Law School
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Major Cases
As a transactional attorney for the cannabis industry, my entire purpose to help my clients run professional and ethical businesses that stay out of the courts. I have assisted in the formation of more than 100 medical cannabis and cannabis related ancillary businesses. The businesses I work with are creating an entire industry from the ground up, so we approach every business structure and transaction with the utmost caution. As the industry continues to evolve and mature, we will no doubt see many transactional disputes begin to play themselves out in court.
Professional Background
Kimberly Simms formed her own law practice immediately after law school. The Law Office of Kimberly R. Simms is a boutique law firm specializing in corporate business counseling and formation for California’s burgeoning cannabis industry. Simms helps her clients navigate the legal complexities and challenges unique to this industry. She has advised and formed hundreds of businesses in the cannabis space. Her clients include dispensaries, manufacturers, cultivators and ancillary businesses serving the industry. Simms has worked closely with government officials to craft reasonable regulations that allow for the recognition and existence of cannabis businesses. Simms is a recognized expert in this emerging area of law. She has taught courses and lead seminars on how to form and operate a compliant “cannabusiness.”
Professional Affiliations
Simms is a founding Board Member of the Alliance for Responsible Medicinal Access, San Diego’s leading cannabis chamber of commerce and political advocacy organization. Simms is also proud to serve as co-founder for the San Diego Chapter of Women Grow. Women Grow was created to connect, educate and empower the next generation of cannabis industry leaders by creating programs and events for aspiring and current business executives. Simms also maintains the following memberships: San Diego County Bar Association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, NORML, SD Americans For Safe Access and the National Cannabis Industry Association.
Personal Affiliations
Simms served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Young Democrats from 2014-2016. She was a 2013 fellow and a current board member for the San Diego Leadership Alliance, an organization that develops the next generation of progressive leaders in the San Diego region.
Personal Background
Simms was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended college at Florida State University. She moved to San Diego in 2005 for law school and has never looked back. She considers San Diego home and loves everything this fine city has to offer.
View our Top Attorneys Emeritus, attorneys who have been named finalists four years or more from 2009 through 2013.
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Nominations Open | February 24 |
Nominations Close | April 17 |
Sponsorship/Advertising Close | July 17 |
Publication Date | July 29 |
Reception | August 10 |
Aug. 13, 2014 -- Reporter Doug Sherwin speaks with attorney Randy Kay, partner with Jones Day and a 2014 Top Attorney, about why there's a surge in trade secrets litigation.
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