$ 325-375 per hour
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.
$ 325-375 per hour
33%-40%
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2022
No misconduct found
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
815 Superior Ave, Suite 1815, Cleveland, OH, 44114
322 North Shore Drive, Building 1B, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212
21 E State Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH, 43215
201 E. Fifth Street, Suite 1900-1325, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
8 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews
Posted by Ashley | July 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Amazing human
Brenden Kelley is a truly exceptional lawyer, demonstrating both deep empathy and unwavering dedication. His comforting presence coupled with his clear communication style made navigating a challenging situation much more manageable. With impeccable attention to detail, he tailored his strategy to my...
Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
One of the Best!
I hired Brenden to create an estate plan for my family and me. He attentively listened to my concerns, cared about my needs, and made sure I was taken care of. I have worked with other estate planning attorneys in the past, but Brenden stands out as truly exceptional. Not only is he extremely knowled...
Posted by Jasmine | January 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Business
Couldn't have asked for a better representative.
Professional. Efficient. Caring. Brenden assisted me in the purchase of a dental practice. His calm manner, keen insights, and negotiating skills were invaluable during this stressful process. I am grateful for his personal touch and tireless persistence. He helped make my dream a reality. I would hi...
"I endorse Brenden. He is a highly skilled attorney, and I have observed firsthand his superior work ethic, his attention to detail, and his dedication to his clients. Not only am I confident in recommending Brenden to others, but I would not hesitate to retain him on my own behalf if the need arose."
"I endorse and recommend Mr. Kelley as an attorney. He is a tireless, intelligent, and highly competent litigator with a passion for fighting to get the best results for his clients."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
2025
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers in America
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Litigation Lawyer of the Year - 2022, Lawyer Monthly Magazine
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Top 25 under 35, The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
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
2018
Top 40 Under 40 in Business Law, Association of America's Top Lawyers
2022 - Present
Managing Partner, Brenden Kelley Law
2019 - 2022
Director of Marketing and Business Development, Litigation Firm
2016 - 2022
Attorney-at-Law, Litigation Firm
2012 - 2012
Legislative Intern, U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge
2012 - 2016
Law Clerk, Litigation Firm
2025 - Present
Washington & Jefferson CollegeBoard of Trustees
2025 - Present
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2024 - Present
Columbus Bar AssociationMember
2024 - Present
National Small Business AssociationMember
2023 - Present
Ohio State Bar FoundationFellow
2021 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Legal Ethics and ProfessionalismMember
2021 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Access to Justice CommitteeMember
2021 - Present
Cleveland State University College of LawBoard of Visitors
2020 - Present
Geauga County Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Ethics and Professionalism Committee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Mental Health & Wellness Committee, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Grievance Committee, Geauga County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2020 - 2022
Volunteer Lawyers Program, The Legal Aid Society of ClevelandVolunteer Attorney
2015
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2024
The Lawyer as Candidate
2023
Artificial Intelligent in Law & The Lawyer Entrepreneur
2021
Lawyering Through the Pandemic & Required Covid-19 Vaccinations
2024
2023
2023
2021
2021
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
How to Tell If You Have a Legal Malpractice Case in Ohio
28 May 2025
How to Start a Successful Business in Ohio: A 7-Step Legal Guide
28 May 2025
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Appealing Your Property Value in Ohio
28 May 2025