Paul V. Kelly

Paul V. Kelly: Experienced White Collar Criminal Defense & Sports Law Attorney

Paul V. Kelly is a principal in the Boston office of Jackson Lewis P.C., a leading national law firm, and is recognized as a highly effective legal advocate with extensive experience in some of the most challenging and complex legal matters. He specializes in white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations, NCAA enforcement investigations and infractions cases, and complex civil litigation, consistently delivering successful outcomes for his clients. Mr. Kelly’s deep understanding of legal strategy, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to his clients’ success, makes him a trusted legal counsel for businesses and individuals alike.

Mr. Kelly’s career began with a decade as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Boston, where he prosecuted a broad spectrum of federal criminal violations, including racketeering, fraud, corruption, and murder. This experience provided him with an unparalleled understanding of government investigations and prosecutorial strategies, allowing him to effectively defend clients against serious charges. Upon leaving government service, he dedicated his practice to representing companies and individuals facing scrutiny for alleged wrongdoing, earning a reputation for achieving “not guilty” verdicts in numerous jury trials, both state and federal.

Kelly's expertise extends across several critical areas, including:

White-Collar Criminal Defense: He has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against allegations of fraud, corruption, and other white-collar offenses, employing sophisticated legal strategies and meticulous investigative techniques.

Internal Investigations: Mr. Kelly possesses significant experience conducting comprehensive internal investigations for clients, including high-profile cases involving airport security at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, suspected bribery and corruption by government officials in Trinidad and Tobago, and internal investigations for Major League Baseball teams. He’s adept at uncovering the truth, protecting his clients’ interests, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

NCAA Enforcement Investigations & Infractions Cases: Mr. Kelly is a leading expert in NCAA enforcement matters, advising colleges and universities facing allegations of bylaw violations by athletic coaches, staff, and student-athletes. His deep understanding of NCAA rules and regulations, combined with his litigation experience, makes him a valuable resource for institutions seeking to navigate these complex investigations. He has successfully represented institutions in infractions hearings and appeals before the NCAA Committee on Infractions and the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee.

Civil Litigation: Beyond his specialized expertise, Mr. Kelly is a highly skilled trial attorney with extensive experience in a broad range of civil litigation matters, including complex legal arguments and appeals before state and federal courts.

Sports Law: Mr. Kelly's deep connection to the world of sports, stemming from his own playing and coaching experience, coupled with his extensive advocacy, provides a unique advantage in representing athletes, teams, and institutions in a variety of legal matters, including contract disputes, disciplinary actions, and litigation. He serves on the Board of Directors of the NHL Alumni Association and was a past Director of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Notable Investigative Case Examples:

- Conducted an extensive internal investigation on behalf of a private security company responsible for airport passenger screening at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, uncovering critical failures in security protocols and advocating for appropriate corrective action.

- Served as a legal advisor to the Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago, conducting a series of investigations into suspected bribery and corruption by former government officials.

- Conducted an investigation on behalf of an MLB team of suspected improper activity by a member of its scouting staff, safeguarding the integrity of the game and protecting the team’s reputation.

- Probed allegations of sexual abuse of minors by volunteers of a national organization providing educational opportunities and activities for children, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

- Has conducted investigations for numerous companies concerning theft, embezzlement, and other suspected wrongdoing by employees, contractors, and vendors, often resulting in referrals for prosecution.

Education & Credentials:

Bar Admissions: Massachusetts Bar, U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.), [Insert Law School Name Here – e.g., Harvard Law School]

Awards & Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 1995; Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Recognized: Employment Law - Management, Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment, Recognized: Sports Law

Professional Affiliations: Board of Directors, NHL Alumni Association; Past Director, Hockey Hall of Fame

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense (White-Collar, General), Employment Law (Management), Litigation (Labor & Employment), Sports Law