Kristal studied law and English at Otago University (graduated 2006), then moved to Auckland to commence practise in insurance litigation. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand that year. In 2009 she was also admitted to the Victorian Supreme Court and the Australian High Court and practised in Melbourne for over two years acting for insurers in large class actions.

Kristal commenced working for McElroys in 2011. She practises in the areas of professional indemnity, public liability, health and life and marine insurance.