Clients say they appreciate my attention to detail, diligence, adaptability, precision, and persistence. They also value my communication skills; I’m a strong writer and speak with candor, clarity, and concision. My ability to think on my feet serves my clients well, both in and out of the courtroom. I take a realistic, matter-of-fact approach by looking at the client’s end goal and working backwards to craft and implement strategies that help us get there in the quickest and most economical way.
Kimberly “Kim” Held Israel represents clients in litigation in Florida state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts and appellate venues. Handling jury and non-jury trials and appeals, Kim advocates on behalf of business entities, financial institutions, and individuals in general civil and commercial matters. Kim guides and counsels companies in cases connected to day-to-day operations as well as in litigation when it arises. She also advises on matters involving contract review, interpretation, negotiation, and disputes; construction litigation; creditors’ rights issues; mortgage litigation; landlord-tenant law (commercial and residential); the domestication and collection of out-of-state judgments; and asset protection. Kim has a background in maritime and admiralty law, litigating Limitation of Liability actions as well as Jones Act, cargo, and cruise passenger claims. She also has experience with insurance defense and personal injury litigation.
Kim supervises a team of employees that manages outside counsel, a role that has given her tremendous insight into clients’ perspectives, concerns and the efficiencies of litigation. As an attorney who advises businesses of varying sizes, Kim finds great satisfaction in building enduring relationships, procuring favorable outcomes, and receiving referrals from these clients. Always working to prevent cases from languishing, Kim keeps an eye on the bottom line and strives to resolve matters swiftly and efficiently.
Additionally, Kim has served as a Court-appointed Receiver multiple times in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Duval County, Florida. She has worked as a receiver for a distressed law firm, a business in which the owners were deadlocked, and on behalf of an apartment complex that had fallen into disrepair, with the owners entangled in a very contentious dispute.
Highly regarded in the Jacksonville area, Kim is an active participant in its business and legal communities. She has gained recognition and awards from several prominent organizations including Martindale-Hubbell, Jacksonville Magazine, and Forbes Business. Kim has held leadership roles in the Jacksonville Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), and the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA), and is a Master in the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court, positions that have grown her extensive network of relationships, enhancing her ability to serve clients.