Hon. Kathleen A. Kelly (Ret.)

San Francisco

Employment, Personal Injury, Products Liability, Business/Commercial Contract and Real Estate

Hon. Kathleen A. Kelly (Ret.) is a highly regarded mediator known for her practical and innovative approach to resolving the most challenging cases. Drawing on more than two decades of judicial experience, she brings deep insight into dispute resolution, including case evaluation, risk assessment, and effective negotiation strategies. As a judge of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, she presided over hundreds of trials and was repeatedly selected by successive presiding judges to serve as one of the court's judicial settlement judges.

Since joining ADR Services, Inc. in 2025, Judge Kelly has successfully mediated a broad range of disputes, including employment, personal injury, product liability, commercial contract, and real estate matters. Her calm demeanor, thorough preparation, and ability to connect with parties and counsel help move cases beyond impasse toward resolution. Clients on all sides have consistently expressed appreciation for her skill and dedication.

Judge Kelly has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the legal community, including being named the 2024 Trial Judge of the Year by the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. Known for her pragmatic style, she fosters open communication and works persistently with parties to achieve practical, meaningful outcomes. Her commitment to pre-mediation discussions, continued follow-up and thoughtful use of mediator's proposals reflects her dedication to resolving even the most contentious disputes.

Judgekelly@adrservices.com
(415) 772-0900
www.judgekellyadr.com