Biography

Samuel C. Kelly was born in Bruce, Mississippi on July 5, 1961.  Upon graduating from law school, he served as law clerk to Judge Robert J. Yock of the United States Claims Court in Washington, D.C.  He is an active member of and serves as General Counsel to the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors (the largest construction trade association in Mississippi), and the Mississippi Road Builders Association.  Sam is also an active member of the Associated General Contractors of Mississippi.  Sam’s practice focuses on the construction industry and includes contract preparation and negotiations, bid protests, claim preparation and evaluation and dispute resolution.

In the field of Construction Litigation, Sam has been recognized by Best Lawyers® in America, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers, and Mid-South Super Lawyers®.  He was named Best Lawyer® Lawyer of the Year 2012 Jackson-MS in Construction Litigation.

He co-authored Mississippi Construction Law in 1993 and Bonds and Liens on Mississippi Construction Projects, Lorman Business Center, Inc. in 1994.  Sam is a former Member and Past President of both the Jackson Young Lawyers Association (1995-1996) and the Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar (1999-2000).  He served on the Board of Directors for the Capital Area Bar Association from 1994 to 1996.  He also served on the Board of Commissioners for the Mississippi Bar from 1998-2001.

Education

• J.D., University of Mississippi School of Law, 1988 Magna Cum Laude (Assistant Editor-In-Chief and Research Editor of the Mississippi Law Journal; President, Law School Student Body)
• B.A., University of Mississippi, 1983 (Phi Kappa Tau, Beta Alpha Psi, Order of Omega, Phi Kappa Phi)
• A.A., Jones County Community College, 1981 (Freshman Class President, Vice-President of Student Body, Hall of Fame)

Admissions

• Mississippi (1988)
• United States District Courts of Mississippi (1988)
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1988)