Harry J. Kelly

Harry Kelly’s practice focuses on transactional and litigation aspects of housing, fair housing, reasonable accommodations, and accessible design, government contracts, financial institutions and bankruptcy law. He counsels owners of firms—particularly those active in real estate and housing—with respect to issues related to the operations of their businesses and assists them in litigation and enforcement matters. He also advises government contracts clients on transactional and regulatory issues and litigates claims against government agencies.

My focus
Asset Management and Operations

Over the course of the last 25 years, my practice has focused on issues arising from the operation and management of multifamily housing, including affordable housing properties. I represent a diverse array of clients, such as owners, developers, lenders, regulators and investors and provide guidance to maximize profitability, trouble-shoot operational and transactional issues and resolve disagreements before they become legal disputes.

Fair housing, reasonable accommodation, anti-discrimination

I routinely advise a variety of clients in developing policies to comply with fair housing and antidiscrimination laws (including reasonable accommodations and accessible design standards) and related occupancy issues. When necessary, I represent these parties in connection with investigations, compliance reviews enforcement and litigation.

Government contracts

Many of our clients do substantial business with the federal government, often on the basis of long-term contracts and regulatory agreements. I advise clients in the financial services, housing, and technology industries concerning transactional issues of their government contracts, assist them in resolving regulatory and compliance issues and, when necessary, litigate claims and enforcement disputes in agency proceedings and federal courts.

Disputes and litigation

I represent clients in disputes with federal agencies, resolution of contractual issues with public and private entities, compliance with antidiscrimination and environmental laws, and advise on financial matters, including bankruptcy. I practice before federal and state courts (including the Court of Federal Claims), boards of contract appeal and agency administrative panels.

Industry leadership and outreach

I write and lecture widely on matters such as fair housing and antidiscrimination laws, accessibility, management, occupancy, and operational issues and administrative enforcement matters. I am also a Washington representative of the firm’s recruiting committee. I enjoy the opportunity—in meetings and conferences with government and industry leaders, in law school interviews and through webinars and other social media—to share innovative ideas and to exchange perspectives.