Kimberly Courtney is a seasoned litigation and appellate attorney and prides herself on an unwavering commitment to justice and exceptional legal ethics. Committed to client advocacy and practical results, Kimberly’s meticulous legal research, persuasive writing, strategic approach to framing legal issues is formidable. Clients frequently commend her for her “hard work,” “excellent” legal analysis, and “particularly effective” advocacy.

With decades of legal experience, Kimberly’s nationwide practice includes defending professionals in high-stakes suspension or disqualification from critical licensing and credentialing examinations. She is a staunch advocate for university students and faculty accused of misconduct, with a particular focus on defending against allegations of cheating using artificial intelligence. Her approach combines strategic insight with a commitment to safeguarding her clients’ rights and futures.

Kimberly also has substantial expertise in complex business litigation, particularly in regulatory, liquor licensing, and disciplinary matters within the restaurant industry. Drawing on her background as a former chef and restaurateur, she brings a unique, insider’s perspective to these cases, offering a nuanced and strategic approach.

With a background in psychology, Kimberly brings a compassionate and thoughtful approach to cases that often involve emotionally charged issues. Her language skills in Spanish, Italian, and Japanese enhance her ability to connect with diverse clients. Whether resolving matters administratively, or through litigation, mediation, or arbitration, Kimberly is dedicated to achieving timely and just outcomes with integrity and empathy.

  • DEFENSE OF ALLEGED USE OF ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE: Defense of a graduate student in federal court against wrongful accusations of using artificial intelligence to cheat on an exam.
  • PROFESSIONAL LICENSING: Representation of a professional licensing examination candidate in an administrative disciplinary appeal and arbitration, after a two-year testing ban was imposed based on allegations of ethical violations for pre-exam online study activity.
  • BUSINESS DIVORCE: Successfully litigation and negotiaton a multi-million-dollar settlement in a complex business dispute between two New York business owners.
  • UNIVERSITY RELATED WRONGFUL DEATH: Representation of the parents and estate of a university student who died while in COVID-19 isolation in a federal wrongful death and breach of contract lawsuit.
  • FACULTY DISCIPLINARY DEFENSE AND RELATED EEOC CLAIMS: Defense of a university professor against employment disciplinary allegations, bringing administrative and EEOC claims of disability-based discrimination and retaliation. Obtained a favorable settlement, including the dismissal of disciplinary charges, expungement of the disciplinary record, and a favorable reference.
  • DEFENSE OF GRADUATE STUDENT AND RELATED EEOC CLAIMS: Representation of a graduate student in disciplinary proceedings and an EEOC charge following suspension for alleged unprofessional conduct.
  • STUDENT DEFENSE IN TITLE IX SEXUAL ASSAULT: Representation the parents of a high school student in a federal Title IX action following a sexual assault by another student.
  • LIQUOR LICENSING MASS COURT ACTION: Representation of a restaurant business owners in a mass court action against a municipality regarding deceptive liquor licensing practices causing them to lose millions of dollars.
  • DEFENSE OF CORPORATE EXECUTIVE WHISTLEBLOWER: Representation a high-level corporate executive in a multi-million-dollar whistleblower employment action for wrongful termination and retaliation against a Fortune 500 company.
  • Civil Rights
  • Title IX & Conduct Violations
  • Business & Partnership Litigation
  • Employment Discrimination
  • Internal Investigations
  • Defamation

Education:

  • The George Washington University Law School, Master of Laws, exp. 2025
  • Pace University School of Law, Juris Doctor, International Law Certificate, 2001
  • The George Washington University, Bachelors of Arts, International Affairs, 1996

Admissions:

  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • Virginia (pending)
  • Maryland (pending)
  • Washington, D.C. (pending)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • Seton Hall didn’t monitor student who died alone in a dorm room, lawsuit says
    • https://www.nj.com/education/2024/05/seton-hall-didnt-monitor-student-with-covid-who-died-alone-in-dorm-room-lawsuit-says.html
  • SOM student sues Yale, alleges wrongful suspension over AI use
    • https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/02/24/som-student-sues-yale-alleges-wrongful-suspension-over-ai-use/
  • Scores of Cambridge restaurants paid six figures for a liquor license. Others got them for free
    • https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2017/11/11/scores-of-cambridge-restaurants-paid-six-figures-for-a-liquor-license-others-got-them-for-free/
  • Legal claim says city ‘deceived and defrauded’ in enforcing false License Commission rules
    • https://www.cambridgeday.com/2018/06/18/legal-claim-says-city-deceived-and-defrauded-in-enforcing-false-license-commission-rules/