Atty. Evan J. Kelly

Atty. Evan J. Kelly

Evan J. Kelly: Accomplished Trial Attorney with Extensive Criminal Defense Experience Evan J.

West Chester West Chester 26 yrs experience 26 year
Call (484) 502-1484 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Evan J. Kelly at a glance

Evan J. Kelly is a Member based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, practicing at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Their practice focuses on divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, and immigration. Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania (2000), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (2000), and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania (2000). Educated at Villanova University School of Law (J.D., 2000) and West Chester University (B.A., 1997). Active member of American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys PA Bar Association Chester County Bar Association. Serands clients in West Chester, PA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

Evan J

Kelly

  • Accomplished Trial Attorney with Extensive Criminal Defense Experience Evan J. Kelly, the founding attorney at our firm, is a highly skilled trial attorney renowned for his expertise in handling complex and high-profile cases, including First Degree Murder, Rape, and Attempted Homicide
  • With a wealth of experience, Mr. Kelly has successfully represented elected officials, professional athletes, and other notable individuals in various criminal matters throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • As a distinguished criminal defense attorney, Mr. Kelly has earned recognition and numerous accolades for his professional achievements, including: Accolades and Recognitions: • Included in the esteemed list of top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist. • Recognized as one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys consecutively from 2014 to 2019. • Named among the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel for six consecutive years from 2014 to 2019. • Selected as one of the top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 from 2014 to 2019. • Distinguished invitation to join the prestigious American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys. • Invited to become a member of the renowned National College of DUI Defense. • Recognized as a Top Attorneys of North America by Who's Who of North America from 2015 to 2019. • Included in the list of top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers. • Acknowledged as a Superlawyer for the years 2017 to 2019
  • Professional Background and Experience: Before establishing his successful legal practice, Evan J. Kelly served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Chester County District Attorney's Office
  • In this role, he gained invaluable experience prosecuting a multitude of misdemeanor and felony cases
  • Additionally, from 2005 to 2007, Mr. Kelly held the position of Chief Counsel of Oversight and Investigations for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, working alongside former Chairman United States Senator Arlen Specter
  • As Chief Counsel, he held the highest-ranking staff position for the Republican Party in the United States Senate, overseeing critical matters concerning the Department of Justice, FBI, and the Secret Service
  • Mr. Kelly completed his undergraduate studies at West Chester University in 1997 and obtained his Juris Doctor from Villanova Law School in 2000

Key Professional Highlights

  • • Over 95% of practice devoted to litigation, showcasing a strong commitment to advocating for clients in the courtroom. • Certified as Death Penalty Qualified by the Pennsylvania Bar, demonstrating comprehensive expertise in handling capital cases
  • Honors, Awards, and Memberships: • Consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2017 to 2023, a testament to Mr. Kelly's exceptional legal skills and accomplishments. • Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist. • Selected among the top 100 lawyers in Pennsylvania for Criminal Defense by the ASLA. • Received the Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys from 2015 to 2019, demonstrating dedication to client service. • Included in the list of top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers from 2015 to the present. • Acknowledged as a Top Lawyer by Main Line Magazine from 2015 to the present. • Received the Top 10 Attorney Award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys from 2014 to the present. • Honored with the Top Lawyer title by Main Line Today Magazine since 2010. • Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers since 2007. • Consistently ranked among the top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys from 2014 to 2019. • Listed as one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel from 2014 to 2019. • Recognized as one of the top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 from 2014 to 2019. • Named a Top Attorney of North America by Who's Who of North America from 2015 to 2019. • Included in the list of top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers

Practice Areas Explained

Evan J. Kelly's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Evan J. Kelly handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Evan J. Kelly is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Evan J. Kelly is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Evan J. Kelly is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Immigration Law

Immigration attorneys help with green cards, visas, citizenship, asylum, and deportation defense. Find a verified immigration lawyer for your case.

Evan J. Kelly is one of 40,633 immigration attorneys indexed nationally. Browse immigration attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Pennsylvania

Practicing law in Pennsylvania. Legal matters in Pennsylvania are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in West Chester are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Pennsylvania state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Pennsylvania courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Pennsylvania attorneys? Browse all attorneys in West Chester or all attorneys in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Evan J. Kelly

Where is Evan J. Kelly's law office located?
Evan J. Kelly's law practice is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm is Bellwoar Kelly, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Evan J. Kelly handle?
Evan J. Kelly focuses on divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, immigration. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Pennsylvania.
How long has Evan J. Kelly practiced law?
Evan J. Kelly has 26+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2000.
Where did Evan J. Kelly go to law school?
Evan J. Kelly earned their education at (J.D., 2000); (B.A., 1997).
How can I contact Evan J. Kelly for a consultation?
You can contact Evan J. Kelly directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
Villanova University School of Law
- 2000
B.A.
West Chester University
- 1997

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
Admitted: 2000
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Admitted: 2000
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania
Admitted: 2000

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