James M. Kelley

Jay Kelley is the Managing Partner of Elk + Elk and one of Ohio’s most respected medical malpractice attorneys, with more than 25 years of courtroom experience. Based in Cleveland, Jay has handled high-profile birth injury, maternal death, surgical error, and wrongful death cases across the state.

Jay’s legal career began as a felony prosecutor, followed by a role defending major Ohio hospital systems. This rare dual background gives him a unique advantage in medical negligence litigation, allowing him to anticipate defense strategies and advocate effectively for injured clients and their families.

In 2002, Jay joined Elk + Elk. He became a Partner in 2011 and was named Managing Partner in 2017, where he now leads the firm’s litigation strategy and case development in state, federal, and appellate courts.