Elk + Elk Welcomes Attorney Madeline M. Kelley: Elite Trial Advocate Joins Ohio’s Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Teams
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Firm News on June 24, 2026
Elk + Elk is proud to welcome attorney Madeline M. Kelley to our personal injury and medical malpractice teams. She brings a high-caliber background in complex litigation, working on the defense side, and a proven record of accomplishment. This exposure to insurance and reinsurance claims guide her case development at Elk + Elk. Madeline strengthens the firm’s dedication to providing sophisticated, relentless advocacy for injured individuals throughout Ohio.
With a career rooted in trial advocacy, Madeline offers a multifaceted perspective shaped by her experience in state and federal litigation. Her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, from intricate malpractice claims to high-stakes investigations, makes her a powerful asset to the firm.
“Madeline brings an exceptional level of talent, drive, and experience to our team,” said Jay Kelley, Managing Partner. “Her background working high-exposure cases around the country, combined with her top 10 national ranking in trial advocacy in Law School, speaks volumes about her ability. She has a rare combination of strategic experience and courtroom presence that will immediately benefit our clients.”
Madeline’s legal journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. While attending the Case Western Reserve School of Law, she distinguished herself as one of the top trial advocates in the country. As the Vice President of Operations for the Johnathan Ault Mock Trial Team and lead attorney in the National Trial Competition, she achieved a top 10 national ranking out of over 1,000 competing students. Her exceptional performance earned her the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award, recognizing her as the outstanding advocate of her graduating class.
Before joining Elk + Elk, Madeline worked on high-exposure matters and participated in multimillion-dollar trials at an AmLaw 100 law firm. Her background includes clerking for University Hospitals and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Cold Case Unit and the United States Attorney’s Office. This experience allows her to identify the critical details in medical records and healthcare systems that are often key to proving negligence.
Additionally, Madeline possesses a deep understanding of the investigative process through her work with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office in the Cold Case Sexual Assault Investigation Unit and her time with the United States Attorney’s Office.
“I am incredibly proud to join Elk + Elk, a firm known for its unwavering commitment to injured individuals and its decades of legal excellence,” said Madeline Kelley. “The legal process can be overwhelming for families dealing with life-changing injuries. My goal is to leverage my experience in complex litigation to guide our clients through every step of their journey with clarity, compassion, and the tenacious representation they deserve.”
Madeline is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a degree in Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, and Law (PPEL). She also studied at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain, where she gained proficiency in Spanish, allowing her to effectively communicate with and serve a broader range of the Ohio community. She is an active member of the American Bar Association and Ladder Down Cleveland.
About Elk + Elk
Elk & Elk Co., Ltd. is a premier personal injury law firm with offices located throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and in Seattle, WA. Our extensive network of offices ensures local representation backed by powerful, multi-state resources that has won $2+ Billion in settlements for our clients. The firm’s attorneys have protected the rights of thousands of injury victims and have won some of the state’s largest verdicts and settlements. Elk + Elk assists clients with a wide variety of personal injury claims, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, workers’ compensation, and product defects.
Jay M. Kelley III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice and catastrophic personal injury attorney in Ohio with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of securing millions in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s comprehensive litigation strategy across state, federal, and appellate courts, drawing on a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay focuses on high-stakes, complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is widely recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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