A Childhood Where Determination Took Root

Lynn Arko Kelley’s legal journey has its roots in a small Slovenian neighborhood on 61st and St. Clair. Growing up, she admired the only suit-wearing professional in her community—a local lawyer—and felt inspired by her parents’ unwavering faith in education. Her parents, the hardworking owners of Arko’s Bar, instilled in Lynn the determination and resilience she would later bring to courtrooms across Ohio.

Early Public Service: County Roles and Community Advocacy

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lynn refined her legal skills by managing the Estate Department for Cuyahoga County and serving as a hearing officer for the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. These roles illustrated her commitment to fairness and underscored her belief that justice should serve people from all walks of life. She also served as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children across Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

Founding a Firm—And Expanding Her Reach

In the late 1990s, Lynn's late husband, Michael V. Kelley, co-founded a law firm that quickly gained recognition for representing steel workers in asbestos litigation. While Michael and his partners championed the rights of individuals exposed to occupational health hazards, Lynn supported the firm and focused her own practice on Domestic Law, providing empathy and steadfast counsel to families navigating challenging legal issues. Throughout this period, she also continued her dedicated service as a Guardian ad Litem, passionately advocating for children's best interests. In the 2000s, Lynn furthered her commitment to public service by serving as a Judge at the Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, earning widespread respect for her fairness, integrity, and impartiality on the bench.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Lynn’s commitment to education and community is evident in her philanthropic endeavors. She and Michael founded the Lynn Arko and Michael V. Kelley endowed scholarship at Cleveland State University College of Law to support night law school students. Their $1 million donation to Gilmour Academy led to the construction of the Lynn Arko and Michael V. Kelley Middle School building, ensuring future generations have access to quality education. Lynn also serves as Vice President of Gilmour Academy’s Board of Trustees, has served on the Board of Trustees at Washington & Jefferson College, and she is a lifetime member of organizations such as the Judicial Conference of the Eighth Judicial District of Ohio and the Cleveland State University College of Law Alumni Association.

Recognized at the Highest Levels

Lynn’s achievements have been honored by her alma maters and the wider legal community. She received the W. Edward Sell ’45 Legal Achievement Award in 2021 and was named alumnus of the year by both Gilmour Academy and Washington & Jefferson College. In 2024, she was sworn in to the United States Supreme Court, joining her son Brenden, who took the same oath in 2023. This milestone symbolizes her lifelong commitment to upholding justice at the highest possible standard.

Why It Matters

At Brenden Kelley Law, Lynn draws on her extensive background and unwavering values to guide the firm’s approach—ensuring that every client receives representation infused with integrity, understanding, and a tireless pursuit of what’s right.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the law can uplift or break a spirit. My goal is to make sure it always serves as a force for good.”

By seamlessly blending her family’s legacy of public service with her personal commitment to fairness, Lynn Arko Kelley, Esq. remains a formidable advocate—and a proud reminder of how far hard work and hope can carry us.