Haynes Boone is pleased to announce that Kristen Uhl Hulse has joined the firm as its first chief talent officer. Based in Denver, Hulse will align the firm’s Human Resources, Attorney Development, Recruiting, Inclusion and Engagement functions to build a unified talent strategy.
“This is an exciting career move because I love to shape how people experience their workplace and their profession – by extension, enhancing both individual and organizational success,” Hulse said. “Haynes Boone has a forward-thinking culture and intentionally invests in its people through all stages of their careers. The opportunity to help influence the full talent lifecycle at a firm with this level of vision, growth and footprint is truly special.”
With more than two decades of experience spanning global law firms, legal education and talent innovation, Hulse has earned national recognition for modernizing the ways law firms recruit, develop and retain their professionals. Her new role reflects Haynes Boone’s continued investment in its people and culture, aligned with the firm's strategic vision to foster long-term growth, an inclusive workforce and leadership at every level.
“Kristen brings a unique blend of legal acumen, counseling expertise and people-first strategy,” said Haynes Boone Managing Partner Taylor Wilson. “Her addition to the firm represents a transformative step in how we align talent with business goals. We are thrilled to welcome Kristen and look forward to the many ways she will help strengthen the firm's culture and accelerate career growth for our professionals.”
Hulse’s arrival continues a firm-wide trend of modernizing and expanding Haynes Boone’s senior leadership structure. In recent years, the firm has added key executives, including Chief Operating Officer Dave Boden, Chief Marketing Officer Jackie Sarlo and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Giot.
Hulse began her legal career as an associate at Dechert LLP in Washington, D.C. and London. Over the years, she has led attorney development and recruiting teams at Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass and Snell & Wilmer, where she built full-service talent departments during periods of strong lateral growth and retention. She has also served in key academic and advisory roles at leading law schools, including Georgetown, UC Berkeley and the University of Denver, where she developed and taught practice-readiness curriculum for law students. She has served on the Professional Development Consortium Board of Directors and was recently appointed as a trustee of the College of Law Practice Management.