Evan J. Kelly - West Chester, PA
Attorney at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP
Criminal Defense Lawyers in West Chester, PA
126 West Miner Street Suite 1 West Chester, PA 19382
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
26
Years
Experience
West Chester Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- Personal Injury
Litigation: 95%
Attorney Information
Overview
Founding attorney, Evan J. Kelly, is a seasoned trial attorney who has accumulated a wealth of experience handling high profile national cases in Crime Victim, Personal Injury and Criminal Defense cases. Mr. Kelly has represented individuals covered on national news shows such as Dateline, 20/20 and other prominent national news shows. He has represented individuals and victims of crime in multi-million-dollar law suits and criminal defendants in high profile Murder cases. Throughout his career, Mr. Kelly has represented elected officials, professional athletes and other well-known individuals throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a trial attorney, Mr. Kelly has been recognized for his professional accomplishments and has received the following awards and accolades:
- Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist.
- Named a 7 Figure Litigator by America’s Premier High-Stakes Trial Lawyers
- Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2014 through 2025
- Named one of the top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel for 2014-2025
- Named one of the top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for 2014-2025
- Invited to be a member of the prestigious American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.
- Invited to a member of the prestigious National College of DUI Defense.
- Named a Top Attorneys of North America by Who’s Who of North America
- Named one of the top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers.
- Named a Super Lawyer from 2017 to 2025
- Named as part of the Nation’s Top One Percent
Evan J. Kelly is a Trial Lawyer handling high profile criminal and personal injury cases throughout the United States. Mr. Kelly has represented individuals in numerous Murder, Rape and Federal prosecutions, as well as, high stake personal injury cases. Mr. Kelly is a former Assistant District Attorney for the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. As an Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Kelly prosecuted thousands of Misdemeanor and Felony cases. Additionally, Mr. Kelly served as the Chief Counsel of Oversight and Investigations for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee led then by former Chairman United States Senator Arlen Specter from 2005 to 2007. As Chief Counsel, Mr. Kelly was the highest ranking United States Senate staffer with oversight responsibilities over the Department of Justice, FBI and the Secret Service. Mr. Kelly graduated from West Chester University in 1997 and Villanova Law School in 2000. He has been featured in articles in People Magazine, CNN, World News etc
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Jurist
- Top 100 lawyers in PA Criminal Defense ASLA
- Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2015 - 2022
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2015 - Present
- Top Lawyer, Main Line Magazine, 2015 - Present
- Top 10 Attorney Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2014 - Present
- Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2014 - Present
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2014 - Present
- Top 10 Ranking, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2014 - 2022
- Top Lawyer, Main Line Today Magazine, 2010 - Present
- Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2007 - Present
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Eastern portion of Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 2014 - 2022
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2014 - 2022
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, 2014 - 2022
- Top Attorneys of North America by Who's Who of North America, 2015 - 2022
- Top 100 trial lawyers for the state of Pennsylvania by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyer, 2017 - 2023
Other Sources of Feedback About Evan J. Kelly
Included on the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Villanova University School of Law,
Villanova,
Pennsylvania, 2000
J.D.
-
Villanova University School of Law,
Villanova,
Pennsylvania, 2000
-
Non Legal Education
-
West Chester University,
West Chester,
Pennsylvania, 1997
B.A.
Honors: summa cum laude
-
West Chester University,
West Chester,
Pennsylvania, 1997
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Founding Attorney
Past Positions
- United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Arlen Specter, Chief Counsel of Oversight and Investigations, Chairman, 2005 - 2007
- Chester County District Attorney's Office, Assistant District Attorney, 2000 - 2002
- Senator Arlen Specter's United States Senate Campaign in the State of Pennsylvania, Campaign Treasurer, 2010
Languages
-
English
-
Spanish
Pro Bono Activities
- Young Professionals of Chester County
- Eastern Technology Counsel
- West Chester University Alumni Finance Committee
- National College of DUI Defense, Member
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania, 2000
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2000
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2000
Specialties and Certifications
- Death Penalty Qualified, Pennsylvania Bar
Other Affiliations
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys (Member)
- PA Bar Association
- Chester County Bar Association
Reviews
-
Verified ClientHired Attorney 2020I was recommended to Evan through a Family Law attorney and I could not have been more pleased with my entire experience. Evan was quick to respond to our initial meeting . He quickly assessed the situation and those involved. He worked the case with professionalism and was always approachable which eased the situation we were dealt. I would feel very comfortable suggesting Evan Kelly and his Legal Services to all Family and Friends. Brian K.
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Verified ClientHired Attorney 2018I highly recommend Evan. Throughout the entire process, he listened and clearly explained what to expect along with any options that might be available to me. Having the right relationships within the court is a big advantage and really assisted in brining my case to a favorable conclusion. I can't thank Evan enough for his efforts.
Contact
126 West Miner Street
Suite 1
West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-314-7066
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.bellwoarkelly.com
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