About Kristopher
Kristopher Califano studied journalism and communication at the University of Arizona before turning to law at Pepperdine University School of Law. He completed his undergraduate degree in 2003 and earned his J.D. in 2007. The combination of a communication background and a law degree has shaped how he approaches cases and courtroom work.
Califano began his legal career in public defense. In 2007 he joined the City of Phoenix Public Defender’s office, taking on trial work early in his practice. Three years later he opened the LAW OFFICE OF KRISTOPHER CALIFANO, PLLC, stepping into private practice while continuing to handle criminal matters. In 2014 he is listed as working for the Maricopa County Public Defender, a role that returned him to a public defender setting and courtroom advocacy at scale.
His work has covered the gamut of matters that land in municipal and county courts. He has appeared in Gilbert Court, Chandler City Court, Scottsdale Court and Glendale City Court. Those appearances reflect steady trial exposure and the day-to-day demands of representing clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies. He handles arraignments, pretrial motions, plea negotiations and jury trials.
Colleagues and directory services have recognized Califano’s professional standing. He has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and holds a 10/10 rating on AVVO. Martindale-Hubbell lists him at the highest available ratings for competency and ethics. He was included in an ASLA Top 40 Under 40 list. He is connected to local defense communities through the Maricopa County Public Defender office and Public Counsel during his time with the City of Phoenix Public Defender. He also participates as a speaker and lecturer for the Arizona Public Defender Association, sharing practical trial insights with peers.
Califano’s background in journalism informs his approach to fact development and witness preparation. He emphasizes clear questions and concise themes in courtroom settings. He combines that communication style with the procedural work typical of criminal defense: discovery review, motion practice, and litigation strategy. He has moved between public defender work and private practice, giving him perspective on both institutional defense and individualized client representation.
He currently practices through his law office and remains active in courtrooms across the Phoenix metropolitan area, focusing on criminal defense and public-defense representation.
