
Kristi D. Kelly, Business Attorney in New London, Connecticut
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Employment
DirectoratSuisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law
New London, CT
Practicing business in New London since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Kristi D. Kelly is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Business and Employment. Kristi has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.
- Based in
- New London, CT
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment
- Handles Business and Employment matters from New London, CT.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Kristi D. Kelly: Kristi D. Kelly is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Business and Employment. Kristi has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kristi takes on
Kristi concentrates on business and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kristi handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in New London, Connecticut
Kristi takes business matters in New London, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kristi agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in New London, Connecticut
Kristi takes employment matters in New London, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kristi agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kristi D. Kelly — business lawyer in New London
Kristi D. Kelly is a director based in New London, CT. The practice focuses on Business and Employment. Kristi has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law.
Kristi Kelly’s practice focuses in the areas of labor, employment and commercial law.
Attorney Kelly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut in 1997. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, cum laude, in 2001. Attorney Kelly was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2001, New York in 2002, and the State of Washington in 2012. She was also admitted to the United States District Court, District of Connecticut Bar in 2002, and Western District of Washington in 2012.
Attorney Kelly works in all areas of labor relations and employment law, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance disputes, personnel policies and practices, wage and hour disputes, unemployment claims, Family and Medical Leave Act, reasonable accommodations, employee benefits. She appears before state administrative agencies and in state and federal courts in various labor and employment matters. Attorney Kelly also addresses issues such as requests for disclosure of documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
Attorney Kelly served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington prior to returning to her home state of Connecticut in September 2014. In that position, she advised and represented the Washington Department of Transportation, Washington State Ferries, State Patrol, and Department of Corrections in matters involving collective bargaining, grievance and interest arbitration, public employee discipline, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to that role, Attorney Kelly was an attorney for the U.S. Department of Army from 2008-2011. She also worked for Carmody & Torrance, LLP in Waterbury, CT, from 2001-2007, and was a member of the legal team representing a New England Hydrogenation conglomerate in a $1.34 billion commercial transaction.
Kristi Kelly resides in Niantic, Connecticut, along with her husband Paul Kelly who is a Captain in the United States Army, and children Olivia (7), Thomas (6), and Lauren (2). She is originally from Plainfield, Connecticut, and is a graduate of the Plainfield High School Class of 1994. Kristi enjoys running, and recently completed her first half marathon.
Kristi's approach to business cases
Kristi Kelly’s practice focuses in the areas of labor, employment and commercial law. Attorney Kelly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut in 1997. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Quinnipiac University School of Law, cum laude, in 2001. Attorney Kelly was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2001, New York in 2002, and the State of Washington…
The kind of cases Kristi takes
Kristi reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and employment matters in New London and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden, Connecticut
J.D. · 2001
University of Connecticut
B.A. Major · 1997
Jurisdictions
Kristi's state bar admissions
Washington
2012 · ACTIVE
New York
2002 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
2001 · ACTIVE
Kristi studied at J.D. in Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden, Connecticut and B.A. Major in University of Connecticut.
Law school and academic background
Kristi completed J.D. in Quinnipiac University School of Law, Hamden, Connecticut and B.A. Major in University of Connecticut. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kristi runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Kristi D. Kelly's office in New London
Kristi's primary office is at 75 State Street, New London, CT, 06320. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kristi D. Kelly
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Kristi D. Kelly — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kristi usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kristi charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kristi'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; Kristi will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New London, Connecticut
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 Kristi
Kristi 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. Kristi confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kristi'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 Kristi D. Kelly
How much does it cost to hire Kristi for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kristi walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kristi offer a free consultation?
Kristi charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kristi's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Kristi's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Connecticut 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. Kristi gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kristi take my case if I'm outside New London?
Kristi is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kristi 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 Kristi?
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. Kristi will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kristi accepting new business clients right now?
Kristi'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 New London, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut
Kristi handles business matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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If Kristi's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in New London handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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