Kimberly Adams
A champion for human trafficking survivors
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Kimberly Adams is an attorney whose dedication to fighting human trafficking and child exploitation has established her as a preeminent legal champion for the vulnerable. Her commitment to justice stems from humble roots in Warrington, Florida, and has culminated in a distinguished career. She has earned the prestigious Clarence Darrow Award from Mass Torts Made Perfect, honoring her work against child exploitation, human trafficking and forced prostitution. She is also a 2025 “Living the Dream” honoree in recognition of her work to preserve the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
From Warrington to legal advocacy
Adams’s journey began on the west side of Pensacola, where she attended Warrington Middle School. Reflecting on her youth, she emphasizes the importance of a strong family foundation and the resilience required to seek out and fight for opportunities when they are not readily present. Her determination led her to the legal field, driven by an innate “passion for helping others.”
At just 18 years old, Adams began her career at the law firm of Levin Papantonio, where she has spent two decades. She rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a partner and serving as the firm’s general counsel and on the executive committee. This demanding work, which included a full caseload of maritime, personal injury and product liability cases, was her life for 20 years. In a recent, reflective move, Adams has stepped back, prioritizing time with her two young children while continuing to work on a limited number of important cases.
A tireless fight against exploitation
Adams’s foray into human trafficking litigation began unexpectedly when she and her colleague discussed a new statute. True to her nature, she quickly became “all in” on the issue, taking on a full human trafficking caseload in addition to her existing work. The deeper she delved, the more her eyes were opened to the realities of child exploitation, forced prostitution and trafficking.
She quickly became a pioneering force. When she started this litigation in 2019, few lawyers were tackling the issue from the civil side. Adams became instrumental in using specific federal statutes and arguing novel legal interpretations to hold exploiters and complicit businesses accountable. She loves the intellectual challenge of building on existing law, but her work is fueled by a deep commitment to her clients — survivors who often distrust the legal system and are judged by society.
“I just couldn’t abandon those relationships, so I just worked, worked, worked. That’s how I found my way there and started to love what I was doing,” Adams said.
She stresses that this work requires a village of advocates, social workers and talented lawyers, acknowledging the emotional toll of reading harrowing medical and arrest reports. Adams highlights the subtle nature of trafficking, noting that it rarely involves a violent, immediate abduction. Instead, it often stems from vulnerabilities like child abuse or grooming through online exploitation. She advocates for corporate responsibility, believing businesses should protect children whose adolescent brains are not developed enough to understand long-term harm.
A call for compassion and community
Adams is currently working on several major cases, including a notable case in Las Vegas. Looking ahead, she has shifted some of her advocacy to championing youth sports, believing that providing safe, structured outlets is crucial for keeping children off their phones and out of harm’s way.
Her message to the public is one of compassion: “Check your perceptions and do not be so quick to judge the choices of others.” She reminds us that “perception is not always reality” and that victims often lack the resources, support and exit ramps needed to escape. Inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” she continues to fight against the silence.
Need help or want to report a tip?
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 — confidential, non–law enforcement
Report Child Exploitation: NCMEC CyberTipline or report.cybertip.org
Local Resources Gulf Coast Kids House, gulfcoastkidshouse.org
Santa Rosa Kids House, srkidshouse.org
