
Michael W Kelly, Aviation Attorney in Palo Alto, California
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Aviation, Business, and Education
PartneratSquire Patton Boggs
Palo Alto, CA
Practicing aviation in Palo Alto since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael W Kelly?
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Quick answer
Michael W Kelly is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Education. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Squire Patton Boggs.
- Based in
- Palo Alto, CA
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Aviation · Business · Education
- Handles Aviation, Business, and Education matters from Palo Alto, CA.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael W Kelly: Michael W Kelly is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Education. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Squire Patton Boggs.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Palo Alto
Michael concentrates on aviation, business, education, employment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Aviation
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Business
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Education
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Employment
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General
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Health Care
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Aviation cases in Palo Alto, California
Michael takes aviation matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Palo Alto, California
Michael takes business matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Education cases in Palo Alto, California
Michael takes education matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Palo Alto, California
Michael takes employment matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Palo Alto, California
Michael takes general matters in Palo Alto, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael W Kelly, aviation attorney serving Palo Alto
Michael W Kelly is a partner based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Aviation, Business, and Education. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Squire Patton Boggs. Michael works from Palo Alto, California and takes on aviation matters across the region.
Michael W Kelly is a lawyer practicing transportation, health care, labor & employment and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1989, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices at Squire Patton Boggs in Palo Alto, CA and 1 other location.
Michael's approach to aviation cases
Michael W Kelly is a lawyer practicing transportation, health care, labor & employment and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1989, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices at Squire Patton Boggs in Palo Alto, CA and 1 other location.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation, business, and education matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Case Western Reserve University
J.D. · 1992
Harvard University
A.B. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
2001 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1992 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Case Western Reserve University and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Michael W Kelly's office in Palo Alto
Michael's primary office is at 600 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, CA, 94304. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael W Kelly
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael W Kelly — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a aviation attorney in Palo Alto, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every aviation 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael W Kelly
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a aviation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do aviation cases in California typically take?
Simple aviation 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Palo Alto?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new aviation clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Aviation attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Michael handles aviation matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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