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Jeffrey M. Kelly
Partner
301 Hillsborough Street
Suite 1400
Raleigh, NC 27603
Suite 1400
Raleigh, NC 27603
jeff.kelly@nelsonmullins.com
Jeff is a technology attorney who guides companies and its executives through complex, high-stakes challenges at the intersection of litigation, regulation, and innovation. With a practice concentrated on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, FinTech, and digital assets, Jeff combines deep technical fluency with extensive experience in government investigations, complex corporate and securities challenges, and proactive regulatory strategy....
Jeff is a technology attorney who guides companies and its executives through complex, high-stakes challenges at the intersection of litigation, regulation, and innovation. With a practice concentrated on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, FinTech, and digital assets, Jeff combines deep technical fluency with extensive experience in government investigations, complex corporate and securities challenges, and proactive regulatory strategy. He regularly works with interdisciplinary teams to defend and advance business objectives when innovation and emerging technology outpace legal clarity.
Jeff’s approach is informed by his ongoing work with leading academic and research institutions, including his role as a Fellow at Duke University School of Law’s Center on Law and Technology, and his contributions to AI governance and risk management frameworks through the Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) Initiative. This allows him to provide clients with not only pragmatic legal counsel but also sophisticated insights into the core technologies shaping their industries.
In addition to his client work, Jeff is an active proponent of using technology to improve access to legal services and pro bono, serving as the Chair of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Board of Directors. Jeff helped launch Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Innovation Lab, the first of its kind in the nation, and also Chairs the Innovation Lab’s Advisory Board. He works closely with non-profits on AI implementation, governance, and ethics issues.
He regularly works with interdisciplinary teams to defend and advance business objectives when innovation and emerging technology outpace legal clarity.
Jeff’s approach is informed by his ongoing work with leading academic and research institutions, including his role as a Fellow at Duke University School of Law’s Center on Law and Technology, and his contributions to AI governance and risk management frameworks through the Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) Initiative. This allows him to provide clients with not only pragmatic legal counsel but also sophisticated insights into the core technologies shaping their industries.
In addition to his client work, Jeff is an active proponent of using technology to improve access to legal services and pro bono, serving as the Chair of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Board of Directors. Jeff helped launch Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Innovation Lab, the first of its kind in the nation, and also Chairs the Innovation Lab’s Advisory Board. He works closely with non-profits on AI implementation, governance, and ethics issues.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Experience
Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Risk, and Regulation
- Advising large non-profit law firm on the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in legal services and AI governance.
- Advising technology company offering digital assets management services on U.S. compliance issues related to digital assets, privacy, and artificial intelligence.
- Advised high-frequency trading company on AI regulation compliance and disclosures.
- Advised wealth fund on development of fraud detection system and governance.
- Represented technology company on responsible AI governance policies and professional standards regulations, including authorized practice of law issues.
- Represented health informatics company regarding reverse engineering claims, including favorable resolution of the dispute.
Cybersecurity & Data Governance
- Successfully defended professionals accused of hacking on behalf of an international law firm, including dismissal of all claims. Dismissal affirmed on appeal. El Omari v. Dechert LLP, et al, 24-1970 (2d Cir. June 9, 2025).
- Successfully defended professionals against RICO claims brought by a former D.C. Wall Street Journal reporter alleging damages from an unsubstantiated hack and leak operation and CFAA violations, including successful motion to dismiss.
- Defended professionals against RICO claims involving hacking and cybersecurity allegations, including early recommendation of dismissal of all claims and favorable resolution of the dispute.
- Represented HealthTech company in investigation of misappropriated trade secrets and successful return of proprietary data.
- Represented fraud examination professionals accused of involvement in an international hack-and-leak operation, including successful dismissal of hacking claims and favorable resolution of remaining claims.
- Counsel for a community bank and its employees as victim-witnesses in a federal criminal action for an alleged $850 million Ponzi scheme, including representing former Bank Secrecy Act officer during testimony at trial.
Digital Assets, Cryptocurrency, and FinTech
- Advised digital assets companies on regulatory feedback and submissions to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Crypto Task Force.
- Represented emerging technology companies on structuring and regulatory compliance related to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital asset issuances and disclosures.
- Advised in formation of cryptocurrency investment funds and advised clients on developing policy and regulation related to digital assets.
- Represented technology companies with respect to regulatory inquiries from U.S. agencies, including the SEC and The Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Complex Commercial & Shareholder Litigation
- Advised clients and counsel with issues related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, e-Discovery, and technical expert witnesses.
- Trade secret protection, non-compete, and unfair trade and deceptive trade practices litigation, including pursuing and defending requests for emergency injunctive relief.
- Shareholder and securities litigation, outside general counsel services, and internal investigations, including working with and co-chairing special litigation committees tasked with investing derivative claims.
- Co-chaired and argued summary judgment proceedings in a complex shareholder lawsuit before the North Carolina Business Court, securing a complete dismissal of all claims and recovery on counterclaims. Successfully argued and defended the judgment on appeal. Brady v. Van Vlaanderen, et al., 819 S.E.2d 561 (N.C. Ct. App. 2018), review denied, 822 S.E.2d 629 (N.C. 2019).
Previous Professional Experience
- Litigation Associate, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2014–2020)
- Law Clerk, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2012–2014)
- Clerk, full-service business law firm based in Raleigh, NC (2008–2010)
- Intern, international pharmaceutical company research campus in Ridgefield, CT (Knowledge Management, Summer 2005; Immunology & Inflammation, Summers 2006, 2007)
Externship
- Extern, Division of Policy, Communication, and Legal Affairs, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2011)
Educational Activities
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Legal Research and Writing Scholar (2011–2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Kevin P. Lee (2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Bobbi Jo Boyd (2011)
Education
-
Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law,
JD
(2013)
- Interim Executive Editor & Staff Writer, Campbell Law Review
- North Carolina State University, BA, Philosophy (2009)
Admissions
- North Carolina
Practice Areas
Industries
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Experience
Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Risk, and Regulation
- Advising large non-profit law firm on the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in legal services and AI governance.
- Advising technology company offering digital assets management services on U.S. compliance issues related to digital assets, privacy, and artificial intelligence.
- Advised high-frequency trading company on AI regulation compliance and disclosures.
- Advised wealth fund on development of fraud detection system and governance.
- Represented technology company on responsible AI governance policies and professional standards regulations, including authorized practice of law issues.
- Represented health informatics company regarding reverse engineering claims, including favorable resolution of the dispute.
Cybersecurity & Data Governance
- Successfully defended professionals accused of hacking on behalf of an international law firm, including dismissal of all claims. Dismissal affirmed on appeal. El Omari v. Dechert LLP, et al, 24-1970 (2d Cir. June 9, 2025).
- Successfully defended professionals against RICO claims brought by a former D.C. Wall Street Journal reporter alleging damages from an unsubstantiated hack and leak operation and CFAA violations, including successful motion to dismiss.
- Defended professionals against RICO claims involving hacking and cybersecurity allegations, including early recommendation of dismissal of all claims and favorable resolution of the dispute.
- Represented HealthTech company in investigation of misappropriated trade secrets and successful return of proprietary data.
- Represented fraud examination professionals accused of involvement in an international hack-and-leak operation, including successful dismissal of hacking claims and favorable resolution of remaining claims.
- Counsel for a community bank and its employees as victim-witnesses in a federal criminal action for an alleged $850 million Ponzi scheme, including representing former Bank Secrecy Act officer during testimony at trial.
Digital Assets, Cryptocurrency, and FinTech
- Advised digital assets companies on regulatory feedback and submissions to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Crypto Task Force.
- Represented emerging technology companies on structuring and regulatory compliance related to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital asset issuances and disclosures.
- Advised in formation of cryptocurrency investment funds and advised clients on developing policy and regulation related to digital assets.
- Represented technology companies with respect to regulatory inquiries from U.S. agencies, including the SEC and The Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Complex Commercial & Shareholder Litigation
- Advised clients and counsel with issues related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, e-Discovery, and technical expert witnesses.
- Trade secret protection, non-compete, and unfair trade and deceptive trade practices litigation, including pursuing and defending requests for emergency injunctive relief.
- Shareholder and securities litigation, outside general counsel services, and internal investigations, including working with and co-chairing special litigation committees tasked with investing derivative claims.
- Co-chaired and argued summary judgment proceedings in a complex shareholder lawsuit before the North Carolina Business Court, securing a complete dismissal of all claims and recovery on counterclaims. Successfully argued and defended the judgment on appeal. Brady v. Van Vlaanderen, et al., 819 S.E.2d 561 (N.C. Ct. App. 2018), review denied, 822 S.E.2d 629 (N.C. 2019).
Previous Professional Experience
- Litigation Associate, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2014–2020)
- Law Clerk, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2012–2014)
- Clerk, full-service business law firm based in Raleigh, NC (2008–2010)
- Intern, international pharmaceutical company research campus in Ridgefield, CT (Knowledge Management, Summer 2005; Immunology & Inflammation, Summers 2006, 2007)
Externship
- Extern, Division of Policy, Communication, and Legal Affairs, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2011)
Educational Activities
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Legal Research and Writing Scholar (2011–2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Kevin P. Lee (2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Bobbi Jo Boyd (2011)
Media
Recognitions
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch, Technology Law (2023–2026)
- Icons & Phenoms, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024)
- Triangle Business Journal, 40 Under 40 Award (2023)
- Daily Report, On The Rise Award (2023)
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Business (2022)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Honoree, Business Litigation (2020-2023), Business/Corporate (2024-2025)
- Fastcase 50, Honoree (2020)
- N.C. Pro Bono Honor Society, N.C. Pro Bono Resource Center (2019–2020)
- North Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy (2018)
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association
- Center for Innovation
- Governing Council Member (2022–present)
- Business Law Section
- Legal Analytics Committee Member (2018–present)
- Center for Innovation
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Future of Law Committee
- Past Chair (2022-present)
- Chair (2019–2022)
- Vice-Chair (2018–2019)
- Secretary (2017–2018)
- Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes Law Section
- Council Member (2018–2022)
- Appellate Practice Section
- Innovation Chair (2020–2023)
- Council Member (2019–2023)
- Communications Co-Chair (2018–2020)
- Future of Law Committee
- North Carolina State Bar
- Issues Subcommittee Studying Regulatory Reform
- Advisory Member (2020–2023)
- Issues Subcommittee Studying Regulatory Reform
Community
- Fellow, Duke University School of Law Center on Law and Technology (2021–present)
- The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Artificial Intelligence Task Force (2025-present)
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
- Chair, Board of Directors (2025-present)
- Director, Board of Directors (2022-present)
- Chair, Innovation Lab Advisory Board (2023-present)
- Member, Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) (2024-present)
- Commission Member, North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission (2024–2026)
Jeff is a technology attorney who guides companies and its executives through complex, high-stakes challenges at the intersection of litigation, regulation, and innovation. With a practice concentrated on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, FinTech, and digital assets, Jeff combines deep technical fluency with extensive experience in government investigations, complex corporate and securities challenges, and proactive regulatory strategy.... He regularly works with interdisciplinary teams to defend and advance business objectives when innovation and emerging technology outpace legal clarity.
Jeff’s approach is informed by his ongoing work with leading academic and research institutions, including his role as a Fellow at Duke University School of Law’s Center on Law and Technology, and his contributions to AI governance and risk management frameworks through the Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) Initiative. This allows him to provide clients with not only pragmatic legal counsel but also sophisticated insights into the core technologies shaping their industries.
In addition to his client work, Jeff is an active proponent of using technology to improve access to legal services and pro bono, serving as the Chair of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Board of Directors. Jeff helped launch Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Innovation Lab, the first of its kind in the nation, and also Chairs the Innovation Lab’s Advisory Board. He works closely with non-profits on AI implementation, governance, and ethics issues.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Representative Experience
Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Risk, and Regulation
- Advising large non-profit law firm on the ethical implementation of artificial intelligence in legal services and AI governance.
- Advising technology company offering digital assets management services on U.S. compliance issues related to digital assets, privacy, and artificial intelligence.
- Advised high-frequency trading company on AI regulation compliance and disclosures.
- Advised wealth fund on development of fraud detection system and governance.
- Represented technology company on responsible AI governance policies and professional standards regulations, including authorized practice of law issues.
- Represented health informatics company regarding reverse engineering claims, including favorable resolution of the dispute.
Cybersecurity & Data Governance
- Successfully defended professionals accused of hacking on behalf of an international law firm, including dismissal of all claims. Dismissal affirmed on appeal. El Omari v. Dechert LLP, et al, 24-1970 (2d Cir. June 9, 2025).
- Successfully defended professionals against RICO claims brought by a former D.C. Wall Street Journal reporter alleging damages from an unsubstantiated hack and leak operation and CFAA violations, including successful motion to dismiss.
- Defended professionals against RICO claims involving hacking and cybersecurity allegations, including early recommendation of dismissal of all claims and favorable resolution of the dispute.
- Represented HealthTech company in investigation of misappropriated trade secrets and successful return of proprietary data.
- Represented fraud examination professionals accused of involvement in an international hack-and-leak operation, including successful dismissal of hacking claims and favorable resolution of remaining claims.
- Counsel for a community bank and its employees as victim-witnesses in a federal criminal action for an alleged $850 million Ponzi scheme, including representing former Bank Secrecy Act officer during testimony at trial.
Digital Assets, Cryptocurrency, and FinTech
- Advised digital assets companies on regulatory feedback and submissions to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Crypto Task Force.
- Represented emerging technology companies on structuring and regulatory compliance related to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital asset issuances and disclosures.
- Advised in formation of cryptocurrency investment funds and advised clients on developing policy and regulation related to digital assets.
- Represented technology companies with respect to regulatory inquiries from U.S. agencies, including the SEC and The Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Complex Commercial & Shareholder Litigation
- Advised clients and counsel with issues related to data analytics, artificial intelligence, e-Discovery, and technical expert witnesses.
- Trade secret protection, non-compete, and unfair trade and deceptive trade practices litigation, including pursuing and defending requests for emergency injunctive relief.
- Shareholder and securities litigation, outside general counsel services, and internal investigations, including working with and co-chairing special litigation committees tasked with investing derivative claims.
- Co-chaired and argued summary judgment proceedings in a complex shareholder lawsuit before the North Carolina Business Court, securing a complete dismissal of all claims and recovery on counterclaims. Successfully argued and defended the judgment on appeal. Brady v. Van Vlaanderen, et al., 819 S.E.2d 561 (N.C. Ct. App. 2018), review denied, 822 S.E.2d 629 (N.C. 2019).
Previous Professional Experience
- Litigation Associate, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2014–2020)
- Law Clerk, business litigation boutique based in Raleigh, NC (2012–2014)
- Clerk, full-service business law firm based in Raleigh, NC (2008–2010)
- Intern, international pharmaceutical company research campus in Ridgefield, CT (Knowledge Management, Summer 2005; Immunology & Inflammation, Summers 2006, 2007)
Externship
- Extern, Division of Policy, Communication, and Legal Affairs, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2011)
Educational Activities
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Legal Research and Writing Scholar (2011–2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Kevin P. Lee (2013)
- Research Assistant to Professor Bobbi Jo Boyd (2011)
Education
-
Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law,
JD
(2013)
- Interim Executive Editor & Staff Writer, Campbell Law Review
- North Carolina State University, BA, Philosophy (2009)
Admissions
- North Carolina
Practice Areas
- Blockchain & Digital Currency
- Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
- E-Discovery & Information Governance
- FinTech
- Government Relations Strategies
Industries
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch, Technology Law (2023–2026)
- Icons & Phenoms, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024)
- Triangle Business Journal, 40 Under 40 Award (2023)
- Daily Report, On The Rise Award (2023)
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, Business (2022)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Honoree, Business Litigation (2020-2023), Business/Corporate (2024-2025)
- Fastcase 50, Honoree (2020)
- N.C. Pro Bono Honor Society, N.C. Pro Bono Resource Center (2019–2020)
- North Carolina Bar Association Leadership Academy (2018)
- American Bar Association
- Center for Innovation
- Governing Council Member (2022–present)
- Business Law Section
- Legal Analytics Committee Member (2018–present)
- Center for Innovation
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Future of Law Committee
- Past Chair (2022-present)
- Chair (2019–2022)
- Vice-Chair (2018–2019)
- Secretary (2017–2018)
- Antitrust & Complex Business Disputes Law Section
- Council Member (2018–2022)
- Appellate Practice Section
- Innovation Chair (2020–2023)
- Council Member (2019–2023)
- Communications Co-Chair (2018–2020)
- Future of Law Committee
- North Carolina State Bar
- Issues Subcommittee Studying Regulatory Reform
- Advisory Member (2020–2023)
- Issues Subcommittee Studying Regulatory Reform
- Fellow, Duke University School of Law Center on Law and Technology (2021–present)
- The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Artificial Intelligence Task Force (2025-present)
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
- Chair, Board of Directors (2025-present)
- Director, Board of Directors (2022-present)
- Chair, Innovation Lab Advisory Board (2023-present)
- Member, Responsible AI in Legal Services (RAILS) (2024-present)
- Commission Member, North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission (2024–2026)
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