About Michael Louis
Michael Louis Kelly serves as a senior partner at Kirtland & Packard LLP, a prominent law firm located at 1638 South Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach, California. With a legal career that began in 1978, he has built a robust practice specializing in class action and mass tort litigation, personal injury, and business litigation. His expertise extends beyond California, as he has also practiced law in Colorado since 1987. This dual-state experience allows him to navigate complex legal fields effectively. Mr. Kelly earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1978. During his time there, he was an active member of the Idaho Law Review from 1976 to 1978, contributing to legal scholarship and discourse. Prior to law school, he completed his undergraduate studies at Seattle University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1975.
This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his analytical and advocacy skills. Throughout his career, Mr. Kelly has garnered numerous accolades for his legal expertise and dedication to clients. He has been recognized as a Southern California Super Lawyer from 2007 to 2026, evidence of his standing in the legal community. Additionally, he has been named among the Leading 500 Plaintiff Lawyers in the United States. His AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell further supports his professional excellence and ethical standards. Involvement in professional associations is a hallmark of Mr. Kelly's career.
He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the State Bar of Colorado. His leadership skills were evident when he served as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Aviation Litigation from 1990 to 1992. This role allowed him to influence important discussions and developments within the field of aviation law. Mr. Kelly's extensive trial experience sets him apart in the legal field. He has successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients, particularly in cases involving wrongful death, auto defects, and mass torts. His commitment to his clients is unwavering, and he is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S.
District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California, as well as the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Outside the courtroom, Mr. Kelly is also a licensed pilot, actively participating in rescue operations, including flying dogs from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest. His multifaceted career and dedication to service have established him as a respected figure in personal injury and class action litigation.
