Called to Serve Through the Law: Judge Cristal Brisco

A judgeship grounded in integrity, civility, and respect for human dignity—and anchored by a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. A conviction about public service has guided Judge Cristal Brisco ’06 J.D. since she was young.

Brisco’s first introduction to the law was in third grade when she learned what it meant to be a lawyer.Brisco’s inquisitive nature compelled her parents to educate their daughter about the profession. They introduced her to a local lawyer who explained in words a third grader could understand.

“He said, ‘I help people,’” recalled Brisco. “That was life-changing for me because he described the profession as using the law in service to the community.”

The profound moment stayed with Brisco as she navigated the many twists and turns along her career path. It deepened her passion to help people as she moved from private practice to service in local government, as general counsel and as a state judge. Now as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Brisco knows she has found her calling. “You are resolving cases for your neighbors, your community, your country,” she said. “This is what it means to serve.”

A Heart Set on Service

From day one as a Notre Dame Law School student, Brisco knew she was in the right place to learn, grow, and find her path as an advocate for the public good. She was particularly intrigued by the school’s commitment to educate a different kind of lawyer.

“It spoke to me,” she said. “It reflected the values I was raised with.”

Professors, peers, colleagues, even elder statespeople in the profession poured into Brisco’s life and confirmed that she belonged in public service. She took advantage of the school’s experiential learning programs to gain real-life insights into criminal justice, legal aid work, and the civil justice system.

Brisco counts John T. “Jerry” Mulvihill ’53, ’65 J.D. as one of the most influential mentors in her professional journey. The two met while Brisco worked at Barnes & Thornburg. They bonded over a love of the law and fierce allegiance to Notre Dame football. Mulvihill challenged Brisco to always be prepared, do her best work, and faithfully apply the law, whether as an attorney or judge.

“He was the first mentor who opened my mind to the possibility of a judgeship,” Brisco said. “He was an excellent trial lawyer, and I was humbled that he felt confident in my ability to serve as a judge. His steady encouragement inspired me to apply for my first judgeship.”

Bringing Civility and Respect to the Courtroom

Brisco’s knowledge about the workings of the court deepened as she immersed herself in her first judgeship on the St. Joseph County Circuit Court. She presided over a vast cross-section of civil cases. It gave her a breadth of experience well beyond her years in private practice and government work.

Her reputation as a fair, decisive judge carried forward to her service on the St. Joseph County [Indiana] Superior Court and a concurrent judgeship on the Indiana Commercial Court. Brisco was quickly recognized for her legal training, instincts, and a strong sense of fairness. In the courtroom, Brisco fosters a just and respectful judicial environment where all parties feel heard.

One of the most humbling aspects of the job for any federal judge is imposing sentence on criminal defendants. “It is my goal that everyone who comes before me—no matter the choices that led them here—is treated with the respect that every human being deserves,” she said.

Purpose-Driven to Serve

When Brisco reflects on her path to the federal bench, she clearly sees how “doors of opportunity open, even if you don’t knock.” Initially, she didn’t see herself as a judge. Yet when a mentor encouraged her to consider a judgeship, she knew she was prepared.

“Integrity, civility, respect for the dignity of all people, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law have been my guideposts throughout my career,” Brisco explained. “The education and training I received at the Law School prepared me to transition from a large law firm to city government to higher education to the state court bench, and ultimately to serve as a United States District Judge.”

Now Brisco always keeps the door open for students or young lawyers who seek her guidance on their career path. She hopes a word of encouragement will help them clearly see their path and believe, “This is where I’m meant to be.”

- Written by Melinda McNamera