Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071..
Connor Kelley is an experienced litigator in the firm’s Washington, DC office, where he represents clients large and small in all phases of complex and high-stakes commercial disputes.
In his commercial litigation practice, Connor counsels clients in the life sciences, financial services, sports, and defense industries, among others. He has handled matters involving a wide range of claims, including negligence, nuisance, breach of contract, trade secrets, and consumer protection. He also has expertise in all stages of litigation, including initial pleadings, document and deposition discovery, dispositive motions practice, and trial. A member of teams that have tried cases before judges and juries in federal and state courts, Connor understands how to help his clients achieve successful outcomes in the courtroom.
In his active pro bono practice, Connor primarily represents indigent criminal defendants in Maryland state court. He has investigated and tried cases involving charges ranging from assault and unlawful firearm possession to first-degree murder, and has secured multiple acquittals for his clients. Most recently, he secured an acquittal for a juvenile defendant on a first-degree murder charge following an 11-day jury trial. Connor has also represented non-profit organizations seeking to protect housing, voting, and other civil rights. Most recently, he helped secure reversal of the dismissal of due process claims brought by property owners concerning incorrect property tax assessments.
Before joining Covington, Connor served as a law clerk to the Honorable Eric L. Clay of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Honorable Leonie M. Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Virginia. He now frequently litigates in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he leverages his knowledge of the local procedures, practices, and players on behalf of his clients.
Represented a large pharmaceutical distributor in negligence and public nuisance litigation brought by states and municipalities in federal and state court. Our experienced team narrowed the claims brought and relief sought, and ultimately reached a favorable outcome following a months-long trial in state court.
Represented a small real estate brokerage in bet-the-company trades secrets litigation against a large investment firm in federal court. With diligent factual development and thorough legal research, our small team prevailed on virtually every discovery motion—as well as an interlocutory appeal—and ultimately secured a favorable settlement on the eve of trial.
Represented a large pharmaceutical company in Hatch-Waxman patent litigation concerning an anti-seizure drug. Our experienced team developed a strong expert discovery record and ultimately prevailed following a one-week bench trial in federal court.
Represented a national sports league in arbitration dispute with a former player under the collective bargaining agreement. After navigating extensive defensive document and deposition discovery, our team prevailed on summary judgment, as well as in subsequent litigation in federal court.
Advised a large non-profit organization and a large financial services corporation on pre-litigation strategy involving potential breach of contract claims.
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