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Meet The Team
Our people have the experience, commitment and connections to help entrepreneurs and founders increase their odds of success.
Our people have the experience, commitment and connections to help entrepreneurs and founders increase their odds of success.
Founder & Managing Partner | Hospitality & Franchise Counsel | Third-Generation Hotelier
Kishane J. Patel, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Partner of KJP Counsel, PLLC, where his practice is concentrated on representing hotel owners, developers, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and closely held businesses.
As both an attorney and a third-generation hotelier, Kishane brings an owner-focused perspective to his legal practice, combining legal analysis with firsthand experience in hotel ownership, operations, development, construction, and franchising. His approach is centered on protecting his clients’ investments while recognizing that the best legal solution must also make practical business sense.
Hospitality & Franchise Counsel
Kishane has developed a particular concentration in hotel franchise and brand-related matters, representing clients ranging from individual and first-time hotel owners to ultra-high net worth ownership groups and investors with substantial portfolios throughout the United States.
His practice includes franchise agreement review and negotiation, liquidated damages, negotiated terminations and brand exits, franchise conversions and reflagging, property improvement plans (PIPs), franchise transfers and changes of ownership, key money and development incentive agreements, personal guaranties, defaults and accounts receivable matters, settlement agreements, and other complex franchise disputes and negotiations.
Kishane regularly negotiates matters involving many of the hospitality industry’s leading franchise systems and brands, including those within Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Choice, G6 Hospitality, Sonesta, Red Roof, Best Western, and other national hotel systems.
An Owner’s Perspective
Kishane’s connection to hospitality began long before his legal career. Growing up in a third-generation hotel family gave him firsthand exposure to the challenges hotel owners face – from operations and brand relationships to financing, renovations, construction, and the eventual disposition of an asset.
That experience shapes his legal practice today. Kishane understands that a franchise agreement is not simply a legal document – it is a business relationship that can materially affect a hotel’s operations, profitability, financing, marketability, and ultimate value.
This perspective allows him to approach negotiations not only as legal counsel, but with an understanding of the business owner’s position on the other side of the table.
Development & Construction Experience
Kishane also serves as In-House Counsel to NashBuilt, Inc., a family-owned construction company focused substantially on hospitality development and construction.
His work includes contract negotiation, subcontractor agreements, risk management, payment and lien matters, lender and project compliance, and legal issues arising throughout complex hotel development and renovation projects.
This combination of legal, ownership, development, and construction experience allows Kishane to advise clients throughout the lifecycle of a hotel asset:
Acquisition → Franchising → Development → Construction → Operations → Renovation → Reflagging → Sale & Exit
Industry & Community Leadership
Kishane has remained involved in hospitality, educational, civic, and community organizations throughout his career.
He is an active member of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD). He regularly participates in hospitality conferences and has served as a speaker for franchise-related seminars and industry discussions.
His broader professional and community involvement reflects the same philosophy that guides his legal practice: building long-term relationships, protecting the interests of business owners, and approaching difficult problems with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
University of West Florida Board of Trustees
Kishane currently serves as a Trustee of the University of West Florida, following his appointment by the Florida Board of Governors of the State University System to a five-year term beginning in January 2026.
He currently serves on the University’s Audit & Compliance Committee, Finance, Facilities & Operations Committee, and Presidential Performance Evaluation & Metrics Ad Hoc Committee.
His current appointment represents a return to UWF’s Board of Trustees.
When enrolled as a Student, Kishane previously served as President of the University of West Florida Student Government Association and as UWF’s Student Trustee. During that period, he also served as Chairman of the Florida Student Association and as a member of the Florida State University System Board of Governors, representing the interests of students across Florida’s public university system.
Practice Focus
Whether advising a first-time hotel owner reviewing a franchise agreement or representing an experienced ownership group navigating a complex brand exit, conversion, development, or dispute, Kishane’s objective remains the same: Understand the client’s business. Protect the asset. Find a practical path forward.
Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
J.D.
BA in Political Science and Criminal Justice
Osha 30 construction safety certified
Osha 10 construction safety certified
Certified fund specialist-cfs (in process)
Of Counsel
Kell Coleman Williams III, Esq., serves as the managing partner of Williams Law, P.A., where he has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals and businesses in insurance claims and serious personal injury cases. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in marketing, KC Williams earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida. He is admitted to practice before all state courts in Florida, the Federal Court of the Middle District of Florida, and Tennessee.
With a focus on civil trial law, Mr. Williams litigates insurance claims and represents clients injured in automobile accidents, medical malpractice incidents, or defective products. Notably, he is board-certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction achieved by less than 1% of Florida lawyers. He is also recognized as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and consistently selected as a SuperLawyer.
Active in the legal community, Mr. Williams is affiliated with numerous organizations, including the Florida Bar, the Hillsborough County Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice. He is also involved in community initiatives, serving as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Brandon and as a founding Board of Directors member of the Palm Bank.
Mr. Williams’ primary practice areas include personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, insurance disputes, and medical malpractice. He is admitted to practice in Florida and Tennessee and holds memberships in various professional associations. Attorney Williams actively serves as Of Counsel with KJP Counsel, PLLC with regards to assisting clients with insurance matters.
Of Counsel
Isabella Fortich, Esq., is an Immigration Attorney in Central Florida, driven by a passion for culture and languages. As an immigrant herself, she aims to connect with others by understanding their backgrounds. Beginning her language journey at fourteen, she studied abroad in Switzerland. Isabella furthered her education at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Economics and minoring in French.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Isabella’s language skills led her to Immigration Law. In 2019, she participated in an Immigration Law and Border Enforcement Program in San Diego, gaining firsthand experience at the U.S. Port of Entry and the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana, Mexico. Later, as a volunteer intern with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Orlando, Florida, she engaged with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As a founding partner at Quintero Fortich Legal, Isabella Handles diverse immigration matters and represents clients before federal agencies. Embracing her lifelong dream, she continues to immerse herself in cultures and languages while practicing Immigration Law, dedicated to giving back to the community. Isabella looks forward to assisting individuals and families in achieving their dreams in the United States. Attorney Fortich actively serves as Of Counsel with KJP Counsel, PLLC with regards to assisting clients with immigration matters.
Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
J.D.
BA in Political Science and Criminal Justice
Osha 30 construction safety certified
Osha 10 construction safety certified
Certified fund specialist-cfs (in process)
Legal Advisor
Aesha Soni is a Legal Advisor at KJP Counsel, concentrating her practice on commercial real estate and franchise law. She has extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements, guiding cases through transactional matters, and resolving a wide range of business and legal challenges. Her background also includes work in the civil litigation sector and regulatory compliance, which broadens her legal perspective.
Aesha earned her Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences, with a concentration in Healthcare Management, from the University of South Alabama. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where she served as an editor of the Race & Social Justice Law Review and as secretary of the South/West Asian and North African Law Student Association.
Growing up in a family of franchisees, Aesha developed an early appreciation for the legal and operational challenges entrepreneurs encounter. This background inspired her passion for helping business owners protect their interests and achieve their goals. Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, Aesha effectively communicates with and serves a diverse clientele.
Legal Intern
Jaiden Patel is a dedicated Legal Intern currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of West Florida (UWF). Growing up in a family immersed in construction and hotel ownership, Jaiden has developed a keen understanding of business operations from an early age. Joining KJP Counsel, he brings a passion for supporting business owners and ensuring legal compliance. Eager to contribute his passion and perspective, Jaiden is ready to make meaningful contributions to the team while gaining valuable experience in the legal profession.
Executive Assistant & Administrative Support
Alyssa Penrose is a dedicated Executive Assistant & Administrative Support professional providing high-level support. She is a highly organized and detail-oriented professional who excels in managing schedules, handling communications, and streamlining operations. Alyssa has worked with legal firms that range from family law to personal injury in an administrative support role. Her wealth of experience will help her with strong multitasking abilities, problem-solving skills, and helping hospitality professionals navigate matters with KJP Counsel.
Alyssa ensures seamless day-to-day efficiency through helping KJP Counsel clients while supporting business objectives.
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