A multi-faceted woman, Cristina Perez is a successful lawyer, two-time Emmy Award winning television personality, radio host, entrepreneur/business owner, national author and columnist, and devoted mother and wife. The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Cristina was born in New York. Growing up, she lived in many areas ranging from one of the poorest neighborhoods of New York City, to the big city of Guadalajara, Mexico, to the border town of San Ysidro, California to Hartford, Connecticut, and then back to California, which she has now called home for over twenty years.

As a young girl, Cristina was exposed to all walks of life and cultures. She watched her parents struggle with racism, finances, and adapting to the U.S. culture with a foreign language. Cristina learned to speak English around the age of 10 and mastered both languages. She credits her family’s guidance and desire to remain close to their heritage and culture for her personal and professional achievements.

In 2006, Cristina made her English-language television debut on Twentieth Television’s first-run syndicated “Cristina’s Court.” In its debut year, “Cristina’s Court” became the second highest-rated new show in U.S. syndication. In 2008, “Cristina's Court” won the first-ever Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Legal/Court Show. In 2009, “Cristina’s Court” won a second consecutive Emmy Award in the same category. The Emmy wins are the first-ever for a FOX daytime show.

Cristina brings a fresh way of connecting with people. Cristina is the ultimate crossover host, who while being a hip, professional, multicultural woman, always seeks to introduce traditional values into the lives of people young and old. Consequently, she appeals to young and old audiences everywhere.

With a passion for law, family and culture, Cristina was the first television judge ever to crossover from Spanish-language to English-language television. In contrast to her tough persona, Cristina never wears “rubber gloves.” She has the unique ability to connect with people in a very warm and personal level.

Cristina is also known as the enormously popular host of the Spanish language television program “La Corte de Familia” (Family Court) which aired nationally and internationally in fifteen countries on the Telemundo Television Network/NBC (2000-2005). Cristina was the first female Judge-Host to air on a nationally syndicated Spanish network series. The program appealed to viewers of all ages. The show was the second highest rated daytime Spanish language program in the U.S. Cristina made her television debut on the program “La Corte Del Pueblo” (People's Court).

Cristina utilized “La Corte de Familia” and “La Corte del Pueblo” as vehicles to raise community consciousness. The success of each show lied on the fact that each celebrated the strength of people, culture and the importance of family. It also reminded viewers, of all ages and ethnicity, not to forfeit their culture and the great lessons learned from predecessors to make it in the United States. It is reliance on these lessons which she believes are key ingredients to become successful in life.

Cristina believes that quality advice is one of the most valuable gifts any parent can give to their child. Cristina turns to her parent’s wisdom every day by reflecting on the “dichos” (proverbs) that were passed down to her. In her debut book, “Living By Los Dichos” (Simon & Schuster/Atria), Cristina shares those that have most powerfully influenced her life. Anyone who is looking for guidance – whether they are about to leave home for college or are about to get married – will find what they are looking for in this book. “Dichos” transcend age, race, and religion to provide just the right answer at just the right time. Cristina shows how proudly embracing your roots and staying true to your identity will guide you down the right track. Dichos have directed Cristina through her toughest challenges and led her to success.

Telemundo Television Network/NBC

In 2010, Cristina’s new book “It’s All About the Woman Who Wears It: Ten Laws for Being Smart, Successful and Sexy Too” (Penguin Books) will hit the shelves. Juggling marriage and a high-profile career, Cristina balances all her roles in life while still managing to stay in her favorite pair of heels. In It’s All About the Woman Who Wears It, she lends the same candid voice, humor and understanding that she applies in life to ten life laws that every woman should know. Together, these laws address problems that women commonly face and guide them to the realization that the real essence of being happy and sexy stems from a strong sense of identity. As Cristina shares rich, personal experiences that have shaped her to be the confident woman she is today, as well as the real-life lessons imparted from her cases, her words will resound among a new generation of women who take a no-nonsense approach to life, and above all else, want to remain true to themselves.

Cristina is also a community leader and is committed to community service and awareness. She is an active member and leader of several community and legal organizations.

Cristina frequently serves as a host and special guest for many television and radio shows. Cristina has served as a special host on TV Guide Network’s Hollywood 411, CNN’s Larry King and Showbiz Tonight (CNN), ExtraTV, Conexion Thalia (ABC Radio Networks), and served as a weekly Co-Host on Radio Univision and W-RADIO 690 AM, just to name a few. In addition, Cristina has served as a columnist for national magazines and Internet based publications and blogs.

Simon & Schuster/ATRIA

According to a 2008 Syndicated Network Television Association survey, Cristina ranked as one of the most trustworthy and influential syndicated hosts on television, ranking second behind Oprah Winfrey among adults 18 to 34 years old. In 2007-2008, Cristina served as the Los Angeles County Bar Association Spokesperson for its Lawyer Referral and Information Service -- a position formerly held only by The People’s Court Judge Wapner. In 2007, Cristina was named as one of “America’s Ten Most Inspirational Women” by Siempre Mujer magazine (special introduction by Hillary Clinton). In 2005, Cristina was selected as a California’s “Woman of the Year” for her community service and activities and was named one of “America’s Top 10 Latina Advocates” for making the world a better place for women and Latino’s rights, by the national magazine Latino Leaders.

Cristina received a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier Law School and two Bachelors of Arts degrees from UCLA. She and her family reside in Los Angeles.