KELLY D. VAN AKEN

Kelly is a fearless and zealous advocate committed to seeking justice for individuals who have endured the unimaginable. Kelly is a compassionate and client-focused advocate who brings her innovative problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and strong ability to advocate to every matter she handles.  Kelly focuses her practice on sexual abuse, sexual assault, and personal injury litigation.

Kelly represents minor and adult survivors of sexual abuse and assault and has the honor of empowering them with a voice.  Kelly has experience working on a wide range of sexual abuse matters, from highly publicized cases and multi-million-dollar exposure to cases in tandem with criminal investigations.  Kelly represents survivors of sexual abuse and assault by teachers, clergy members, doctors, coaches, caretakers, massage therapists, rideshare drivers, and others in a position of power or authority.  Kelly has a proven track record of success in both settling and trying cases in court.  Kelly recently served as lead plaintiff’s liaison counsel in a case involving over 80 survivors, most of whom identified as LGBTQ+, who alleged they were sexually assaulted by a university physician at their student health center.  Kelly is passionate about her work and understands that it can be difficult for survivors to share their stories.  Kelly takes special care to protect the identities of those who have the courage to come forward and maintains the highest standard of confidentiality when working with her clients.

Kelly also represents individuals who have been seriously injured because of another’s carelessness.  She has successfully handled cases involving life-altering personal injuries resulting from car accidents, bike accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, and slip and falls due to the negligence or intentional conduct of another.  Kelly also represents tenants throughout the Bay Area in affirmative lawsuits for wrongful eviction, uninhabitable conditions, harassment, and violations of local rent ordinances.

Before founding Kellogg & Van Aken LLP, Kelly practiced as a trial attorney at a prominent defense firm in San Francisco where she represented energy companies, automotive and consumer product manufacturers, and pharmaceutical and medical device companies in mass tort and high stakes personal injury matters. There, Kelly handled all phases of litigation, including case strategy, discovery and depositions, motion practice, mediation, expert discovery, and trial.

Kelly earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and her juris doctorate degree from UC Davis School of Law.  During college, Kelly served as captain and lead attorney of the UCSB Mock Trial Team.  In law school, Kelly served on the Trial Practice Honors Board, as captain and lead attorney of the National Mock Trial Team, competed in Moot Court, and served as the Chair of the law school’s Moot Court Board.  She also was one of ten students in her graduating class selected for membership in The Order of Barristers, a national honor society that recognizes excellence in oral and trial advocacy skills.

When she is not practicing law, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing yoga.