Michael Kelley a first-generation lawyer with more than 38 years of experience handling complex and high-stakes disputes for clients. Many of his client matters have presented significant litigation, regulatory and reputational risks that required creative advocacy, strategic vision and judgment to achieve the clients’ objectives. Some have also involved cross-border litigation issues.

He has been a partner at Sidley Austin since 1987 and his work at the firm has included not only significant client responsibilities but also substantial national and leadership responsibilities. These have included serving as a Member of Firm’s Executive Committee (2006-2016) and as Los Angeles Office Managing Partner (2009-2015) and Co-Managing Partner (2015-2017). He also served as the head of the 70+ lawyer Los Angeles Litigation Group (2005-2009) and the Global Co-Leader of the Accountants Professional Liability Practice (2005-Present).

CV:

EDUCATION

• Yale Law School, J.D., 1979
• University of Southern California, A.B., 1976 (Trustees Award for Highest 4-year GPA;
• Summa Cum Laude; Phi Betta Kappa)

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITIONS

• Recognized as a leading lawyer in the 2011–2017 editions of The Best Lawyers in America in three
• fields: Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation and SEC Enforcement
• Recognized in The International Who’s Who of Commercial Litigators 2012-2016
• Daily Journal Top 100 Attorneys in California – 2013

CIVIC, CHARITABLE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Member Board of Directors of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles; Chair of the Governance
• Committee; member of the Executive Committee
• Member Board of Governors of the USC/Los Angeles County Bar Association Institute for Corporate Counsel (2016 Institute Chair; 2015 Curriculum Chair)
• Member Board of Directors of The California Club and Secretary 2014-2016
• Former Member Board of directors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (Board Member)