With over twenty years of diverse litigation and claims management experience, Kelli offers a significant wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to her legal practice.
Renowned for her outstanding advocacy and dedication to excellence, she has represented clients across various industries and disciplines, with particular expertise in Senior Care, personal injury, and wrongful death litigation.
Education
and Early
Leadership
Kelli commenced her academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in just three years, showcasing her determination and drive from an early stage. During her time at Berkeley, she took on the role of Head of the Student Advocate Program, advocating for student rights and ensuring fair treatment in both disciplinary and academic matters. Her leadership capabilities extended beyond her studies; she was an active member of both the Track and Field Team and the Cheerleading Squad, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and a balanced lifestyle.
Kelli furthered her education at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in May 2001. At Southwestern, Kelli distinguished herself as a talented advocate. In her first year, she garnered accolades as a finalist for Best Writer and Best Oralist in the Intramural Moot Court competition. Her advocacy talents reached a national audience when she secured First Place in the Wechsler First Amendment Moot Court Competition, excelling in both writing and oral advocacy. Beyond her competitive achievements, she served as Chair of the Board of Governors for the Moot Court Honors Program, was elected President of the Black Law Students Association, and represented her peers during faculty hiring processes. These roles reflect her unwavering commitment to legal excellence, service, mentorship, and inclusivity.
Professional
Experience
Throughout her career, Kelli has practiced with both national and regional firms, holding leadership positions within the insurance industry. Her professional journey showcases her versatility and expertise in handling complex litigation and claims.
Kelli began her career at a boutique law firm specializing in elder abuse, where she prosecuted long-term care cases and achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts. She was fortunate to learn from and be mentored by one of the nation’s foremost experts on elder abuse. Her advocacy for plaintiffs during this time established her reputation as a skilled litigator capable of managing intricate cases with precision.
After several years as a plaintiff’s attorney, she transitioned to defense work, joining prominent local and regional law firms, which provided her with unique insights into strategies from both sides of the legal spectrum.
In 2016, Kelli assumed the role of Senior Litigation Counsel for a major insurance company, where she managed high-exposure cases involving Senior Care defense, medical malpractice defense, healthcare provider license defense, and product liability defense. In this capacity, she served as the sole attorney in Arizona representing the company’s insured clients.
Most recently, Kelli held leadership positions within a national insurance group, first as a Claims Consultant and then as Division Claims Manager, overseeing claims in the Senior Care division. This role enhanced her ability to analyze cases from multiple perspectives in litigation. Additionally, Kelli has lectured at universities on the fundamentals of insurance. Through this extensive professional foundation, Kelli has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and formidable advocate, recognized for her clarity, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to client success.
More About Kelli
Beyond her professional achievements, Kelli is deeply committed to civic and community life. She actively participates in the Phoenix Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, having held positions such as Parliamentarian, Chair of the Gala Committee, and Tri-Chair of the Young Leaders Academy/Cotillion.
Her dedication extends to public policy and civic planning; she was appointed to the City of Phoenix Expenditure Limit Task Force in 2020 and currently serves on the Camelback East Village Planning Committee, underscoring her commitment to the city she calls home.
As a distinguished speaker and educator, Kelli has delivered numerous lectures and presentations throughout her career on topics such as healthcare documentation, elder abuse defense strategy, and litigation management. She has served as a lecturer at institutions including Grand Canyon University, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and North Carolina State University. Additionally, she frequently participates as a panelist for Gamma Mu Educational Services and the Young Leaders Academy within the Phoenix Chapter of The Links.
With her extensive background in litigation, leadership roles in insurance, and a strong commitment to community service, Kelli has established herself as a trusted advocate and counselor. By combining her legal expertise with practical industry insights, she approaches client matters with both rigor and compassion. Whether in the courtroom, classroom, or community, she is dedicated to advancing justice and empowering those she serves.