About Chari Lynn
Justice Chari L — Kelly serves on the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, Texas. She was elected to this esteemed position on January 1, 2019, marking a significant milestone in her legal career. Before her election, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney for both Comal and Travis Counties. During her tenure, she handled all aspects of felony criminal prosecutions, gaining experience in the courtroom. Justice Kelly has tried more than 35 jury trials, tackling serious cases such as aggravated sexual assault of a child, attempted capital murder, and kidnapping. In recognition of her exceptional work, Justice Kelly was named the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Prosecutor of the Year for Travis County in 2018.
This accolade highlights her commitment to public safety and her dedication to prosecuting offenders who pose a threat to the community. Her legal expertise is further underscored by her double Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Judicial Administration and Criminal Law. Additionally, she holds board certification as a Judicial Fellow from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Criminal Law, demonstrating her proficiency and commitment to the field. Justice Kelly's academic background is equally impressive. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with high honors from the University of Florida. Following her undergraduate studies, she obtained her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law.
Prior to entering private practice, she served as a captain in the U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's Corps. In this role, she represented over 150 soldiers facing trial by court-martial, showcasing her ability to navigate complex legal issues under pressure. Her assignments included Fort Hood and Joint Base San Antonio in Texas, where she developed her skills in military law. In addition to her judicial responsibilities, Justice Kelly has made significant contributions to legal education. For almost 20 years, she has served as an adjunct professor and lecturer for Texas Law’s Advocacy Department, teaching trial techniques and procedures to aspiring lawyers.
Her commitment to fostering the next generation of legal professionals is evident in her active involvement in various legal organizations. Justice Kelly is a past president of both the Austin Young Lawyers Association and the Austin Bar Association, as well as a past Chair of the Austin Bar Foundation. Justice Kelly resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Adam Schramek, who is a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright. Together, they contribute to the vibrant legal community in Austin. Justice Kelly’s blend of judicial experience, commitment to legal education, and community involvement exemplifies her dedication to the law and her role as a public servant.
