Attorney Profiles

T. Christopher Kelly has been in the private practice of law for more than 20 years. Madison Magazine named him one of Madison's Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell (the national lawyer rating service) has awarded him its highest ("AV") rating, reserved for lawyers who have "reached the heights of professional excellence."  He was recently elected by his peers to a position on the Board of Governors of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

T. Christopher Kelly's post-conviction practice assists individuals who have lost a trial and want to appeal, who seek to reopen their convictions, or who want to reduce their sentences. Chris Kelly's representation includes direct appeals in state and federal appellate courts (he is one of the few Wisconsin attorneys to have argued twice before the United States Supreme Court), as well as collateral post-conviction proceedings, including federal habeas corpus and sentence modifications.

One of his most recent ground-breaking appeals was a successful attack on the federal Sentencing Guidelines before the United States Supreme Court, a case that was featured on CNN's Newsnight With Aaron Brown and widely reported in the media.  As a result of that appeal, federal judges are no longer required to impose the harsh sentences that the Guidelines formerly mandated.  In 2001, Chris obtained the release of an individual who was convicted of murder in Green Bay, persuading a federal court that the evidence upon which the Wisconsin courts relied was insufficient to support the conviction. He has obtained reversals of convictions in cases that include (among many other offenses) homicide, sexual assault, political misconduct, and drunk driving.

T. Christopher Kelly's trial practice assists individuals in resolving criminal charges brought by state or federal prosecutors. At trial, Chris has obtained "not guilty" verdicts or dismissals in cases charging (among many other offenses) sexual assault, conspiracy, domestic abuse, political corruption, drug distribution, financial crimes, and drunk driving. Whether you prefer to negotiate a resolution of your case, to seek the suppression of the evidence that might be used against you, or to take your case to trial, Chris will put his years of experience to work for you in an effort to obtain the best possible result.

In addition to his criminal practice, Chris handles civil appeals on a selective basis.  He also provides advice and representation to employers and employees with regard to employment matters (including discrimination), and will accept significant personal injury cases to assist those who are injured through the fault of another in order to obtain fair compensation.