Today we had the opportunity to catch up with San Mateo County Trial Lawyer Association’s Treasurer and our senior associate attorney Kim Levy from our San Francisco office. Super Lawyers recognized Kim as a Rising Star among Northern California attorneys.
As a senior associate attorney, Kim Levy has experience litigating all types of injury cases.
Kim started her legal career at the Northern California Innocence Project, where she assisted in investigating and exonerating factually innocent clients that had been convicted of felonies or assisted in confirming those convictions. Kim also worked in a civil litigation firm assisting with business and contract litigation as well as elder abuse cases.
In 2011, Kim began practicing personal injury and wrongful death law. From drafting complaints, discovery requests, demands and briefs, to writing and arguing motions, negotiating settlements, and assisting with jury trials, Kim possesses extensive litigation experience. She is a compassionate attorney, dedicated to fighting for her clients.
Interview
Hello Kim, thank you for taking the time to speak to us. How does it feel to be recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2020?
Thank you! I am honored to be recognized by my peers as a Super Lawyer Rising Star this year. With so many wonderful and accomplished lawyers in our community, I am humbled to be acknowledged by my colleagues as providing meaningful contributions to the field.
Who was most influential in setting you on a path to becoming a lawyer?
There wasn’t really one person that influenced my decision to become a lawyer. My first adult experiences out in the world opened my eyes to the vast disparity, amongst our diverse population, in access to resources. I decided then that I wanted to pursue a profession where I could help close that gap.
What tips would you share with others who are thinking about going to law school?
Law school isn’t easy, but neither is the practice of law. Don’t expect to skate through.
What tips would you share with new attorneys who are just starting in the P.I. plaintiff side?
- Practice with integrity.
- Build a community for yourself by becoming involved with professional organizations; reaching out to colleagues for help and support; and finding a mentor.
With court shutdowns due to COVID-19, has this affected the way you prepare cases for trial?
While COVID-19 has really changed our ability to get to trial, it shouldn’t change the way we work up cases. The best way to make sure you get great results for your clients is to prepare for trial from day one.
Many industries are changing the way they work and seem to be doing more work away from the office. Do you think the legal industry will change in a similar manner?
The legal industry has already changed to accommodate remote work with Zoom depositions and court appearances. Legal writing also lends itself to the remote work environment. However, in some regards, there really is no substitute for in-person interaction. I’m a big believer in the power of collaboration and teamwork. It is much easier to connect with others when we can be physically present, rather than virtually present. I’m optimistic that we will get back into the office and the Courts.
Thank you for your time Kim and congratulations on being recognized again as a Super Lawyer Rising Star!
