Brian Kelly
About Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly is a Partner and Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Frantz Ward LLP, where he has worked since 2000. He specializes in advising employers on compliance with labor laws and has extensive experience in litigation, collective bargaining, and workforce planning.
Work at Frantz Ward LLP
Brian Kelly has been a Partner and Chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Frantz Ward LLP since 2000. In this role, he counsels employers on compliance with various labor laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His responsibilities include representing management in labor relations and employment litigation, focusing on issues such as employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, and breaches of non-compete agreements. Kelly has significant experience in collective bargaining negotiation and union avoidance techniques.
Education and Expertise
Brian Kelly earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he studied from 1991 to 1994. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan, completing his studies from 1987 to 1991. He also attended Troy High School from 1983 to 1987. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in labor and employment law, where he has developed and implemented in-house training programs on various topics.
Background
Before joining Frantz Ward LLP, Brian Kelly worked as an Associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group at Thompson Hine LLP from 1994 to 2000. His experience spans over two decades in the field of labor and employment law, where he has developed a comprehensive understanding of employer compliance and workforce planning. He has also been involved in planning and implementing workforce reductions, demonstrating his capability in managing complex employment issues.
Achievements
Brian Kelly has received recognition for his contributions to labor and employment law. He was named Best Lawyers’ 2021 'Lawyer of the Year' in Litigation-Labor & Employment and again recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' in Labor Law – Management by Best Lawyers in 2025. He is a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and has been named to prestigious lists such as Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and Ohio Super Lawyers. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Towards Employment and participated in Leadership Cleveland Class of 2022.