyers” recognized by Indiana Lawyer’s fifth-annual Leadership in Law awards. 

Prior to joining the mayor’s office in 2013, Brisco served as an attorney with Barnes & Thornburg LLP where she represented corporate and government clients before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

Brisco received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2006 where she was captain of the ATLA Student Mock Trial Team, an intern with the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, and vice president of the Black Law Students Association. Brisco currently serves as a Board Member for the Notre Dame Law Association and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County.

“I look forward to working as a part of President Cervelli’s leadership team to help advance the mission of Saint Mary’s College,” Brisco said. “It’s been a privilege to serve Mayor Buttigieg and the residents of South Bend. Today, South Bend is stronger than it’s ever been. I am truly honored to have played a part in that.”

Brisco is admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern District Courts of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

About Saint Mary's College: Celebrating over 175 years of empowering women to make a difference in the world, Saint Mary’s College is recognized as a pioneer and continued force in the education of women. A Catholic, liberal arts institution in Notre Dame, Indiana, the College offers more than 50 undergraduate academic programs and also offers co-educational master’s degrees.

Contact for News Media: Haleigh Ehmsen, Media Relations Associate, Saint Mary’s College, hehmsen@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-5343

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