Hon. Kathleen A. Kelly (Ret.)

Hon. Kathleen A. Kelly (Ret.) brings with her over 20 years of distinguished judicial experience and an exceptional reputation for her expertise in civil litigation and dispute resolution, and innovative work in collaborative problem solving courts. She has presided over hundreds of trials, and brings tremendous and invaluable insights into dispute resolution. She has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious title of 2024 San Francisco Trial Lawyer Association’s Trial Judge of the Year.

Judge Kelly meticulously prepares for each case and prioritizes pre-mediation consulting with counsel.  She brings unique skill in fostering open dialogue, ensuring that parties feel heard and understood, thus, enabling mutually beneficial outcomes. Judge Kelly is unwavering in her commitment to helping resolve even the most challenging cases. Her philosophy is driven by a desire to alleviate the stress of protracted legal battles, offering parties a sense of control and certainty in bringing closure to disputes.