THE FAITH-DRIVEN LEGAL ADVOCATE: TODD KELLY and The Carlson Law Firm’s Pursuit of Justice and Service

By Daryl K. Jones

Attorney Kelly’s inspiration for venturing into the field of personal injury law is the fulfillment that he receives from helping a client (particularly a child) to get back some semblance of normalcy.

Todd Kelly, Partner, is a member of the extremely talented team of lawyers and legal professionals in the North Austin office at The Carlson Law Firm. He believes that providing quality legal service to the clients that his team serves, and furthermore, being willing to be honest when they cannot help is just one factor that differentiates The Carlson Law Firm from their counterparts. Todd Kelly draws his motivation from several sources. His mother and father, who instilled in him a work ethic to push through hard times. His wife and children, who give him a reason to continue when the pressure mounts. His fellow trial lawyers, who display heroic acts of selflessness on a daily basis in the service of others. His clients, whose trust in him inspires dedication and a desire to live up to that trust. Mostly, he is motivated by his desire to serve in a manner approved by a loving God and His son, Jesus.

Todd makes his personal objective quite clear, stating: “taking care of the future financial, medical and emotional needs of clients that were put upon him or her by no fault of their own, and to bring closure to their journey, provides tremendous job satisfaction” he reveals. Todd Kelly is a true servant and man of faith who considers his work to be a sort of ministry. Actually, he would like to consider going into ministry after he has had enough of the courtroom battle that his profession entails. To facilitate that, he recently graduated from a bible college course through his church. Todd’s faith is something that is extremely dear to him and informs his decisions when interacting with his clients. “My goal is to treat others as I would want to be treated”, states Mr. Kelly. “Particularly when they are coming to me at a time in their lives when they have been neglected or harmed by the neglect or intentional acts of another person.”

For Todd Kelly, to help individual people who have been harmed against the more powerful, better funded, corporate entities that harmed them, has been his calling for as long as he can remember. When discussing this, he recalls his childhood images of Perry Mason and Matlock. “As a child I saw these television icons as truth seekers who answered to a higher calling both ethically and diligently”, reveals Todd. These programs left a lasting impression on young Todd. Its influence is evident in how he goes about ensuring everyone he tries to help. Not only does he care about the case, but also about his clients as people. Helping others is a reward that cannot compare to anything else for Todd, and his clients are very fortunate to be in his proverbial hands.

Although he has won several multi-million-dollar verdicts, he considers his biggest wins to be those rooted in char- ity and philanthropy. Foremost, Celebration Church in Georgetown, as it provides an avenue to serve people who are in need of a church home and allows Todd to give back to the Father who has done so much in his life. “Because I owe everything that I am and everything that I have to a Loving God, serving Him is my favorite cause by far”, Todd submits. He serves in a number of roles at the church, and essentially feels blessed to be able to serve his heavenly master in whatever capacity he is able.

For their vision, tireless service to their fellow man (and woman), and their interminable spirit, Todd Kelly and The Carlson Law firm have earned a spot among the Top Attorneys in Austin. We can hardly wait to see what is next for them, as they continue their efforts to practice law in the most just and sympathetic manner.