In appreciation of the generosity demonstrated by our Friends of the Foundation sponsors, the Foundation is featuring each one in a Spotlight. This month, we had the opportunity to talk to Kim Childs, founder of bizdisputeattorney.com.

How long have you been practicing law?

I have been practicing business and commercial litigation for about 10 years. After graduating from Georgia State Law School, I worked for a large law firm for a few years and then moved to a smaller boutique litigation firm.

When did you start your practice and why did you decide to make this move?

I opened my practice in April 2007 after deciding I was ready to have my own clients and not simply be held accountable for billing a certain number of hours every week or month. It turned out to be a good time to make the move as several of my former colleagues have started their own practices since then out of necessity from the economic downturn.

Why did you choose this type of litigation?

I would say my practice evolved into the "niche" litigation it is today because, over the years, many of my clients were business partners involved in some type of dispute. As a result, I gained valuable knowledge and experience in this particular area of litigation and, therefore, continued to attract more and more cases of this nature. While I sort of fell into this particular litigation type, I definitely enjoy the issues involved and in helping my clients resolve their problems.

What do you believe separates you from other lawyers offering similar services?

Unfortunately, I can empathize with my clients because I have been through a business divorce before on two separate occasions. While many of my clients need legal advice and assistance they also want someone who will listen. Also, because most courts don't see many of these cases and often push for settlement, I can help my clients avoid certain fees and situations because I have the experience to anticipate how a court proceeding will go.

Business divorce is an interesting way to describe this situation.

Yes, that is the term we use because emotions tend to run very high when business partners are involved in a dispute, much like a marital divorce.

Do you currently have a business partner?

No, I learned my lesson the hard way and am happy being the sole owner of my practice. I do employ an associate attorney and two staff members.

What types of businesses do you typically represent?

Most of my clients are privately-held businesses with between 2 - 10 business owners. I've represented a variety of industries including, software companies, medical practices, engineering firms and even other law firms.

Switching gears a bit, is your husband a lawyer too?

No, David is a tax consultant with ADP. He was also in the Army Reserves and then went active duty after 9/11.

Did he have to serve overseas during that time?

No, fortunately he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

How did you come to be a Friend of the Foundation?

Well, we have two children at Nickajack - Katharine is in third grade and Ben is in first grade. When my neighbor, Mark Ohde [Foundation Board member], asked me about being a sponsor, it was an easy decision. We're not only helping improve the educational experience for our own kids but also every Nickajack student.

Be on the lookout for the next Spotlight with Kim in which she will provide helpful tips for business partners on how to avoid a dispute and what to do when faced with one.