David L. Kelly

PARTNER

Thoughtful. Effective. Creative. These characteristics aptly describe David Kelly, an attorney with extensive experience representing contractors, employers, utilities, and other businesses and individuals in the Western Kentucky region. For 30 years, David has approached each case with care, thoroughly examining the needs of his clients and working in their interest to achieve the best possible result. He’s lost more than a little sleep along the way, as it is his habit to become absorbed in his work. David believes the most effective attorneys are accessible to their clients. He strives to maintain that principle, meeting his clients at their convenience and always being available.

David primarily focuses in the areas of business law and commercial litigation. He regularly prosecutes and defends matters for clients across a wide spectrum of industries. Such matters include employment discrimination claims, wage and hour claims, class actions, non-compete claims, breach of fiduciary duty claims, breach of contract claims, medical practice disputes, and construction claims. While most matters are resolved short of a trial, David is no stranger to the courtroom. He has litigated to completion, over 30 jury and bench trials as well as binding arbitrations and administrative actions.

In addition to litigation, David regularly assists and advises regional business clients in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts as well as assisting in business acquisitions, personnel matters, and strategic planning. David has a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit of his business clients.

Education

Kentucky Wesleyan College, B.A., Magna Cum Laude, 1987
University of Kentucky, J.D., 1990

Admitted to Practice

Admitted to Kentucky, 1990
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Professional Associations

Kentucky Bar Association
McCracken County Bar Association

Practice Areas

Administrative Law
Arbitration
Construction Law
Employment & Labor Law
Health/Hospital Law
Insurance Defense
Litigation & Appeals
Product Liability
Workers’ Compensation Defense

Achievements

Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America
Kentucky Bar Foundation, Life Fellow, 2005
Western Kentucky Construction Association, Director
Western Kentucky Community & Technical College (formerly PCC), adjunct Professor of
Business Law
Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2015
LOTUS (formerly PASAC), Board Member

Seminars Presented

It’s Your Ship! Navigating through the Winds of Change; EEOC Charges: How to Prepare For and Respond to Discrimination, West Kentucky Community & Technical College; August 11, 2011

Nuts and Bolts of Appellate Practice; Kentucky Law Update; Kentucky Bar Association; Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park; October 2008

Legal Issues for Electrical Contractors; West Kentucky Community and Technical College; June 2007

Legal Issues for Contractors; West Kentucky Community and Technical College; March 2007

Legal Issues Impacting Contractors: KOSHA, LIENS, and ADR, September 2006

AIK Workers’ Compensation Defense Seminar, 2003

Construction Lien Law in Kentucky

Employment Law

Supervisory Training for the Western Kentucky Construction Association

Personal

David L Kelly was born in Boise, Idaho.
He is married to Alyson Kelly. They have two sons, Harrison and Jackson.