“I have known Joel Kelly for decades. We were first introduced in the late 1980’s. At the time, I was a Labor & Employment attorney preparing to defend a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court. The trial in my case was trailing because the plaintiff’s attorney was involved in trial of a high stakes employment case. So, I decided to observe that trial to better understand the lawyers and how the claims and defenses were presented. Joel represented an individual who was accused of misconduct. Different counsel represented the company. Watching the trial, I came away thinking that the company would lose but that Joel’s client would not be found liable, which was exactly the result. Joel’s work at the trial impressed me.

Over the past 30 years, I have had many opportunities to see Joel’s excellent work as a management-side employment attorney, but that is not why I am happy to recommend him as a neutral. Joel is smart, knowledgeable about the law and (unlike many other attorneys) very practical. But a secret to his success, I believe, is his ability to see the whole playing field, both the defense arguments and the plaintiff’s side as well. It’s no surprise that many of the city’s best known plaintiffs’ counsel have great relationships with him. I have no doubt that Joel will continue to enjoy success as a mediator.”
– Michael Robbins, President, EXTTI, Inc.

“I have known and worked with Joel for nearly 20 years. He stands out as one of the smartest attorneys I have ever met. Joel is fair, levelheaded, practical, and adept at understanding complex issues. For years, I encouraged him to start his mediation practice, having seen firsthand his talent for identifying strengths and weaknesses in litigation from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s perspectives. Joel has an exceptional ability to devise creative resolution strategies in multi-party litigations, particularly those involving wage and hour disputes. I would not hesitate to retain Joel for my next mediation.”
– Nicole Minkow (Golub) – Fisher & Philips LLP, Los Angeles, California.

“Having mediated multiple matters for Joel over the past twenty years, I was consistently impressed by his legal acumen and understanding of the law.  Joel possesses a remarkable ability to dissect complex legal issues which will be invaluable in his new role as a mediator.  Joel also has a calm, composed, and empathetic demeanor.  His approachability and balanced perspective make him a natural fit for guiding parties through the mediation process.  I am confident that Joel will excel as a mediator and provide outstanding service to those who will have the privilege of working with him.”
– Scott Markus, Mediator – Complex Litigation, Signature Resolution, San Diego, California

“Joel Kelly is that rare breed of attorney beloved on both sides of the “v” in the small town that is LA labor & employment law. He is a gentleman and a straight shooter. Joel is a gifted communicator and a creative architect of solutions. He is a true subject matter expert who shines when tackling thorny legal issues with his characteristic academic vigor. He exudes warmth, energy, and humor and can connect with just about anyone. The large number of former opponents converted to friends by Joel is yet another testament to his skill as a peacemaker.”
– Jeanette E. Laba – Law Office of Jeanette E. Laba, Pasadena, California

“As a practitioner, Joel Kelly was practical, steady-handed, and always strategically a step ahead. Joel’s encyclopedic knowledge of the law didn’t hurt either!  He was also generous and patient with clients, colleagues and even his opposing counsel. I can think of few individuals better suited to serve as mediator. I’m certain that parties turning to Joel to help resolve their disputes will not be disappointed.”
– Shareef S. Farag, Esq. – BakerHostetler LLP, Los Angeles, California

“Joel Kelly is a seasoned lawyer’s lawyer. With his broad and deep knowledge of the law, Joel is who I would turn to when I need the most practical and effective way to solve an unsolvable problem. He is armed with a formidable arsenal of conflict resolution skills, and his disarming charm keeps everything light even under the weight of the most stressful cases.”
– Barry B. Kaufman, Esq. – Law Offices of Barry B. Kaufman, APC, Encino, California

“As the managing shareholder at a prominent Los Angeles firm focused on employment class and representative actions, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Joel Kelly on several intricate and demanding cases. His extensive expertise in labor and employment law, combined with his exceptional ability to facilitate dialogue between disputing parties, sets him apart in the field. Mr. Kelly embodies professionalism and meticulous preparation, consistently demonstrating a balanced approach to the concerns of both sides. His remarkable blend of determination, patience, and insight into interpersonal dynamics has led to successful outcomes in our negotiations. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Kelly as a mediator of the highest caliber.”
– Anthony J. Orshansky – CounselOne PC, Beverly Hills, California