Steven J. Kelly

An attorney and partner at the law firm of Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP, Steven J. Kelly has dedicated his practice to fighting for the rights of Maryland residents who are victims of heinous sexual abuse and violent crimes. He works out of the firm’s Baltimore, Maryland, location and serves as the co-chair of its Criminal/Sexual Violence Litigation Group. 

As a family member of a sexual abuse victim, Mr. Kelly understands firsthand how it affects families of all societal levels and the lifetime struggles stemming from the incident, including their long-term emotional and psychological damages. He takes these cases extremely seriously and offers special care and support to victims, helping them understand their rights and take action against their perpetrators. He also handles employment litigation, Title IX and other civil rights matters.

Majoring in psychology, Mr. Kelly completed his Bachelor of Science with honors at American University in 1997. He enrolled at the Georgetown University Law Center to complete his legal education where he was a member of the Journal of Law and Public Policy. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2003. He served as a law clerk to Honorable Judge Richard D. Bennett at a federal court in Maryland.

Mr. Kelly earned his license to practice law in all the state and federal courts of Maryland. Additionally, he is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In admiration of his accomplishments, Mr. Kelly has been honored among the 2022 Leaders in Law by The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association. He was listed among the 2021 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment and Civil Rights Lawyers.

Mr. Kelly holds active membership and leadership positions in several legal organizations. He functions as:

·       The chair of the Maryland State Board of Victim Services

·       A board member of the Federal Bar Association – Maryland Chapter

·       Commissioner of the Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

·       A member of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Maryland Operations Council

·       An adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore 

·       A permanent member of the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit – Judicial Conference

Recognizing Mr. Kelly’s efforts, he was selected as the recipient of the Miles & Stockbridge Pro Bono Advocate Award, Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center – Champion for Crime Victims Award, the American University’s Service to the University Community Award and the National Crime Victim Law Institute’s Legal Advocacy Award, to name a few.