Pat Kelly is the regional managing partner of the firm’s Western region. He is also the president of the State Bar of California – the largest state bar in the United States. Pat is a veteran trial lawyer who focuses his practice on advising and representing insurance carriers in coverage matters and defending individuals and companies in high-stakes professional liability and commercial cases. His practice also encompasses insurance bad faith, insurance coverage, product liability, premises liability, employment litigation, ski resort liability and railroad liability matters. He has particular experience with class actions involving directors and officers (D&O) liability, product liability, employment and consumer fraud claims.

Pat has tried numerous cases to verdict and has briefed and argued dozens of appeals. He is an accomplished negotiator who seeks an economical and satisfactory resolution to disputes whenever possible. When a matter does proceed to trial, he draws upon his strong organizational and oral advocacy skills to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. Pat is a fellow of the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Among his many leadership roles, Pat was elected by his peers to serve as president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He also was appointed by the Governor of California to serve as one of 11 members of the Commission on Judicial Performance, which disciplines California state judges and has the power to remove them from the bench. In his legal practice and his leadership positions, Pat brings a sincere commitment to improving the organization and delivering with hard work. He has achieved success as a litigator and a manager by respecting the position of his colleagues, clients and adversaries and treating their needs with importance and competence.