Overview
Kelly Shami focuses her practice on investigations, white-collar defense and complex commercial litigation.
She has a proven track record of success, including a recent series of victories in which her clients were dismissed from New York Child Victims Act cases. She is highly experienced in the evolving revival legislation across the country that provides limited periods for sexual abuse survivors to file otherwise time-barred civil claims, including the New York Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act.
Kelly is a member of the Firm’s Institutional Sexual Misconduct Response Team (SMRT). This team specializes in handling all aspects of investigations and litigation involving allegations of sexual assault, abuse and misconduct. She also serves on the Firm’s Gender Diversity Committee and maintains an active pro bono practice. Kelly is accredited by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and has successfully represented military veterans in connection with VA disability claims and appeals.
Prior to joining McDermott, Kelly clerked for the Honorable Beth Bloom in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Prior to clerking for Judge Bloom, Kelly clerked for the Honorable R. Fred Lewis at the Supreme Court of Florida.
During her clerkship with Justice Lewis, Kelly obtained her MBA with a specialization in real estate and graduated third in her class. Additionally, Kelly served as editor-in-chief of the University of Miami International and Comparative Law Review during law school, and she was extensively involved in Miami Law’s public interest and pro bono programs.
Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2024
Credentials
Education
Florida State University, MBA, 2019
University of Miami School of Law, JD, magna cum laude, 2016
Southern Methodist University, BA, 2013
Admissions
Florida
Languages
English
Arabic
French
