Overview
Kelley advises and guides clients through each stage of their case, from bankruptcy proceedings to complex business disputes. She believes that good outcomes start with good communication and helping clients to understand their options, assess risk, and make informed decisions is important to her. Whether a matter calls for negotiated resolution or courtroom advocacy, Kelley keeps her clients’ goals at the center of every decision.
Her approach is informed by her service as a career law clerk to the Honorable Paul R. Hage of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. In that role, she obtained valuable insight into how courts evaluate complex issues, enabling her to present clients’ positions clearly and persuasively.
Before joining Butzel, Kelley practiced at an AmLaw 100 firm, representing clients in commercial, employment, and general civil litigation.
Kelley Donnelly is an Associate located in Butzel’s Ann Arbor office. She received her juris doctor from Wayne State University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University, in Public Affairs, minor in Asian Studies with a concentration in Mandarin Chinese.
Outside of the office, Kelley spends her time renovating her historic home in Detroit and enjoying time with family.
Primary Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
Wayne State University, B.A.
Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Oakland Region, Executive Board Member, 2022-present
- Access to Bankruptcy Court, Board Member, 2025-present
- Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association, Bankruptcy Committee, Co-Chair, 2026-present
- Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association, New Lawyers’ Seminar Committee Member, 2026-present
Awards & Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association – Presidential Activity Award
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Regional Leadership Award
Wayne State University Law School - President's Scholar Award
