Kimberly R. Coward

Kim Coward is a Midwesterner that loves, and has made a home of, the South. She graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988, where she was a member of the law review. 

Kim has practiced with Coward, Hicks & Siler, PA  in Cashiers North Carolina since 1988 and has focused her practice on Real Property Law—including contracts, easements, property owner associations, entity formation, foreclosures, and real estate development—and Probate Law, wills, end of life planning, and estate settlement. Kim calls herself the quintessential paper pusher and loves the creative aspects of her practice where she is able to implement concepts and ideas for others, completing projects and closings for the enjoyment of her clients.  Her husband, Judge Bill Coward, used to call her practice “Happy Law,” because it focuses on meeting needs, not litigating about needs not met.

Being part of the small community of Cashiers and Highlands has provided Kim the opportunity to immerse herself and engage in community services in a more involved way. Kim embraces her communities and participates in a multitude of activities, including having served on the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society Board, the Cashiers Community Foundation, and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.  Perhaps one of the most fulfilling services for Kim was being one of the founders, and then the Board Chair, for the Summit Charter School, which was one of the first charter schools formed in the state of North Carolina under the enabling legislation passed in 1997.  She currently serves on the Highlands Cashiers Hospital Board of Directors.

In addition to community service, Kim holds membership to both the North Carolina Bar Association (member of the Real Property Counsel 2011-2014) and the North Carolina State Bar (member and chair of the Real Property Subcommittee for the Board of Legal Specialization), where she currently serves on the Ethics Committee.

Kim met her husband Judge Bill Coward at law school. Together they have two children: Austin, who is finishing service in the U.S. Navy and Claire, a junior at Clemson university. In her free time, Kim enjoys scuba diving, golfing, and gardening. Her newest hobby is shooting and she recently became an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, Hand Gun Instructur, and a Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor and hopes to earn additional instructor ratings. Her latest shooting adventure included target practice from the gunner’s seat in a military helicopter.

Coward, Hicks & Siler, PA, is a North Carolina law firm regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct as promulgated by the North Carolina State Bar.  As such, our lawyers do not and cannot ethically participate in many of Avvo's programs, including its Legal Topics, Legal Forms, or its fixed-price legal services. We advise extreme caution when relying on Q&A's or use of legal forms without the guidance of a qualified lawyer.