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About Us

I Focus on Representing People With Mental Disabilities

About Us

I have fought for the rights of people with all types of issues, including autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, dementia, fetal alcoholism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, post partum depression, and intellectual disabilities.

I have appeared in state and federal courts from Anchorage, Alaska to Naples, Florida and points in between. I also am frequently invited to speak to other attorneys and judges about representing people with mental disabilities.

I have dedicated my life to the firm belief that people with mental disabilities do not belong in the criminal justice system and that they need treatment, not jail or prison.

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Examples Of Issues We Represent

Autism
Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dementia

Dementia

Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense
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  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Major Depression
  • Fetal Alcoholism Spectrum Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Post Partum Depression
  • Intellectual Disabilities

testimonials

It has been my honor to collaborate with Elizabeth Kelley defending individuals diagnosed with autism or mental health issues. She is an acknowledged expert in her field, an author, and a wonderful litigator bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the defense of those most in need. As a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, I can attest to the hurdles we need to overcome with courts and prosecutors to shift their world-view from "the client is a criminal" to "the client is an individual suffering from circumstances that are not of their own making." Elizabeth Kelley is a magician in this realm.

- Anonymous

It has been my honor to collaborate with Elizabeth Kelley defending individuals diagnosed with autism or mental health issues. She is an acknowledged expert in her field, an author, and a wonderful litigator bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the defense of those most in need. As a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, I can attest to the hurdles we need to overcome with courts and prosecutors to shift their world-view from "the client is a criminal" to "the client is an individual suffering from circumstances that are not of their own making." Elizabeth Kelley is a magician in this realm.

- Attorney Michael B., Phoenix

Elizabeth Kelley is so much more than an attorney to us.  Her team is much more than a team.  Her strengths and knowledge surpass what any other attorney has given us as a family.  Going through a process of seeing what our criminal justice system was like was a shock to our belief system.  ...  Our family could not have gotten through this traumatic time without her.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!  -- A mother of a client

- Anonymous

If a person attends a seminar give by Elizabeth Kelley and then has a case involving mental disabilities and does not contact her, then I will appear at their post conviction relief hearing and testify they have committed legal malpractice.

- Rauch

"Thank you so much for this webinar. 10 years ago, my 57 year old son with IDD was charged...and the nightmare began. He was also diagnosed with autism at that time. I've been waiting for a program like this one ever since. My attorneys followed this strategy exactly- and my son was found incompetent to stand trial. He is now thriving in a community where he is valued and has a productive life. I continue to learn (almost 90 years old) and I believe your programs to be outstanding. Wish I'd had them years ago"

- WebinarReviwe

I don't think anyone has done more than I'm aware of to put out to the legal community information that gives them the knowledge that they need to represent this part of the population. So I appreciate very much what you have done in that in that way. That means a good deal coming from you. Thank you. Thank you.

- Larry Dubin

​​Elizabeth was always diligent about maintaining communication and completing all agreed upon tasks in a timely manner. She is a great communicator who works both diligently and passionately in her profession. Having dealt with many attorneys and professionals over the years, I can tell you that she is by far one of the best.

- Marc

Elizabeth is an ethical lawyer with a brilliant mind who represented my husband. She has a tremendous ability to roll with the punches life throws during those difficult cases and rise above them victoriously. Over the years she has become an inspiration, mentor and my go to person for all things legal. I highly recommend her for her legal expertise and her kindness. Do not mistake her compassion for clients as weakness. She is the most zealous advocate a client could desire.

- ​​Janette

A turn of fate prompted an introduction to Elizabeth. She took a larger interest regarding my legal issue. I have come to rely on her vast knowledge, experience and network as a tremendous resource. If she does not have an immediate answer, she will always find the correct one. She enlists others who are experts in their field when the need arises to assemble a perfect team. I strongly recommend her legal services for anyone who seeks a tireless champion in their corner.

- ​Hans

Defending People with Mental Disabilities

​​I met Elizabeth years ago after following her articles on mental health issues. We subsequently worked on cases together and currently collaborate on projects for the NACDL Corrections Committee. Her reputation and expertise are superb and well known in the circles that I travel. She is simply the "go to" person for defending people with mental health disorders.​

- ​Jack Donson

​[I am] a former inmate of 16 years who is now free in great part due to the critical support of zealous advocate Elizabeth Kelley who went to extraordinary lengths.... Elizabeth Kelley is an honest advocate you can trust because she doesn't vanish the truth with lies. She just honestly does what she can to resource struggling people and help them.

- Anonymous

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and are facing criminal charges, reach out to our experienced attorney today.

Simply, Elizabeth Kelley is the best lawyer and advocate in the country representing clients with mental and related disabilities. This is not an easy job, it takes a rare combination of skill, experience, relationships and empathy, all of which Elizabeth has in abundance. Whether retained in direct client representation, or brought in as a member of a pre-existing legal team, her value is immediate. Her work ethic and drive to do what’s best for the client is unparalleled. Not only do I trust her on any matter involving a client with mental disabilities, but call upon her first thing to make sure we are heading in the right direction dedicated to the best result for the client. If this sounds like a five star review, it is.

- ​Jeffrey D. Grant

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and are facing criminal charges, reach out to our experienced attorney today.

​​Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for people living with serious mental illnesses/serious brain disorders who often end up, due to their untreated illnesses, in the criminal justice system. She is educated in every aspect of these illnesses, and uses that knowledge to fight for the rights of her clients. Elizabeth goes far beyond her professional degrees, she is a true passionate partner and champion of her clients and their families. She cares and is an incredible attorney who knows her field--a powerful combination. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

- Linda L. Mimms

If you or a loved one has a mental disability and are facing criminal charges, reach out to our experienced attorney today.

​I was facing an unimaginable horror, being prosecuted for a terrible crime that I was completely innocent of.  When my original counsel turned out to be a bad fit, I turned to Elizabeth.   She was diligent, professional, thorough, and hard working.   But what really made the difference  was her belief in me.  My life was on the line, but her constant support and belief got me through.  She truly saved me.  Despite my innocence, it could have easily gone wrong.  Elizabeth really came through for me and now I can put my life back together.

- ​Anonymous

Defending People With Mental Disabilities Nationwide

Our Monthly Newsletter

Read All Newsletters

mental
disability blog

Oct122024

Excerpt: Representing People with Mental Disabilities, 2nd Edition

Read More

Sep102024

Early Onset Dementia/Frontotemporal Dementia

Read More

May092024

Will California’s Prop 1 Live up to its promise?

Read More

Mar312024

Representing People with Dementia: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers

Read More
View More Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

If we retain you, what can you bring to the case?

  • Meet with the client, wherever he or she is: jail, prison, or treatment facility.
  • Meet with the family.
  • File a motion pro hac vice (see more below). This enables me to practice in any jurisdiction.
  • Connect the client with the appropriate team of mental health experts for the appropriate evaluations such as diagnostic, competency, sanity, mitigation, or future dangerousness.
  • Collaboratively work with local/co-counsel for as favorable a resolution as possible.

We already have a lawyer and he/she says my son/daughter/spouse/sibling’s mental disabilities don’t matter. That doesn’t seem right.

At this point, I don’t know your loved one’s case. And I don’t like to second guess another lawyer. But I will say this: I make it my business to make the disability matter.

My case is in _________________________state. Can you still help me?

Yes. There is a special process where attorneys can be admitted in another jurisdiction call pro hac vice. Generally, if I fill out a form, pay a fee, and have an attorney licensed to practice in that jurisdiction serve as my sponsor or local counsel. I can appear for purposes of that one case. The process is similar in different federal jurisdictions

legal
podcast

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    00:00
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    Families’ Guide to
    Working with a Criminal
    Defense Lawyer

    “Working with Families as a Defense Attorney for a Client with IDD”

    (March 19, 2021)
    view more books

    We Practice Nationwide

    Elizabeth Kelley Has Helped Clients In Over 25 Jurisdictions
    509.991.7058

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    509.991.7058

    East Coast

    Elizabeth Kelley, Attorney at Law
    5 Columbus Circle, Ste. 710
    New York, NY 10019

    West Coast

    Elizabeth Kelley, Attorney at Law
    2525 E 29th Ave., Ste. 10-B #225
    Spokane, WA 99223

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