Evan J. Kelly

Rated by Super Lawyer | Evan Kelly | SuperLawyer.com

Founding attorney, Evan J. Kelly, is a seasoned trial attorney who has accumulated a wealth of experience handling high profile cases such as First Degree Murder, Rape and Attempted Homicide. Mr. Kelly has represented elected officials, professional athletes and other well-known individuals for numerous crimes throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Kelly has been recognized for his professional accomplishments and has received the following awards and accolades:

Evan J. Kelly

Accolades

  • Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist.
  • Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019
  • Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019
  • Named one of the top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019
  • Invited to be a member of the prestigious American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.
  • Invited to a member of the prestigious National College of DUI Defense.
  • Named a Top Attorneys of North America by Who’s Who of North America 2015-2019
  • Named one of the top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers.
  • Named a Superlawyer for 2017, 2018, and 2019

Evan J. Kelly is a former Assistant District Attorney for the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.  As an Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Kelly prosecuted thousands of Misdemeanor and Felony cases.  From 2005-2007, Mr. Kelly served as the Chief Counsel of Oversight and Investigations for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee led then by former Chairman United States Senator Arlen Specter.  As Chief Counsel, Mr. Kelly was the highest ranking United States Senate staffer in the Republican Party with oversight responsibilities over the Department of Justice, FBI and the Secret Service.  Mr.  Kelly graduated from West Chester University in 1997 and Villanova Law School in 2000.

Areas of Practice

  • Criminal Defense
  • Personal Injury
  • Immigration Law
  • Divorce

Litigation Percentage

  • 95% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Death Penalty Qualified, Pennsylvania Bar

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania, 2000
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2000
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2000

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, Pennsylvania
    • J.D. – 2000
  • West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania
    • B.A. summa cum laude – 1997

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer, 2017 – 2023
  • Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist
  • Top 100 lawyers in PA Criminal Defense ASLA
  • Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2015 – 2019
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2015 – Present
  • Top Lawyer, Main Line Magazine, 2015 – Present
  • Top 10 Attorney Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2014 – Present
  • Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2014 – Present
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2014 – Present
  • Top 10 Ranking, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2014 – 2019
  • Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine, 2010 – Present
  • Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2007 – Present
  • Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2014 – 2019
  • Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2014 – 2019
  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, 2014 – 2019
  • Top Attorneys of North America by Who’s Who of North America, 2015 – 2019
  • Top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Member
  • PA Bar Association
  • Chester County Bar Association

Past Employment Positions

  • United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Arlen Specter, Chief Counsel of Oversight and Investigations, Chairman, 2005 – 2007
  • Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney, 2000 – 2002
  • Senator Arlen Specter’s United States Senate Campaign in the State of Pennsylvania, Campaign Treasurer, 2010

Pro Bono Activities

  • Young Professionals of Chester County
  • Eastern Technology Counsel
  • West Chester University Alumni Finance Committee
  • National College of DUI Defense, Member

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish