Brenden P. Kelley, Esq.

Managing Partner

A pair of black quotation marks on a white background.

“Justice is personal—count on me to treat it that way.


I’ve stood where you stand, and I know how it feels when the system fails. At Brenden Kelley Law, our commitment is to champion your cause with skill, empathy, and transparent fees. You can trust that we’ll stand by you, protect your interests, and deliver the results you deserve.”

Brenden P. Kelley, Esq.

Managing Partner

Brenden P. Kelley, Esq.: 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.

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EDUCATION

  • Cleveland State University College of Law – J.D., 2015
  • Washington & Jefferson College – B.A., 2012

Professional Admissions

Awards & Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch (2024-2025)
  • Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2022-2025)
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (2024-2025)
  • Top 25 under 35, The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club (2023)
  • Litigation Lawyer of the Year, Lawyers Monthly (2022)
  • 20 in Their Twenties, Crain’s Cleveland Business (2020)
  • Excellence in Complex Litigation, Premier Lawyers of America (2019–2020)
  • Top 40 Under 40 in Business Law, Association of American Trial Lawyers (2018)

Fellowships & Leadership Programs

  • Ohio State Bar Foundation — Fellow (2023)
  • The Cleveland Foundation — Foundations for Philanthropy (2021)
  • Ohio State Bar Association — Leadership Academy (2020)

Academic Leadership & Involvement

  • Board of Trustees, Washington & Jefferson College (2025–Present)
  • Board of Visitors, Cleveland State University College of Law (2021–Present)
  • Alumni Executive Council, Washington & Jefferson College Alumni Association (2017–2025)
  • Young Alumni Council, Cleveland State University (2023–2025)

Community Engagement

  • Ethics & Professionalism Committee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (2019–Present)
  • Ethics Committee, Ohio State Bar Association (2021–Present)
  • Attorney Grievance Committee, Geauga County Bar Association (2020–Present)
  • Mental Health & Wellness Committee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (2019–Present)
  • Access to Justice Committee, Ohio State Bar Association (2021–Present)

Professional Memberships

  • American Association for Justice
  • American Bar Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
  • National Small Business Association
  • Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Geauga County Bar Association

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bar and Legal Leadership

Community Engagement & Philanthropy