About Brian T. Kelly

Brian regularly studies and attends adoption seminars to remain current on the many changes in adoption law. With vast trial experience, he has successfully litigated contested adoptions exclusively representing adoptive parents.

Experienced, Specialized Adoption Attorney

  • Florida Bar—Respected member for more than 25 years
  • Practicing adoption law since 1992, when he joined Shorstein & Kelly
  • More than 1,000 finalized adoptions
  • One of only 17 board certified adoption attorneys in Florida
  • Matching and placement services—Firm specializes in adoption services for birth mothers and adoptive parents, including family, stepparent, grandparent, identified, and interstate adoptions
  • Dedicated to helping his adoptive clients and his community and to supporting his church

Accomplishments and Distinctions

  • Rated AV® PreeminentTM from LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell, an independent national service that rates law firms throughout the country
  • University of Florida, Juris Doctor, 1982; Dean’s List and Appellate Advocacy Board of Editors
  • University of North Florida, Bachelor of Arts in Education, 1978; graduated with honors
  • Former Assistant State Attorney in the 4th and 8th Judicial Circuits for eight years; served as division chief and a senior trial attorney

Memberships

  • Florida Bar (Board Certified in Adoption Law)
  • Jacksonville Bar
  • American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
  • Florida Adoption Council
  • 4th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee
  • Florida Bar Grievance Committee 4th Judicial Circuit, 1992–1995; Chairman, 2006–2008

Additional community and religious organizations that Brian participates in include:

  • Christian Legal Society
  • Angelwood, Inc., President, Board of Directors (1999–Present)
  • Chet’s Creek Church
  • Jacksonville Golf & Country Club, President (1998–1999), Board of Governors (1996–1999)