Brenden Patrick Kelley
Cleveland's Small Business Lawyer
Brenden P. Kelley, Esq.
Carrying on a Family Legacy—And Forging His Own Path
Raised in a household of legal professionals, Brenden Kelley learned early on that the law can protect or harm, depending on who wields it. His father, a trial lawyer for Ohio Steelworkers, and his mother, a former Cleveland Heights judge, modeled a life of advocacy and integrity. But at sixteen, Brenden saw the justice system fail his own family—an experience that fueled his drive to protect others from legal malpractice and betrayal.
After sharpening his litigation skills at a boutique firm, Brenden launched his own practice in 2022. His mission: deliver empathetic, high-quality representation to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and victims of legal negligence—without the inflated fees or cold formality. What began in a modest apartment with a laptop and a P.O. Box has grown into a multi-state practice serving clients across Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Brenden’s work is defined by trust, empathy, and relentless advocacy. He’s earned recognition as a “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” a Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” and “Litigation Lawyer of the Year” by Lawyers Monthly. Outside the courtroom, he serves on bar association committees that promote ethics, access to justice, and attorney wellness. He also mentors future lawyers through advisory roles with his alma maters.
Brenden’s approach is simple: treat clients like people, not case numbers. He brings both personal resolve and professional rigor to every matter—because to him, law isn’t about power; it’s about people.
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Legal Malpractice
- Estate Planning
- Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Tax Law
- Estate Tax Planning, Property Taxes
- Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
- Health Care Law
- Personal Injury
- Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Contingent Fees
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
- ID Number: 90014672
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- Ohio
- Supreme Court of Ohio Office of Attorney Services
- ID Number: 96068
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- Pennsylvania
- Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
- ID Number: 332714
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- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
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- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
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- U.S. Supreme Court
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Managing Attorney
- Brenden Kelley Law
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- Attorney-at-Law
- Litigation Firm
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- Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
- J.D. (2015)
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- Washington & Jefferson College
- B.A. (2012)
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- Super Lawyers - Rising Star
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch
- Best Lawyers in America
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
- Litigation Counsel of America
- Super Lawyers - Rising Star
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch
- Best Lawyers in America
- Columbus Bar Association
- Member
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- Ohio State Bar Foundation
- Fellow
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- Geauga County Bar Association
- Member
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- Activities: Grievance Committee
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- Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
- Member
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- American Bar Association
- Member
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- Ohio State Bar Association
- Member
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- Activities: Ethics Committee Access to Justice Committee
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- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member
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- Activities: Ethics & Professionalism Committee Mental Health & Wellness Committee
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- American Association for Justice
- Member
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- From Contracts to Counsel: The Multifaceted Role of Small Business Lawyer
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
- Ethics Encore - Can I use a Third-Party to Fund my Litigation Expenses?
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
- Ethics Encore - Malpractice Insurance; What is it Good for?
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
- Ethics Encore - A Simple, Yet Difficult Question: Who is Your Client?
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
- Ethics Encore - Full Service Firm Creates Full Service Ethical Issues
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal
- Lawyering Through the Pandemic & Required Covid-19 Vaccinations, W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington, PA
- Washington & Jefferson College
- Artificial Intelligent in Law & The Lawyer Entrepreneur, W. Edward Sell '45 Legal Lecture, Washington, PA
- Washington & Jefferson College
- Website
- Brenden Kelley Law
- Q. Was my mother's POD on her bank accounts and TOD on her house. She had no will. My brothers want money from these acc
- A: Any accounts with a Payable-on-Death (POD) designation and properties with a Transfer-on-Death (TOD) designation are not subject to probate and will pass directly to the individuals named as designees. Consequently, your siblings would not have any claim to those assets. However, any assets that do not have a POD or TOD designation must be divided among the six siblings, as your mother passed away intestate. I am sorry for your loss. I understand this is a challenging time, further complicated by legal issues. Good luck navigating this situation.
I would suggest speaking to an attorney directly about your situation, as every case is different. Please note that this communication does not constitute ... Read More
- Q. I am purchasing a property under my LLC the property also have a bar that is being sold with it should I create a LLC
- A: While there may be specific circumstances that influence the decision to form separate LLCs, my general recommendation is to do so. Establishing separate LLCs can raise your expenses and increase the time you invest, but it offers significant protection for both your personal assets and your property from liability. I advise consulting with a lawyer to determine the most effective structure for your situation. Notably, Ohio has recently permitted the use of Series LLCs, which might be suitable in your case. Best of luck on your new venture.
