Judge Kristal Bradford was born and raised in Cerritos, CA.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA.  While at UCLA, Judge Bradford received a full academic scholarship, was on the Dean’s Honor Roll, received the Chancellor Award and Ralph J. Bunch Scholarship, and was the Commencement Speaker at her graduation.

Judge Bradford continued her education at Western State University College of Law and received another full academic scholarship. While in law school, Judge Bradford was a member of the Honors Moot Court Team, Dean’s Honor Circle, Black Law Student Association and Student Body Association.  She also received the Public Service Award, Best Brief Witkin Award, and Outstanding Oralist Award in the Roger Traynor Moot Court Competition.  Judge Bradford also worked at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

In 2012, Judge Bradford became licensed to practice law in the State of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.  Judge Bradford opened up her own law firm and specialized in civil law.  While civil law was the primary focus, she also had cases involving family law, real estate law, bankruptcy law, and criminal law.

In 2016, Judge Bradford became licensed in Nevada.  She began working at the Clark County Public Defender’s Office in 2018 and vigorously defended the Constitutional rights of her clients.

Judge Bradford was elected to the Las Vegas Justice Court in November 2024 and took the bench on January 6, 2025.  She currently presides over criminal cases.