Brian T. Kelly
Board Certified Adoption Attorney
Brian practices all kinds of adoption law, including Florida and interstate, identified, stepparent, grandparent, relative and adult adoptions. A member of the Florida Bar since 1983, he also is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, meaning he’s rated at the highest level of professional excellence by his peers.
After graduating from the University of North Florida with a degree in Education, Brian received his law degree from the University of Florida. He regularly attends adoption seminars to share his knowledge and expertise and to remain current on the many changes in adoption law. He has vast trial experience and has successfully litigated many contested adoptions, representing adoptive parents exclusively. He’s an avid golfer and loves to play his guitar. Brian and his wife, Kim, have three children, Lindsey, Palmer and Peyton.
briankelly
Brian’s Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
- Legal: University of Florida; Juris Doctor – December, 1982
- Honors: Dean’s List; Appellate Advocacy Board of Editors
- Undergraduate: University of North Florida; Bachelor of Arts in Education – 1978
Legal Employment
Assistant State Attorney
- 8th Judicial Circuit – 1983-1984
- 4th Judicial Circuit – 1984-1986
- 8th Judicial Circuit – 1986-1990
Division Chief
Senior Trial Attorney
- Partner – Harris, Guidi, Rosner – 1990-1992
- Partner – Shorstein & Kelly – 1992-present
Professional Associations
| Association Name | Position | Duration | ||
| American Academy of Adoption Attorneys | Member | 1998-present | ||
| Florida Adoption Council | Member | 2000-present | ||
| Christian Legal Society | Member | 2007-present | ||
| Chets Creek Church | Member | 2007-present | ||
| 4th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee | Member | 2001-present | ||
| Florida Bar | Member | 1983-present | ||
| Jacksonville Bar Association | Member | 1983-present | ||
| Florida Bar Grievance Committee 4th Judicial Circuit | Chairman | 2007-2008 | ||
| Florida Bar Grievance Committee 4th Judicial Circuit | Member | 2006-2008 | ||
| Angelwood, Inc. | Board of Directors | 1999-present | ||
| Angelwood, Inc. | President | 2011-2013 | ||
| Jacksonville Golf & Country Club | Board of Governors | 1996-1999 | ||
| Jacksonville Golf & Country Club | President | 1999 | ||
| Florida Bar Grievance Committee 4th Judicial Circuit | Member | 1992-1995 |
Awards and Recognition
| Name | Organization | Date | ||
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | Current | ||
| Meritorious Service Award | Florida Bar | 2009 | ||
| Outstanding Service Award | Angelwood, Inc. | 2007 | ||
| Outstanding Service Award | Angelwood, Inc. | 2005 |
Michael A. Shorstein
