Mr. Elmore joined the firm in May 2016 after merging his practice with WLSC. Prior to joining the firm, he maintained a successful boutique practice serving as outsourced general counsel and local litigation counsel for several large employers. He tried more than 200 cases between 2014 and 2016. His small practice quickly outgrew administrative resources and Walton Lantaff extended an offer to join forces. Mr. Elmore now provides the small-firm attention to detail with the extensive resources of one of Florida’s oldest continually operating law firms.
Kevin is a passionate outdoorsman, proud father, lucky husband and teller of tall-tales (“i.e. kayak angler”). He has more than 150 dives in his SCUBA logbook ranging from Florida’s coasts to shipwrecks in Truk Lagoon (FSM / Weno), Curacao, Turks & Caicos and Italy.
Publications
•“Navigating the Jones Act- Jurisdictional Disputes on the High Seas”- STAMLS Law Journal & Treatise, Vol.1-2; 2008.
•“Construction Debt Disputes- Liability for Improper Liens ”- KBE Legal Ledger, 2015;
•“AGENTS OF FRAUD: Misrepresentation and Fraud within the Summary Judgment Context “- KBE 2020
Representative Experience
•Huntington National Bank v.s. Grimm, Case No.09-CA-027262-0; and: 6:09-BK-12873-ABB- This matter involved a mortgage foreclosure and related bankruptcy wherein the Debtors / Borrowers filed a Petition indicating they would “surrender” the property to a named creditor. Post-bankruptcy filing, the Mortgagor elected to retain counsel and begin an aggressive, multi-year defense. Mr. Elmore served as litigation co-counsel in the matter and ultimately secured orders from the Middle District and State Circuit Courts estopping the borrowers from further defending the case or face contempt/sanctions for dishonoring sworn statements. This case was a matter of first impression for the Middle District Orlando and has lead to a bevy of similar rulings which cut the timeline for mortgage foreclosures significantly.
•Hire Quest, LLC v.s. Ganik Builders, Inc ., This matter involved a Construction (“Mechanic’s”) Lien for services rendered to a commercial development under General Contractor, Ganik Builders’, control. The case was initiated by another firm on behalf of the client and went unresolved for several years. Mr. Elmore substituted in as counsel and after WLSC’s aggressive motion practice, the parties were able to resolve the case in a matter of weeks.
•Miguel Rivera, et. al. v.s. Citizens Property Insurance Corp., 16-CA-006185 (2016) Hillsborough County Circuit Court, Tampa, FL: Plaintiffs launched a multiyear litigation campaign against Defendant in relation to a property insurance dispute for alleged water-loss and windstorm damages. The homeowner’s policy at issue implicated a rather complex area of law related to Florida’s “Efficient Proximate Cause” doctrine. Extensive discovery disputes followed, resulting in numerous motions to compel by Mr. Elmore. After successfully winning each respective motion (and entitlement to attorney’s fees), Plaintiff’s case was dismissed and permanently barred by Florida’s Statute of Limitations. This case is representative of the fact that many matters are won by simple, persistent diligence.
Community Involvement
•Hillsborough County- Law Week Committee, Co-Chair, 2009 - 2018.
•Veteran’s Rising, 501(c)(3)- Board of Directors, 2016 - Present
•Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.; Gulf Region- 2013 - 2016
•St. Ignatius, Tarpon Springs Florida