Consumer Watchdog Honors Michael A. Kelly with 2026 Lifetime Legal Achievement Award

Consumer Watchdog honored Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger shareholder Michael A. Kelly with its prestigious Lifetime Legal Achievement Award at the organization's annual Rage for Justice Awards Celebration held June 13 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The award recognizes distinguished attorneys and public-interest advocates whose careers have advanced consumer protection, challenged corporate misconduct, and improved public safety.

For more than four decades, Kelly has been one of California's leading trial lawyers and consumer advocates, representing individuals and families harmed by dangerous products, catastrophic accidents, medical negligence, utility-caused wildfires, and corporate wrongdoing. His work has resulted in billions of dollars in recoveries for injured consumers, including his leadership role in the historic $13.5 billion settlement arising from the 2017 Northern California wildfire litigation against PG&E.

Kelly's recent work has included litigation against some of the nation's largest corporations, including Amazon, Tesla, Kaiser, Uber, Pfizer, and Southern California Edison. He currently serves on the plaintiffs' steering committee in the Los Angeles Eaton Fire litigation and continues to advocate for wildfire victims throughout California.

"Receiving this award from Consumer Watchdog is an incredible honor," said Michael A. Kelly. "Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of representing people whose lives were forever changed by negligence and corporate misconduct. This recognition reflects not only my work, but the dedication of my colleagues, co-counsel, and the courageous clients who trusted us to fight for accountability."

Doug Saeltzer, President of Consumer Attorneys of California and a Shareholder at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, praised Kelly's career: "Mike's career exemplifies what it means to be a consumer advocate. For more than 40 years, Mike has fought tirelessly on behalf of injured individuals and families, helping shape the law while holding powerful interests accountable."

Kelly's numerous accolades include repeated recognition among Northern California's Top Ten Super Lawyers, designation as San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in both 2023 and 2024, and induction into the National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame and LawDragon Hall of Fame. He also serves as a longtime appointee to the California Judicial Council's CACI jury instruction task force.

This announcement highlights the ongoing importance of consumer protection and accountability for corporate misconduct. Kelly's recognition underscores the critical role that trial lawyers play in ensuring public safety and justice for victims of negligence, particularly in the context of increasing wildfire litigation in California.