James M. Kelly

James M. Kelly is the firm’s senior litigation partner. With 38 years of experience, Jim focuses his practice in business litigation and counseling businesses on contract disputes, employment agreements, enforcement of restrictive covenants, and employment practices. He has represented, for example, manufacturers, franchisors, construction companies, financial institutions, and technology companies. Jim has represented the firm’s clients in state and federal courts in many states, including Ohio, Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. Jim also practices on behalf of the firm’s clients before administrative agencies such as state civil rights commissions, industrial commissions, and the EEOC. Jim also represents injured victims in personal injury claims. In this practice area, as well as his business practice, Jim has experience representing clients in mediation and arbitration. He believes using alternative dispute resolution methods are an efficient and less costly way of resolving disputes for clients. Martindale Hubbell has recognized Jim as AV® Preeminent Review Rated, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. He has been recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer for Business Litigation since 2010. Jim brings his firm’s philosophy of service and commitment to every client’s issues and concerns. His personal goal as an attorney and counselor is to understand his clients’ needs and efficiently achieve the best result possible. Jim lives in Madeira with his wife, Dana. They have four children. In his spare time, Jim enjoys golf, travel, history, Cincinnati sports, and most especially, his family and three dogs. Awards and Honors Honors Ohio Super Lawyers, Business Lititgation , 2010 - 2017 AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

• Of Counsel

• Ethics, Professionalism, Lorman Education Services, 2000, 2001, 2003
• Employment Law, Ethics, National Business Institute, 1998, 2004
• Professionalism, Cincinnati Bar Association, VLP Foundation, 2002

• Volunteer, Lawyers for the Poor Foundation, 1995 - Present

• Ohio, 1976
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio, 1976
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio, 2006
• U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1993
• U.S. Tax Court, 1984
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1993
• Specialties and Certifications
• Arbitrator, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
• Approved Arbitrator, Center for Dispute Resolution

• Cincinnati Bar Association (Member)
• Ohio State Bar Association (Member)