Practice areas: Business & Corporate, Business Litigation, Professional Liability; view more
Licensed in Ohio since: 2016
Education: Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Brenden Kelley Law
815 Superior AveSuite 1815
Cleveland, OH 44114 Phone: 216-644-3359 Email: Brenden Kelley Visit website
Brenden P. Kelley: Carrying On a Family Legacy—And Forging His Own Path
From a Childhood Steeped in Law to a Practice Built on Empathy
Brenden Kelley’s first lessons in justice came early. Growing up in a household of legal professionals, he saw firsthand how law could be a powerful force for good—or a devastating weapon of exploitation. His father, a distinguished trial lawyer, championed the rights of Ohio Steelworkers. His mother, a former Cleveland Heights Municipal Court Judge, dedicated her career to standing up for those unable to protect themselves. Their example taught him that the law isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a promise to safeguard people and their futures.
Witnessing the Dark Side of the System
When Brenden was just sixteen, that promise nearly broke. He and his family found themselves entangled in a situation where lawyers pursued their own interests rather than justice. The experience opened his eyes to the very real damage legal malpractice can cause, and it sparked a lifelong commitment to make things right for people who’ve been let down by the system.
Early Career & Founding His Own Firm
After honing his litigation skills at a boutique law firm, Brenden launched his own practice in 2022 with a clear mission: to bring empathetic, high-caliber representation to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and victims of legal malpractice—all at a fair and transparent cost. He set out to create a legal experience where clients feel heard, respected, and truly protected.
Recognized for Excellence
Despite humble beginnings—in an apartment with little more than a laptop and a P.O. Box—Brenden grew his practice into a firm now serving clients across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Along the way, he built a reputation for treating each client with the empathy, respect, and unwavering support that define his approach to law.
Credibility & Community Engagement
Brenden’s dedication to ethical, client-focused advocacy quickly gained attention. He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his leadership, skill, and commitment to justice, earning accolades such as “Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch,” “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, and “Litigation Lawyer of the Year” by Lawyers Monthly. Beyond the courtroom, he pours his passion into community involvement—serving on multiple bar association committees that uphold professional ethics, improve access to justice, and focus on mental health and wellness for attorneys. He also dedicates time to his alma maters through advisory boards and councils, helping future generations navigate both the opportunities and challenges of legal practice.
Why It Matters
To Brenden, the law is more than case files and court dates; it’s the difference between despair and hope, between injustice and real change. He aims to be the advocate he once wished for, ensuring that every client is treated with dignity and supported by someone who genuinely cares about their future. By blending his family’s legacy of service with his own personal resolve to right the wrongs he witnessed, Brenden offers clients not just a lawyer, but a devoted ally who fights tirelessly for what’s right.
“My family taught me that truly great lawyers shoulder the burdens of their clients. I’ve seen how the system can fail, and I’ve made it my mission to help people trust in legal representation again. I’m here to stand by you, fight for you, and deliver the justice you deserve.”
Through compassionate counsel and steadfast dedication, Brenden Kelley ensures that every client’s voice is heard—and every fight is won with integrity.
Practice areas
Business/Corporate, Business Litigation, Professional Liability: Plaintiff, Estate & Trust Litigation, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFirst Admitted: 2016, Ohio
Professional Webpage: https://brendenkelleylaw.com/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Board of Directors (2025-Present), 2025
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Ethics & Professionalism Committee (2019-Present), 2019
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Mental Health & Wellness Committee (2019-Present), 2019
- Washington & Jefferson College, Board of Trustees (2025-Present), 2025
- Cleveland State University College of Law, Board of Visitors (2021-Present), 2021
- Ohio State Bar Association, Leadership Academy (2020), 2020
- Ohio State Bar Association, Access to Justice Committee (2021-Present), 2021
- Ohio State Bar Association, Ethics Committee (2021-Present), 2021
- Ohio State Bar Foundation, Fellow (2023-Present), 2023
- Ohio State Bar Foundation, Fellowship Program (2023), 2023
- Geauga County Bar Association, Attorney Grievance Committee (2020-Present), 2020
Pro bono / Community Service
- The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland - Volunteer Lawyers Program, 2020
Honors
- Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers in America, 2025
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, 2025
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers in America, 2024
- Top 25 under 35, The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club, 2023
- Litigation Lawyer of the Year, Lawyer's Monthly, 2022
- Crain's Cleveland 20 in Their Twenties: Brenden Kelley, 20 In Their Twenties, Crain's Cleveland Business, 2020
- Excellence in Complex Litigation, Premier Lawyers of America, 2019
- Excellence in Complex Litigation, Premier Lawyers of America, 2019
- Top 40 under 40 in Business Law, Association of America's Trial Lawyers, 2018
Educational Background
- Washington & Jefferson College, B.A. Political Science, 2012
- Gilmour Academy, 2008
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Let’s face it — the internet and social media have proliferated free advice from self-proclaimed “entrepreneurs” and “experts.” Frequently, I receive emails from clients asking about tax advice they saw in a TikTok video or from prospective clients discussing the myriad of trusts and corporations they think they need for their burgeoning business. Unfortunately, 99% of this advice is not just incorrect but potentially harmful to the business and its owner. Small business lawyers are more vital today than ever before. As lawyers, we must guide our clients through the maze of LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. It’s not just about liability protection; we’re addressing taxes, management flexibility, and future funding options. Too many startups end up in difficult situations due to an incorrect initial setup. Federal and state laws, employment regulations, local zoning ordinances — it’s a dizzying array of rules. Add in industry-specific regulations, and it’s easy to see why business owners might turn to dubious online advice to make sense of it all. Our job is to stay updated on regulatory changes and help our clients stay ahead of the curve. We need to cut through the noise of bad advice and questionable tax strategies being promoted by online influencers. We must be the voice of reason, the first point of contact for our clients. We’ve all seen the severe consequences when clients ignore our advice. However, we can’t just blame the clients for not listening; we need to become trusted strategic advisors., Author, From Contracts to Counsel: The Multifaceted Role of Small Business Lawyer, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, 2024
- Diving into Third-Party Litigation FundingThe legal landscape is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the surging demand for flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Over the past decade, third-party litigation funding has exploded in the United States. In 2021, a conservative estimate from Erica Abshez, Esq. with the National Law Review put the number at 2.3 billion dollars. In February 2023, the Institute for Legal Reform estimated that “[p]rivate funders in the U.S. have a whopping $9.52 billion under management for commercial case investments.” These new arrangements could lead to a win-win environment: more clients can afford legal representation without breaking the bank, translating to more revenue for lawyers. However, third-party funding presents several ethical issues that lawyers should address before jumping headfirst into the deep end., Author, Ethics Encore - Can I use a Third-Party to Fund my Litigation Expenses?, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, 2023
- W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington & Jefferson College, Speaker, Artificial Intelligent in Law & The Lawyer Entrepreneur, W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington & Jefferson College, 2023
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, Author, Ethics Encore - Malpractice Insurance; What is it Good for?, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, 2023
- W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington & Jefferson College, Speaker, Lawyering Through the Pandemic & Required Covid-19 Vaccinations, W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington & Jefferson College, 2021
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, Author, Ethics Encore - A Simple, Yet Difficult Question: Who is Your Client?, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, 2021
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, Author, Ethics Encore - Full Service Firm Creates Full Service Ethical Issues, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, 2021
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2022 - 2026