With over 22 years of legal expertise, Mr. Jae H. Kim is dedicated to providing strong and clear guidance to individuals and businesses facing legal challenges. After immersing himself in Korean and Japanese cultures, Mr. Kim began his career at an international bank in New York. Later, he joined Wells Fargo Bank’s Real Estate Group, where he specialized in Affordable Housing and Community Reinvestment Program legalities.
In San Francisco, Mr. Kim honed his skills at a small firm specializing in Real Estate, Consumer Law, and Finance. In 2005, he established his own law practice, focusing on real estate litigation, tenants' rights, and representing small businesses. Over the years, he has expanded his expertise to include auto injury and construction defect claims.
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your unique needs. Our legal strategy is tailored to your specific situation, ensuring a personalized approach that aligns with your goals.
Transparent Communication:
We maintain open and transparent communication throughout the legal process. Regular updates and consultations keep you informed, empowering you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Strategic Advocacy:
Our team is dedicated to strategic advocacy, vigorously fighting for your rights. Whether it's foreclosure defense, personal injury, or other legal challenges, we leverage our expertise to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Favorable Outcomes:
Our work process is geared towards achieving favorable outcomes for you. Whether it's securing your home, obtaining compensation, or resolving a dispute, our goal is your success. We measure our success by your satisfaction.
Areas of Practice
In the past ten years, Mr. Kim has successfully represented clients in the following situations:
Foreclosure Defense:
Represented over thirty owners, saving homes from predatory lenders and servicers.
Mold and Other Injuries:
Advocated for over twenty individuals and families affected by toxic harm due to water intrusion, securing compensation for illnesses and permanent injuries.
Construction Defects:
Defended homeowners defrauded by unscrupulous contractors, ensuring justice for victims.
Collections Defense:
Protected individuals sued by lenders or assigned collectors on personal loans and debts.
Tenants' Rights:
Fought against slumlords and unscrupulous landlords, championing tenant's basic rights and repair requests.
Auto Accidents:
Successfully handled cases where seemingly minor injuries escalated, preventing claimants from full recovery.
Consumer Rights:
Advocated for consumers against Airbnb, cell phone providers, retailers, manufacturers, and businesses ignoring grievances for defective products or inadequate services.
Estate Planning:
Provided consultation and crafted estate plans for families and individuals, from first-time homebuyers to retirees ready to bequeath to their children.
Actual Cases
In the past ten years, Mr. Kim has successfully represented clients in the following situations:
Mold/Personal Injury
Kathy had lived in the same rental property for almost thirty years. She kept her home immaculate but in 2012 she started seeing mold grow in her bathroom walls and tiles. She complained to her landlord both over the phone and in writing. The landlord ignored Kathy for the first two years and finally he sent an “inspector” and he did not find anything serious but recommended just painting over the various mold infested spots. Kathy developed unusual symptoms such as coughing, light headedness, fogginess, fatigue, and waking up several times at night. In 2017 she was diagnosed with non-familial primary immunodeficiency disease (PID), Hypogammaglobulinemia (“HGG”) which made her almost incapable mentally and physically that she had to eventually quit her job.
Kathy had tested not allergic to mold and she did not realize a person can have negative reactions to toxins even if you are not allergic to mold. After moving out of her residence, she felt better but she did not improve. In fact, after more than three years, she still had to receive various treatments including certain IV treatments monthly. Fortunately, her insurance paid for all of her treatments, and otherwise she would be in a terrible state physically and mentally.
After almost four years of litigation, the case was settled in the low six figures and Kathy continues to receive the treatment to cope with her permanent injuries she has sustained from her years of toxic mold exposure.
Real Estate Partition Case
Dan had purchased the house for his mother and siblings in 2010. His older brother Joe contributed a small portion towards the down payment but Joe paid him that money back. The older brother lived in the home for almost 8 years and moved out when he got married. Joe was somehow able to be on title with Dan. At trial, Dan prevailed and the court awarded Dan 100% of the ownership of the family home. Joe then hired another attorney to file an appeal. Dan prevailed at the appellate court and was awarded costs.
Foreclosure Defense
Mike and Serena had lived in their home for almost 20 years. Mike lost his job and failed to make the mortgage payments. After 11 months of non-payment the lender/mortgage servicer
set a sale date for April 12, 2017. The sale date was postponed several times until the following year, the house was sold at an auction. The home was purchased by the Bank. JHK filed a lawsuit seeking various remedies including cancellation of title and wrongful foreclosure. Within 9 months, settlement was reached that allowed Mike and Serena to remain in their home and cancel the auction sale because the trustee had not fully complied with legal requirements.
JHK was able to renegotiate the loan and set new terms including interest rates. Mike has been able to find a different job and he and Serena are able to afford to make monthly payments slightly over $3,000 to the mortgage servicer.
Warranty of Habitability/Personal Injury
Steve and Joanne had lived in a two bedroom cottage for over 10 years. The property deteriorated and landlord failed to dispatch proper service to make repairs and upkeeps.
The bathroom tile floor was in disrepair and one particular area lacked complete support.
One day as Joanne stepped out of the shower her right foot had stepped and broke through the tile and onto the hollow cavity. She suffered severe nerve damages and her foot had been permanently injured. Joanne’s foot gets cold and is unable to have full motion of her foot.
After extensive discovery and many depositions, the case was settled that enabled Steve and Joanne to find a suitable home and to care of any physical needs for Joanne.
Why Choose Us
Client-Centric Approach:
Mr. Kim understands the stress clients face when dealing with legal challenges. He prioritizes clear communication, empathy, and a personalized approach to every case.
Proven Track Record:
With a decade of successful representation, Mr. Kim has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.
Legal Expertise:
Continuously staying abreast of legal developments, Mr. Kim combines his extensive knowledge with a passion for justice to provide unparalleled legal representation.
Contact Us:
Ready to embark on your legal journey? Contact the JHK Law, APC today for a consultation. Your peace of mind starts here.
