About Dee
Dee J. Kelly, Jr.: Leading Litigation Attorney in Fort Worth
Dee J. Kelly, Jr. is a highly respected and accomplished attorney specializing in complex litigation and administrative law. As a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman and previously serving as the firm’s managing partner from 2005 to 2016, Mr. Kelly brings a wealth of experience and a strategic approach to representing corporate and individual clients facing significant legal challenges. His dedication to meticulous legal work and client advocacy has established him as a trusted legal counsel within the Fort Worth community and beyond.
Mr. Kelly’s expertise spans a wide range of practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, Administrative/Regulatory Law, and Corporate Governance Law. He consistently delivers results for his clients, skillfully navigating intricate legal procedures and advocating for their best interests in state and federal courts. He provides invaluable advice and representation to clients with matters pending before governmental and administrative bodies, leveraging his deep understanding of regulatory landscapes to achieve favorable outcomes.
Recognized Expertise and Leadership
Mr. Kelly’s commitment to excellence has been consistently recognized by leading legal organizations. He has been included in U.S. News & World Report’s The Best Attorneys in America® ranking every year since 2007 and was named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters from 2003 to 2025. Furthermore, he has been consistently named to the Top 400 Most Influential by Fort Worth Inc. magazine since 2018, showcasing his significant impact within the legal and business communities. His peers have repeatedly acknowledged his abilities, voting him among Fort Worth’s best attorneys through polls conducted by organizations such as Fort Worth Magazine, 360 West, and others.
Key Practice Areas:
Mr. Kelly’s legal practice is centered around providing strategic legal counsel and robust representation across several key areas:
- Commercial Litigation: Mr. Kelly expertly handles a broad range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, and intellectual property litigation. His aggressive pursuit of favorable outcomes is grounded in a thorough understanding of business operations and legal principles.
- Administrative/Regulatory Law: He provides specialized legal support to clients dealing with complex regulatory matters, including compliance issues, permit applications, and enforcement actions. Mr. Kelly's knowledge of government regulations ensures that his clients navigate these areas with confidence and minimize potential risks.
- Corporate Governance Law: Mr. Kelly advises corporate boards and executives on legal matters related to governance, compliance, and risk management, protecting their interests and ensuring adherence to legal standards.
- Civil Litigation (Defense): He offers comprehensive defense services in a variety of civil litigation cases, utilizing his strategic thinking and litigation skills to achieve the best possible results for his clients.
- Special Focus Areas: Mr. Kelly’s expertise extends to a wide array of specialized legal areas, including Appellate Law, Complex Litigation, Elections Law, Government Relations, Liquor Law, and Transactions, providing clients with tailored legal solutions for their specific needs.
Awards and Accolades
- Lawyer of the Year: Administrative/Regulatory Law (Dallas, 2014)
- Recognized: Administrative/Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation
- Top 100 Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers: (Thomson Reuters, 2022, 2023)
- Texas Super Lawyers: (Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025)
- Top Attorney: Fort Worth Magazine (2006-2025), 360 West magazine (2017-2025)
- Corporate Counsel: (Fort Worth, Inc. magazine, 2018-2025)
- Distinguished Citizen Award: Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America (2014)
- Best Attorneys®: Administrative | Regulatory Law Lawyer of the Year, Dallas (2014)
Education & Credentials
- Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2007
- City: Fort Worth
- State: Texas
- Country: United States
- Bar Admissions: (Details to be added - please provide specific bar admission information)
Contact Information
To discuss your legal needs and how Mr. Kelly’s expertise can benefit your business or individual circumstances, please contact Kelly Hart & Hallman to schedule a consultation. He is committed to providing diligent representation and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Mr. Kelly remains a dedicated advocate, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional legal services within the Texas legal landscape.
Practice Areas
Case History
Education
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Administrative / Regulatory Law, Dallas (2014)
- Recognized: Administrative / Regulatory Law
- Recognized: Commercial Litigation
- Practice Area: Corporate Governance Law
- Special Focus: Administrative
- Special Focus: Appellate
- Special Focus: Civil Litigation
- Special Focus: Commercial Disputes
- Special Focus: Complex Litigation
- Special Focus: Elections
- Special Focus: Government Relations
- Special Focus: Liquor
- Special Focus: Litigation
- Special Focus: Transactions
- Best Lawyers in America®, 2007-2026Administrative | Regulatory LawCommercial Litigation
- Administrative | Regulatory Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Top 100 Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2022, 2023
- Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025Business LitigationCivil Litigation | Defense
- Business Litigation
- Civil Litigation | Defense
- Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine, 2006-2025Civil Law & Litigation
- Civil Law & Litigation
- Top Attorney, 360 West magazine, 2017-2025Government and Administrative LawCommercial LitigationCorporate Counsel
- Government and Administrative Law
- Corporate Counsel
- The 400 Most Influential People, Fort Worth, Inc. magazine, 2018-2025
- Distinguished Citizen Award, Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 2014
- Best Lawyers® Administrative | Regulatory Law Lawyer of the Year, Dallas, 2014