Krista Futrel brings a unique background and skillset as the Conservation Paralegal at Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Her primary role involves the performance of substantive paralegal tasks, and the balance of Krista’s work involves the performance of other miscellaneous tasks to support the Legal Department and the advancement of the Land Conservancy’s mission.
Initially, Krista began her career working in animal husbandry and animal conservation and entertained a series of animal husbandry occupations, including a big cat internship with a non-profit organization in Texas and an African lion conservation internship in Africa. It was in Africa that she discovered that not only did she have a passion for animal care, but an immense interest in conservation; the discovery of such an intense interest in conservation sparked the decision to direct herself toward a different career path within the legal field, with an objective to work with an organization dedicated to conservation.
Krista was hired at the Land Conservancy in 2018 as the Conservation Paralegal. At the Land Conservancy, she is responsible for the initial drafts, editing, and finalization of most legal documents, including conservation easements and conservation easement amendments. Krista assists multiple departments within the Land Conservancy in a variety of ways, including document drafting, data management, tracking of project information, assistance with title-related issues, legal research, and administrative tasks. In addition, she is always willing to assist on an as-needed basis by serving as a notary public for landowners.
Krista holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Akron, a Post-Degree Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Cuyahoga Community College and is a PACE Registered Paralegal®. She is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and engages in continuing legal education to remain skilled in relevant areas of law.
Krista lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio with her husband, Josh, her daughter Eliana, and their two cats and two dogs. Krista loves exploring local outdoor areas with her family and enjoys reading, art/crafting, and playing piano.