James D. Kelly is a business attorney and partner at Blank Rome LLP, where he currently chairs the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. He has over 25 years in legal practice and his expertise lies in handling complex transactions involving real estate, finance, and general corporate law. Kelly’s career reflects a trajectory shaped by leadership roles and experience with various corporate and legal strategies.
Professional Background and Legal Focus
Kelly began his legal career after earning his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1988, following a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Assumption College. He joined Dickstein Shapiro LLP, where he eventually held the role of chairman, responsible for the firm’s operations and strategic direction. In 2016, he transitioned to Blank Rome after the firm acquired Dickstein Shapiro’s team and resources. His move to Blank Rome placed him in a leadership position in the firm’s D.C. office, where he became responsible for expanding the firm’s real estate and finance practices.
In practice, Kelly works across several legal areas. His work includes structuring financial transactions and handling real estate deals involving public and private stakeholders. Kelly has been involved in transactions that revolve around asset-based lending and multi-jurisdictional financing. Kelly also focuses on community development financing, particularly in public sector areas such as healthcare. His clients range from investment groups and real estate entities to government-related projects.
The Blank Rome and Dickstein Shapiro Acquisition
The acquisition of Dickstein Shapiro by Blank Rome in 2016 integrated over 100 attorneys into the latter’s operations. Kelly’s leadership has been integral to the transition, which expanded Blank Rome’s D.C. presence and added new practice areas, including government contracts, financial services, and intellectual property. The merger also reflected changes within Dickstein Shapiro, which had faced declining revenues and reduced staff in prior years.
Professional Associations and Community Work
Kelly is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the District of Columbia Bar Association. He has dedicated time to pro bono work and has been recognized for his contributions to the legal community, especially through programs supporting small businesses and nonprofits in Washington, D.C. He also plays an active role on Blank Rome’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, contributing to the firm’s initiatives.
Current Role
Today, Kelly leads a significant portion of Blank Rome’s operations in D.C., overseeing the integration of new practices from the Dickstein Shapiro merger. His career is marked by a consistent focus on legal transactions and corporate strategy, with a particular emphasis on expanding Blank Rome’s corporate, finance, and real estate services.
