Patrick J. Kelly

Patrick uses his extensive litigation experience to advise clients about ways to either avoid litigation, or when that is not possible, to put them in the best position to more quickly obtain a successful outcome.

His work in the construction industry includes construction defect litigation as well as defending claims for construction site injuries. He also prepares, files and forecloses and more importantly, collects on mechanics’ liens, and represents clients in the construction industry in a variety of cases.

He has tried over 20 cases to a jury, and has tried many others to judges throughout Minnesota. Through his trial work, he has recovered untold thousands of dollars in contract fees as well as litigation costs and attorneys’ fees. He does what he can to avoid trial but recognizes when trial is necessary and leaves no stone unturned when preparing to represent his clients.

Patrick started representing insurance companies and their policy holders as soon as he started practicing law. Even prior to graduating from law school, he worked a s a law clerk, and started learning the vagaries of insurance litigation. Since then he has accumulated years of experience defending policyholders in auto accident injury cases, premises liability cases, construction site injury cases and trucking accident cases.

In addition, he has defended both general contractors and subcontractors in construction defect claims. This experience allows him to efficiently and honestly evaluate cases and provide guidance to claims professionals on how to resolve a case efficiently when resolution is the best course of action. Nevertheless, when a case cannot be resolved on fair terms, Patrick prepares for trial and defends his clients vigorously and thoroughly.

In addition to his litigation experience, he has assisted in the formation and transfer of small and medium sized businesses, including asset transfer agreements, preparation of Article of Incorporation/Organization and partnership agreements. He has helped clients purchase and begin operation of businesses from barbershops to auto mechanic shops as well as real estate developers and contractors.

He has represented clients with difficult real estate issues and assisted in the removal of problematic tenants. In each case, he listens to his client’s vision for their enterprise and designs a plan so his clients can achieve that goal.

Patrick believes that successful representation of his clients begins with strong communication which requires – first and foremost – listening to and understanding their concerns. Once he understands the client’s issue, he works with them to develop a strategy to address and overcome those problems. He understands that frequent communication that clearly and concisely informs his clients of developments in their matter is crucial for achieving their initial goal.

He works hard, bills fairly and uses his experience to provide key insights for his clients’ situations.