Insight

Defining Leadership

At Boston plaintiffs’ firm Jones Kelleher, attorneys Pat Jones, Tim Kelleher, and Rob DeLello have worked together for almost 25 years and now bring 90 years of cumulative experience to their practice.

Jones Kelleher: A Tradition of Excellence
SS

Sean Stonefield

April 16, 2018 03:56 PM

At Boston plaintiffs’ firm Jones Kelleher, attorneys Pat Jones, Tim Kelleher, and RobDeLello have worked together for almost 25 years and now bring 90 years of cumulative experience to their practice. It is their friendship and shared commitment to their clients that have propelled the firm (formerly the personal injury group at Cooley Manion Jones) to the top of this crowded field.

“One of the benefits of our 2014 reorganization is that we shed the perception of being a tort department inside a broad general litigation firm, and we became more identifiable as a standalone high-caliber personal injury firm,” says Jones, a four-time Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” award winner. Jones again received the “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2018, for his work in Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs in Boston.

Few attorneys have attained the level of success that Jones has achieved during his 40-year career: He has spearheaded some of the region’s most significant cases, served as president of both the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and the Rhode Island Association for Justice, and contributed to numerous charities. Indeed, he recently oversaw a $1 million fundraising effort for Pine Street Inn, which assists New England’s homeless population and in the coming year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Like Jones, Kelleher is a past president of MATA, where his defining program was a campaign to end distracted driving. He was also named the Best Lawyers Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston for 2018. As chair of MATA’s Legislation Committee, Kelleher also served as a leader in legislative efforts to enact broad-based safety changes. He currently serves on the Massachusetts Joint Bar Committee on Judicial Appointments, which reviews judicial nominees.

“The work of Pat Jones and the impact he and other leaders of the bar have had on people’s lives is what first interested me in this area of law,” says Kelleher, whose work on construction site and product liability cases has resulted in recent recoveries of $7.5 million and just over $10 million.“I strive to be one of the best lawyers because I’ve seen what a difference we can make for people who have experienced a tragedy.”

Over the past few years, DeLello has also achieved a number of significant results, including $8 million and $7.5 million recoveries for individuals who were severely injured. A member of the MATA Board of Governors and its executive board, he is an active speaker on personal injury issues, has been featured in the MATA educational series at Suffolk University Law School, and was named a Best Lawyers 2018 Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston.

“What allows us to work so well together is our common goal of helping our clients,” DeLello says of the firm’s success. “People in need know they can turn to us when they have experienced a devastating loss, and our adversaries know we will put all our resources toward maximizing our clients’ recoveries.”

Related Articles

IN PARTNERSHIP

Salvi & Maher, LLP: Illinois and Wisconsin's Personal Injury Firm


by Justin Smulison

For more than 35 years, Salvi & Maher LLP has defended their clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin in various areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and trucking litigation.

Skyline of Chicago with green river and blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Emroch & Kilduff: Virginia's Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Attorneys


by Emroch & Kilduff

For over 40 years, the award-winning Virginia-based firm Emroch & Kilduff has worked to represent their personal injury clients in both state and federal courts.

Skyline with water and bridge on blue background

Aim High and Fly


by Khalil Abdullah

From a silent victim of hometown segregation to Air Force captain and lawyer of consummate skill, Karen Evans exemplifies leadership—and vows always to help those who seek to follow her path.

Karen Evans' Leadership in the Airforce

New England's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our New England's Best Lawyers 2022 publication features top-ranked legal talent in New England.

New England's Best Lawyers 2022

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers: The Injury & Malpractice Issue


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent from The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America and “Lawyer of the Year” recipients for personal injury and medical malpractice as well as thought leadership from some of the nation’s top lawyers.

Best Lawyers Injury & Malpractice Publication

Georgia's Injury and Malpractice Leaders


by Justin Smulison

In 2021, Adam Malone recovered more than $38 million in settlements for catastrophically injured clients, while continuing his leadership roles outside the courtroom to enhance the profession for injury lawyers.

Malone Law Remain Leaders in Personal Injury

Georgia's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 Georgia's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Greater Atlanta, Macon and Savannah.

Georgia's Best Lawyers 2022

Catastrophic Personal Injury


by Best Lawyers

Trial legend Frank Branson finds success mixing technology and new skills with vast courtroom experience.

Catastrophic Personal Injury

Andrew B. Yaffa - Miami 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs Miami, Florida

Andrew B. Yaffa

Billy N. Jones - Georgia 2020 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs Savannah, GA

Billy N. Jones

Big Wins From Coast to Coast


by Justin Smulison

Founder Michael S. Burg discusses how Burg Simpson’s lawyers secured major verdicts in some of the nation’s most unique cases in 2019.

Michael S. Burg Best Lawyers 2020

The Malone Legacy


by Alicia Lu

Adam Malone continues the legacy of improving lives he and his late father, Tommy Malone, achieved together.

Adam Malone Best Lawyers 2020

No Challenge Too Big


by Justin Smulison

Following its most successful year to date, Easton & Easton continues its streak of notable victories for California’s injured.

No Challenge Too Big

An Interview With R. Lewis Van Blois


by Best Lawyers

Oaklands' 2020 "Lawyer of the Year" honoree in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

An Interview With R. Lewis Van Blois

How Panel Voir Dire Impacts Medical Malpractice Law


by Best Lawyers

Annette Gonthier-Kiely, 2019 "Lawyer of the Year" award winner for Medical Malpractice Law in Boston, discusses her practice and trial strategy.

Annette Gonthier-Kiely "Lawyer of the Year"

In the News: Georgia


by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Colorado lawyers and law firms.

In the News Georgia 2018

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky