Kelley Cawthorne

Frank J. Kelley is the longest serving state attorney general in U.S. history, serving as Michigan's top attorney from 1961 through 1998. In 1999, he re-entered private practice to co-found Kelley Cawthorne with former Michigan House Republican Leader Dennis O. Cawthorne.

During his storied tenure as attorney general Mr. Kelley was a tireless advocate for the citizens of Michigan, trusted counsel to the legislative and executive branches of state govemment, and a nationally recognized innovator.

Since founding Kelley Cawthorne, Mr. Kelley has stayed in the state and national limelight by representing such clients as a major league baseball franchise, as well as many corporate clients, both nationally and internationally. Corporate and trade association clients seek Mr. Kelley's counsel for his extensive knowledge about how government, politics and business interrelate. Although a Democrat, political leaders from both parties continue to seek his wise counsel on a variety of matters.

The respect Mr. Kelley commands on both sides of the aisle was confirmed by his 1999 appointment to the prestigious Mackinac Island State Park Commission by Michigan's Republican Governor John Engler.

Mr. Kelley graduated from the University of Detroit Law School and practiced corporate law in Detroit before entering private practice in Alpena. Mr. Kelley served as Alpena City Attorney until his appointment in 1961 as Michigan's Attorney General by then Govemor John Swainson. Mr. Kelley was subsequently elected to his post a record ten times. He also served as President of the National Association of Attorneys General and was honored as being the state Attorney General who did the most to advance the cause of justice.

Mr. Kelley is a fellow of the American Bar Association. The Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University has endowed the Frank J. Kelley Chair in Ethics. Mr. Kelley serves our clients as a civil counselor for corporate, transactional and governmental matters and also as a trial advocate.

GOVERNMENT/POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

• Longest service as State Attorney General in United States history 37 years, 10 terms
• Midwest Chair of Henry Jackson campaign for President
• Midwest Chair of Richard Gephardt campaign for President
• Michigan Chair, Kennedy for President
• Chair, Lawyers Committee for Jennifer Granholm campaign for governor

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Adjunct Professor of Law, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
• Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan

AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS

• Extensive trial and appellate experience

AWARDS/PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT