Legal All-Star – Dean Kelley – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart

A highly skilled workplace safety attorney, Dean Kelley has earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike with his tireless commitment to achieving favorable outcomes in complex and high-stakes situations. Kelley is of counsel at the Milwaukee office of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart.

“Dean is the consummate unsung hero of our Milwaukee Office. An outstanding OSHA lawyer, he is always prepared to jump into a matter to assist,” said Eric Hobbs, a shareholder at the Milwaukee office.

Whether it’s traveling across the country at a moment’s notice to assist with a fatality inspection, managing difficult client relationships or providing critical research under tight deadlines, Kelley is always ready to step in.

A recent example of this dedication came when Kelley traveled three hours to support a client during an OSHA inspection following a fatality. In a rare feat with fatality cases, he not only managed the inspection but also successfully convinced OSHA not to issue a citation.

Kelley’s impact is not lost on the nationwide firm of over 70 attorneys. He’s regarded as a go-to expert. His proficiency in several specialized areas of OSHA law is widely acknowledged through his regular speeches at the Workplace Safety Symposium, and he is highly respected by both federal and state OSHA representatives.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Kelley is a dedicated single father of two active daughters, one of whom graduated from high school in 2023 and the other in 2024. Even in the face of personal challenges, Kelley continues to perform at the highest level as both an attorney and a father.