Michael C. Kelley

Michael C. Kelley is a partner in the Orlando office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Construction Litigation Practice Group.

Michael’s practice focuses on construction, commercial and real property litigation, as well as transactional matters involving construction projects and the acquisition, development, financing, operation, and disposition of real estate. He counsels businesses that develop, own, build, occupy and invest in real estate or construction projects, helping them to make better, more profitable decisions and preserve longstanding relationships and economic value. Michael helps his clients anticipate, prepare for and defend against litigation proactively, or when a dispute must be resolved, utilize litigation efficiently and effectively. He represents clients in the construction and real estate industries, including corporations, builders, developers, designers and high-end investors in a broad range of litigation and transactional matters.

Prior to joining Shutts, Michael was the Chief Development Officer and in-house counsel for a private equity and development company. His legal experience includes complex business litigation, real estate and corporate transactional work, repositioning and restructuring construction and development projects, contracts management for a global energy company and in-house support for a construction supply company. He previously served as a clerk for a federal bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida, Michael G. Williamson. Before entering the practice of law, Michael served in ownership, economic feasibility, sales, management, finance and support roles for various construction and development businesses. Michael grew up in Orlando, working in his family's construction business.

Credentials

Education

University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2012
- Phi Delta Phi, Member
- Gators for Alternative Dispute Resolution, President (2010—2012)
- Federalist Society - University of Florida Chapter, President (2010—2012)
Rollins College, B.A., Economics, magna cum laude, 1998

Bar Admissions

Florida

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Professional and Civic

The Collaborative Orlando, Advisory Board Member (2016–present)
Orlando Society Room, Founder (2017-present)
Construction & Legal Vocational Guild, Facilitator (2019–present)
Orange County Bar Association
- Construction Law Committee
  - Chair (2022-2023)
- Judicial Relations Committee
  - Co-Chair (2021-2023)
  - Board Member (2016-2019, 2021-present)
The Christ School, Trustee (2016–2020)
Orlando Traveling Memorial, Advisory Board Member (2016–present)
Gotham Fellowship, Class of 2016
Federalist Society Orlando Lawyers Chapter, Vice President (2015-present)
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
- Member (2014-present)
- Elder (2021-present)
Rockledge Rotary, Secretary (2013)
Conflict Resolution Initiative (CRI), Co-founder (2010-2012)
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Orlando Director (2006—2007)
Legacy of Hope International, Financial Consultant (2005—2007)
Habitat for Humanity and American Cancer Society, Volunteer