Kimberly Blake is a Partner in GRSM’s San Diego office and is a member of the firm's Construction, Environmental & Toxic Tort and Tort and Product Liability practice groups.

She focuses her practice on defending developers, design professionals, architects, engineers, corporate entities, general contractors, and subcontractors regarding a diverse spectrum of matters involving both public and private works. Matters include alleged construction defects, breach of contract claims, alleged errors in design and workmanship, delay claims, construction site accidents, geotechnical claims, as well as general insurance litigation defense matters. Kimberly also provides her clients with counseling regarding construction contracts and negotiation, and policies and procedures manuals. She has also handled several real estate matters, including landlord-tenant disputes and professional liability claims.

In her environmental practice, Kimberly defends her clients against mold, asbestos, benzene, and other toxic environmental claims. She defends clients facing significant potential damages in multi-party actions involving alleged toxic tort claims.

Kimberly’s product liability practice includes the defense of claims related to plumbing components, seatbelt assembly systems and airbag systems. She has also represented the manufacturer of a large membrane for a reservoir against product liability claims.

In 2013, Kimberly was recognized as a Top Attorney in San Diego. She was one of only ten attorneys recognized in the area of Real Estate/Construction Litigation.

Most recently, she was named a 2024 Woman of Influence in Construction by the San Diego Business Journal. 

Kimberly also served as the Partner Supervisor for the Summer Associates and liaison between the partnership and the San Diego Associate Committee from 2008 to 2013.

Representative Experience 

  • Successfully defended developers in numerous single family home construction defect matters, most of which involved hundreds of residences and over seventy-five subcontractors.
  • Resolved a million dollar soil creep claim for nuisance value against my client, the injection grouting subcontractor, on a project built on an ancient landslide site.
  • Successfully defended several breach of contract, delay claims and negligence matters on behalf of construction managers and property managers.
  • Obtained dismissals or resolution of cases on behalf of a supplier of airbags and seat belt assembly systems in numerous product liability matters involving wrongful death and significant injuries from vehicle collisions.

Admissions

  • California

Education

  • J.D., University of California, Davis
    • Associate Editor, International Law & Society Law Review
  • B.A., Law & Society, University of California, Santa Barbara

Honors

  • 2024 Woman of Influence in Construction by San Diego Business Journal
  • Top Rated Lawyer –
    AV Preeminent®,
    Martindale-Hubbell
  • AV Preeminent® Judicial Rating, Martindale-Hubbell for
    Legal Ability and Ethical Standards
  • Top 50 Attorney of San Diego, Attorney Intel (2023)
  • Top Lawyers in San Diego,
    San Diego Magazine (2014-2024)
  • Super Lawyers® distinction in the fields of Construction/Surety Environmental (2012 & 2013)
  • Top Attorney distinction in Real Estate/Construction Litigation, San Diego Daily Transcript (2013)