Crystal Center is a civil attorney and licensed real estate broker who brings calm, strategic thinking to complex legal challenges.
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, estate planning and mediation/conflict resolution. She's negotiates agreements, mediates disputes, or advocates in the courtroom—whatever her clients need to reach the best outcome.
Crystal's diverse experience as an attorney, small business owner, and real estate 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 focused demeanor in high-stress moments and skill in understanding different viewpoints make her particularly effective as a trusted advisor.
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.
Experience & Expertise
A diverse background spanning military service, national security, and civil law
Deputy County Counsel
Placer County
Represented the County in suits in state, appellate, and federal court, handling primarily civil litigation.
Civil Litigator
Reese, Smalley, Wiseman and Schweitzer, LLP
AV-rated civil law firm in Redding, California, gaining extensive courtroom and negotiation experience.
Terrorism Analyst & Researcher
Department of Homeland Security & Office of Military Commissions
Prosecution team analyst (contractor), conducting critical research and analysis for national security programs.
Counter-Terrorism Expert
Military & Law Enforcement Training
Created and taught counter-terrorism training courses for military, civilian, and law enforcement personnel in Asia.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Military Intelligence
Served as a military analyst during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Life in the Foothills
Crystal lives, works and raises her family in the foothills of the Sierras; this connection informs her approach to law—understanding that legal matters are deeply personal and connected to the lives, homes, and communities her clients have built and grow.
Practice Areas
- General Civil
- Real Estate Law
- Business Law
- Landlord-Tenant
- Contracts
Bar Admissions
- California, 2012
- Federal Eastern District of California
- Federal Central District of California
Education
- J.D. King Hall School of Law, University of California, Davis
- M.S. Strategic Studies/Counterterrorism, Nanyang Technological Institute, Singapore
- B.A. Humanities, University of Maryland University College, MD
- 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