Shannon L. Kelly Attorney At Law

Providing strategic counsel on all aspects of labor, employment, and employee benefits law, from preventative advice and compliance counsel to litigation. Leveraging legal experience and a background in public relations to deliver comprehensive, business-focused solutions.

Shannon Kelly is a seasoned attorney with nearly two decades of experience providing strategic counsel to employers on labor and employment law matters. Her practice encompasses assisting clients with compliance matters involving the range of federal and state employment laws, policy development and revision, internal and agency audits, employee benefit plan design and compliance, and harassment and discrimination investigations. With a strong focus on helping clients navigate complex issues under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, Shannon ensures clients are well-positioned to manage these obligations effectively.

In addition to her work with private employers, Shannon represents higher education institutions, offering comprehensive counsel on employment law claims when litigation is inevitable. Her extensive litigation experience includes defending clients in cases under all federal and state employment statutes.

Before transitioning to law, Shannon built a strong foundation in nonprofit management and public relations and branding. This unique background enhances her ability to provide client-centered, well-rounded counsel and guide clients through legal challenges while balancing both legal strategy and business objectives.
 

• Notable Work
  • On behalf of a public employer, obtained summary judgment in Section 1981 and Title VII race discrimination claim, which was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
  • Obtained judgment in favor of a hospital in a disability discrimination lawsuit under the ADA, which was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
  • Prepared comprehensive FMLA strategy and employee handbook for corporate client operating in over 40 states.
  • Guided multistate client on issues related to remote work and employee benefits.
  • Conducted whistleblower investigation for a public school district.
• Recognition
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2025
    • Employment Law – Management
    • Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Insights
  • "What Employers Need to Know About the EEOC's New Guidance on Workplace Harassment," Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management Legal Conference, November 20, 2024
  • “The Intersection of the ADA and Employee Discipline,” Florida Educational Negotiators Conference, May 2024
  • “Reviewing the New EEOC Harassment Guidance,” The Human Resource Podcast, July 16, 2024
  • “Addressing Reasonable Suspicion and Addiction Issues in the Workplace,” Associated Builders and Contractors Central Florida, September 2024
  • “4 Issues to Watch as Justices Shake Up Bias Law,” Law 360, July 7, 2023
• Affiliations
  • Crealdé School of Art
    • Board of Directors
• Credentials
  • Employee Benefits Law Certificate, Temple University Beasley School of Law, 2024
  • J.D., University of Florida College of Law, 2005
  • B.A., Florida State University, 1997
• Admissions
  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit