Kenneth Williams is a successful trial attorney defending corporations around the country in complex coverage, property, product liability, commercial litigation matters. He represents insurance carriers and individual corporations in coverage and personal injury litigation and also litigates high-stakes employment discrimination cases on behalf of private individuals.

Additionally, his practice includes the defense of civil rights and wrongful death claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 against law enforcement officers, correctional staff and municipal entities, including allegations of constitutional violations, inadequate medical care and institutional liability.

His extensive experience in both federal and state courts includes a diverse civil jury trial practice in Michigan, along with Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Ken also advises insurers on cybersecurity coverage, provides counsel on a range of coverage issues, and represents clients in rideshare liability, bad faith and declaratory relief actions involving general liability, homeowner, auto and E&O policies.

Ken is regularly tapped for consulting and research on current and upcoming industry trends, technology, standards, best practices, concepts and solutions for risk management and compliance.

Ken is a national conference speaker for several insurance and casualty organizations and has held speaking engagements across the United States educating insurance carriers and claim representatives in matters and best practices relating to litigation. He has also been relied upon to serve as an arbitrator and mediator having received numerous appointments from courts and private counsel.

Earlier in his career, Ken had significant experience at the appellate level, including post-appellate submission work that required an oral argument before the Michigan Court of Appeals. He previously served as a managing attorney for a national insurance carrier.

Honors

  • Named to Lawyers of Color, Law Firm Leaders list, 2022
  • Selected to Michigan Leading Lawyers, 2019 – present
  • The National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2021 – present
  • Lawyer of Distinction, 2019
  • Top Rated Lawyer in Business by DBusiness magazine, 2019

Professional & Civic Involvement

  • American Bar Association
  • Christian Legal Aid of Southeast Michigan
  • DRI
    • Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
  • Michigan Center for Civic Education, high school mock trial volunteer
  • The National Black Lawyers
  • Wayne State University Black Law Alumni Council
  • Wayne State University, mock trial judge

Practice Highlights

Representative Matters

  • Achieved reduced damages verdict related to an auto accident where the Plaintiff requested $2,720,000 for the Plaintiff’s damages and $1,050,000 for the additional loss of consortium claim. The Jury returned a verdict of $60,000.
  • Achieved a full defense verdict in Oakland County Circuit Court in a case involving a plaintiff who alleged severe injuries and permanent disability resulting from a fall at a commercial establishment. The plaintiff requested more than $6 million in damages. The jury deliberated for under an hour before returning a unanimous defense verdict, rejecting all claims of negligence.
  • Obtained a favorable defense verdict in Orange County, Florida, where the plaintiff sought $30 million in damages related to a fatal shooting at a commercial property. After a two-week trial and just two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a complete defense verdict on all counts, finding no liability on the part of the defendant property owner.

News & Events

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • “The Litigation of Brain Injury Claims,” PLRB Western Regional Adjusters Conference, 2025
  • “The New Expansion of Homeowners Insurance Liability Coverage,” PLRB Western Regional Adjusters Conference, 2025
  • “Autonomous Vehicle: Liability and Coverage Issues,” CLM Annual Conference, 2025
  • “Autonomous Vehicle/ADAS Litigation,” PLRB Claims Conference, 2025
  • “Share the Road, Share the… Data? Navigating Smart Cars & Liability,” ALM 2025 Complex Claims and Litigation Forum, 2025
  • “Practice Tips to Avoid a Nuclear Outcome in All Phases of Litigation,” DRI Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, 2024
  • “Expanding Horizons: The New Era of Homeowners Insurance Liability Coverage,” CLM Focus Conference, 2024
  • “Unlocking the Power of Diversity: Elevating Equity, Inclusion, and Success in the Legal Profession,” The Knowledge Group, 2024
  • “Rise of the Machines: Autonomous Vehicles Liability and Coverage Issues,” CLM Annual Conference, 2024
  • “Autonomous Vehicles: Liability & Coverage Issues,” PLRB 2024 Claims Conference & Insurance Expo, 2024
  • “Driving Disruptors: A Crash Course in the Complex Challenges of Autonomous and Electric Vehicles,” ALM Complex Claims & Litigation Forum, 2024
  • “Who’s Driving Now: Autonomous Vehicle Liability and Coverage Issues,” CLM Spotlight: Transportation Session, 2023
  • “Homeowners Liability Coverage: Emerging Issues,” Property & Liability Resources Bureau Claims Western Regional Adjusters Conference, 2023
  • “Countering Fraud Risks in the Insurance Industry: A Blueprint for Your Business,” The Knowledge Group, 2023
  • “The Defense and Litigation of Traumatic Brain Injury Claims,” 2023 Work Comp, Casualty & Risk Management Conference, 2023
  • “Autonomous Vehicle Liability and Coverage Issues,” Property & Liability Resources Bureau Claims Conference Insurance Services Expo, 2023
  • “Discovery Toolbox for the Defense Practitioner,” DRI Sexual Torts Seminar, 2023
  • “The Defense and Litigation of Traumatic Brain Injury Claims,” Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference, Property & Liability Resources Bureau, 2022
  • “Handling Insurance Bad Faith Claims: Red Flags to Watch Out For,” Webcast Panelist, The Knowledge Group, 2022
  • “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Legal World: Key Strategies to Address Equity Challenges,” Webcast Panelist, The Knowledge Group, 2022
  • “How to Effectively Prevent Bad Faith Claims: Critical Considerations for Insurers Explored,” Webcast Panelist, The Knowledge Group, 2022
  • “The Forgotten Impact of Cannabis Legalization: Workers’ Compensation,”  CLM Annual Conference, 2022
  • “How to Effectively Handle Depositions in Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation: A Practical Guide,” Webcast Panelist, The Knowledge Group, 2021
  • PLRB Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference, 2020
  • PLRB Central Regional Adjusters Conference, 2020
  • PLRB Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference, 2019
  • PLRB Central Regional Adjusters Conference, 2019
  • PLRB Central Regional Adjusters Conference, 2018
  • PLRB Homeowners Liability Coverage: Current Trends Webinar, 2018
  • PLRB Western Regional Adjusters Conference, 2018

Other

  • Wayne State University Law School, Trial Advocacy Program Judge, 2018
  • DRI Diversity for Success Conference, Planning Committee, 2015 – 2017
  • Detroit Bar Association, Law Day 2017 Detroit Educator, 2017
  • Wayne State University Law School, Trial Advocacy Program Judge, 2017