Police misconduct
Advocacy for people harmed by excessive force, unlawful searches and seizures, false arrest, and other abuses of police power.
KBJ Law · Detroit, Michigan
Civil rights.
Human dignity.
Meaningful change.
Experienced advocacy for people harmed by police misconduct, wrongful convictions, discrimination, and abuses of power.
Compassion. Integrity. Accountability.
Your rights matter. Your story does, too.
About Us
Experienced advocacy.
A personal commitment.
Kathryn (Kat) Bruner James founded KBJ Law PLLC with a commitment to protecting civil rights and treating every client with empathy and dignity.
Admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2007, Kat has represented people in civil rights and police misconduct litigation throughout her legal career. Her experience spans investigation, trial preparation, settlement negotiations, and appeals.
Before founding KBJ Law, Kat was an equity partner at Goodman Hurwitz & James in Detroit. She earned her law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in political science at Albion College.
Her commitment to community extends beyond the courtroom. Kat served on Ferndale City Council from 2020 through 2023 and as Mayor Pro Tem from 2022 through 2023.
Michigan Bar, 2007Admitted to practice
University of Detroit MercyJuris Doctor
Our Work
Standing up for
people’s rights.
Wrongful convictions
Civil litigation on behalf of people whose convictions involved fabricated evidence or withheld exculpatory information.
Discrimination & retaliation
Representation informed by experience litigating civil rights and employment discrimination claims.
Civil rights litigation
Careful investigation, legal research, and litigation focused on accountability and meaningful remedies.
Our Values
Principles that
guide our work.
We provide accurate and empathetic civil legal services and pursue fair compensation for people harmed by police and other governmental or corporate entities.
Our vision is a Michigan where compassionate representation and integrity help create meaningful, lasting change.
- Trust in our team
- Empathy and dignity for our clients
- Equity and anti-racism in our work
- Accountability and change for systems of oppression
- Solidarity with marginalized communities
Contact Us
Let’s start with
your story.
Contact KBJ Law to discuss your concern and learn whether the firm may be able to help.
Get in touch
info@dcrlf.com Please do not include confidential or sensitive details in your initial message. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.