For our
FIRST RESPONDERS
Our Team
Paul A. Kelley is the founder of the Kelley Law Group, P.A. He received his B.A. from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Mr. Kelley has worked on both sides of workers’ compensation litigation, having represented employers and insurance companies in the past and exclusively representing the injured since 1995. Mr. Kelley began representing first responders throughout the entire State of Florida to honor the commitment of his father and brother who both served in law enforcement for many years.
Paul Kelley | Attorney
Paul A. Kelley is the founder of the Kelley Law Group, P.A. He received his B.A. from the University of Central Florida and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Mr. Kelley has worked on both sides of workers’ compensation litigation, having represented employers and insurance companies in the past and exclusively representing the injured since 1995. Mr. Kelley began representing first responders throughout the entire State of Florida to honor the commitment of his father and brother who both served in law enforcement for many years.
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Mr. Kelley has vast experience litigating first responder claims and is recognized as one of the preeminent experts on the presumptive legislation known as Florida’s Heart/Lung Bill. He has tried more complex Heart/Lung claims than most attorneys throughout the State of Florida and has been focused on handling workers’ compensation, pension matters, personal injury and Social Security Disability claims for firefighters, police officers, and correctional officers for many years. This firsthand knowledge, combined with a strong family connection to law enforcement, makes him a dedicated advocate.
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Mr. Kelley has been a frequent speaker at first responder groups, legal seminars, Criminal Justice Institutes, as well as at gatherings of Chiefs and Sheriffs around the state. Mr. Kelley has co-written and presented seminars on “Advanced Workers’ Compensation in Florida” and “Ethics in the Workplace,” and has been a “Case Law Update” panel member and “Focus on Ethics” panel moderator for the Florida Workers’ Compensation Institute and also for the Florida Workers’ Advocates. He has also written on presumptive legislation, ethics and workers’ compensation. He has been awarded the rating of “AV Preeminent”, the highest possible rating given by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Kelley has also been consistently recognized as one of Orlando’s Top Lawyers in the Orlando Magazine; one of the Top Lawyers in Florida as listed in The Legal Network; and has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Kelley serves on the on the Board of Directors of the Florida Workers Advocates as well as on the Board of Directors for various nonprofit organizations.
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When he is not practicing law, Mr. Kelley enjoys playing guitar, sports with his four boys, and spending time with his wife and family.
Barbara Kelley was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and has served in the legal field for the past 30 years, concentrating primarily in the field of workers’ compensation. She has had the opportunity to work on both sides of the aisle, having initially worked defending employers and insurance companies. Barbara has family members that have served in law enforcement, corrections, and has a son who is serving as a firefighter. She has seen firsthand the sacrifices these men and women make on a daily basis on behalf of others. It is her sincere desire to provide the same service and protection to our first responders that she has witnessed them providing to others. Barbara has been with KLG since its inception in January 2016, representing injured workers and first responders.
Barbara Kelley | Paralegal
Madison Kelley | Paralegal
Madison Heidel was born in New York City and moved to Central Florida in 2015. She graduated from both Family Christian Center High School and Lake Sumter State College (with her AA degree) in the Spring of 2019. Madison is now in her final year of her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies through Keiser University. She plans to further her career by entering law school next year. Like the other staff of Kelley Law Group, Madison has a rich family history of service to the First Responder Community. She is the niece of law enforcement officers who have served here in Florida and also with the New York Police Department. Madison has worked with here at Kelley Law Group for more than a year now. In her spare time, she enjoys serving at her church as both a vocal coach and worship leader, and she loves being outdoors and on the water.
Kristin Akers | Legal Assistant
Kristin Akers was born and raised in Central Florida. Two years after graduating high school, Kristin entered the legal field where she first learned the Heart/Lung Bill among other services offered by Kelley Law Group, P.A. As a sister of a local law enforcement officer, she understands firsthand the importance of what we do. In her free time, Kristin volunteers in multiple church ministries and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Kristin has been with KLG since we opened our doors in January 2016.
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