Kelly J. Dwyer, Business Attorney in Austin, Texas
focused on Business and M&A
Austin, TX
Trusted business attorney serving Austin.
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Kelly J. Dwyer is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Currently practicing at Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP.
- Based in
- Austin, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · M&A
- Handles Business and M&A matters from Austin, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Austin) (2024).
About Kelly J. Dwyer: Kelly J. Dwyer is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Currently practicing at Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP.
Areas of practice
Kelly's practice areas in Austin
Kelly concentrates on business and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kelly handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Austin, Texas
Kelly takes business matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kelly agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Austin, Texas
Kelly takes m&a matters in Austin, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kelly agrees to represent you.
Biography
Kelly J. Dwyer, business attorney serving Austin
Kelly J. Dwyer is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and M&A. Currently practicing at Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP. Kelly works from Austin, Texas and takes on business matters across the region.
Kelly practices business and securities law with a focus on:
- acquisitions and dispositions of companies and their corporate assets,
- structuring of partnerships, buy-sell and succession arrangements for closely held businesses,
- representing both issuers and investors (including institutional investors, family offices and individual investors) in connection with equity financings of privately held companies,
- representation of start-up and emerging growth companies,
- structure and formation of new business ventures,
- structuring of joint venture and other strategic partnering transactions and
- structuring incentive or "sweat equity" arrangements for key management personnel.
Kelly also serves as de facto general counsel for many of his operating company clients, providing counsel on a variety of corporate and transactional matters, including:
- distribution and marketing agreements,
- key agreements with customers and vendors,
- management, consulting and service agreements and
- other commercial agreements.
Kelly has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© (Woodward/White, Inc.) for Corporate Governance and Compliance Law (2012-2017), and Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2013—2017). He was also named The Best Lawyers in America© (Woodward/White, Inc.) "Lawyer of the Year" in Mergers & Acquisitions (Austin), 2015. Kelly has also been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) in 2017 and the Texas Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2004. He was named a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation in 2014. Prior to co-founding DMC, Kelly practiced corporate law as a solo practitioner from 2002 until December 2005. Prior to founding his solo practice, Kelly was a corporate securities and venture capital attorney for Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Kelly is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Kelly received his B.A. and his J.D. from the University of Texas. Kelly enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Allison, and his four girls – Emily, Annabel, Katherine and Maggie. When they get tired of him, Kelly takes the opportunity to run, fish, hunt or catch a good UT road game. Golf is a distant memory.
How Kelly handles business matters
Kelly practices business and securities law with a focus on: acquisitions and dispositions of companies and their corporate assets, structuring of partnerships, buy-sell and succession arrangements for closely held businesses, representing both issuers and investors (including institutional investors, family offices and individual investors) in connection with equity financings of privately held…
The kind of cases Kelly takes
Kelly reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and m&a matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Kelly studied and practices
The University of Texas
J.D. · 1996
The University of Texas
BA · 1992
Jurisdictions
Kelly's state bar admissions
Texas, State Bar of
ACTIVE
Kelly studied at J.D. in The University of Texas and BA in The University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Kelly completed J.D. in The University of Texas and BA in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kelly runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Kelly's legal honors and published work
Kelly has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Austin)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Austin)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Austin) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Austin) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).
Locations
Kelly J. Dwyer's office in Austin
Kelly's primary office is at 1301 West 25th Street, Suite 560, Austin, Texas, 78705. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dwyer Murphy Calvert LLP
1301 West 25th Street, Suite 560
Austin, Texas 78705
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Client reviews of Kelly J. Dwyer
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Kelly J. Dwyer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kelly usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kelly charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kelly's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kelly will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kelly
Kelly discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kelly confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kelly's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kelly J. Dwyer
How much does it cost to hire Kelly for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kelly walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kelly offer a free consultation?
Kelly charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kelly's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Kelly's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kelly gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kelly take my case if I'm outside Austin?
Kelly is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kelly will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kelly?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kelly will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kelly accepting new business clients right now?
Kelly's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Kelly handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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