Biography
Kevin L. Kelley is a veteran real estate lawyer with over 30 years’ experience representing developers, owners, lenders, and investors in real estate development, investment, and financing in Texas and around the U.S. His practical, accessible, and reasonable approach combined with his work ethic and highly effective negotiation style make him a trusted counselor and zealous advocate for his clients and their interests.
Kevin’s clientele includes large, sophisticated, and active commercial real estate developers of hospitality properties and hotels, stakeholders in high-profile urban developments, and developers of corporate headquarters and campuses, including Canadian investors with large portfolios of multifamily properties in the U.S.
With extensive experience in loan restructures, workouts, and foreclosures, Kevin is regularly involved in construction financing and the placement of equity in development projects.
Education
B.B.A., with honors, Texas Christian University, 1981
J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1985
- Articles Editor, St. Mary’s Law Journal
Bar Admissions
Texas
Board Certifications
Commercial Real Estate Law
- Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1992-Present
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Real Estate – Texas, 2004-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2013-2024
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Real Estate Law, 2023
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2024
- Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2013-2024
- Real Estate Law, 2013-2024
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2020, 2023
- “The Dallas 500,” D CEO, 2016-2018
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” – Real Estate, D Magazine, 2007-2015, 2017, 2021
- The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate, 2011, 2013
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
- Volunteer of the Year Award, Arthritis Foundation North Texas Chapter
- Member, Salesmanship Club of Dallas
- Board Member, Charitable Golf of Dallas, 2012-2013
- Chair, Web.com Tour Championship, 2012
- Vice Chair, HP Byron Nelson Championship, 2009-2011
- Chair, Legal Committee, 2010, 2016
- Board Member, Youth and Family Centers, 2006-2009
- Membership Committee, 2005
- Member, The Real Estate Council
- Board Member, 2015-present
September 19, 2023
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
August 17, 2023
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
June 1, 2023
SpotlightChambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
August 18, 2022
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
June 1, 2022
SpotlightChambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
August 19, 2021
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
May 20, 2021
SpotlightChambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2021 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 41 attorneys and 14 departments for inclusion in the 2021 edition of the Global and USA guides.
April 28, 2021
Attorney News‘D Magazine’ Names 23 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2021
Jackson Walker congratulates the 23 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2021.
October 19, 2020
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its 54 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2020
Spanning five offices, 19 practice areas, and experience ranging from 12 to 52 years, Jackson Walker’s 2020 “Texas Super Lawyers” have been nominated by peers within and outside the Firm.
August 20, 2020
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.