Attorney Patrick Kelly has represented construction companies, insurance companies and individual clients in a variety of matters for over two decades. He finds innovative solutions to complex problems and prides himself on doing so in an efficient and cost-effective manner. During his career he has accumulated the experience and judgment to skillfully advise his clients accounting for their business needs as well as their potential legal risk.
As a lawyer, Patrick Kelly is a veteran of more than 20 jury trials as well as numerous court trials and arbitrations. His experience includes practicing in Minnesota State and Federal Courts, in addition to Bankruptcy court. He has also successfully represented clients in the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Experienced
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.
Construction Litigation
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.
Insurance Litigation
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.
Business Oriented
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.
Client Focused
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.
Representative Experience
Successful appeal to Minnesota Court of Appeals defending claim for nuisance.
Successful brief to Minnesota Supreme Court in negligence action.
Six figure verdict on behalf of sub-contractor in construction case trial.
Favorable settlement in complex premises liability case with medical specials approaching $1 million.
Defense verdict in slip and fall case with medical specials in excess of $450,000.
Summary judgment for snow removal service on issue of constructive notice.
Multiple defense verdicts in personal injury litigation.
Summary judgment awarded construction client on indemnification obligation to general contractor.
Professional Recognition
Nominated for Membership
Related Services
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
J.D., 1994
Dean's List
American Jurispridence Award
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
1994
Court Admissions
Minnesota State & Federal Court
Professional and Community Activities
Minnesota State Bar Association
Construction Law, Business Law and Real Estate sections
Ramsey County Bar Association
Minnesota Contractors’ Association
Minnesota Subcontractors’ Association