Lela Kelly is the founder and principal attorney at LSK Legal, where she brings over 15 years of experience in corporate law, business transactions, and estate planning. Her practice focuses on helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigate complex legal challenges while building and protecting their legacies.
Lela's approach to legal counsel blends technical expertise with strategic foresight, ensuring that clients receive customized, forward-thinking solutions that align with their business goals, financial strategies, and long-term vision. She believes in fostering strong, lasting client relationships, serving as a trusted legal advisor through various stages of business growth and personal wealth planning.
Education & Legal Background
Lela is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from UCLA School of Law, with a concentration in business law.
She began her legal career at Jones Day, one of the world's top law firms, where she developed extensive experience in corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracts.
Corporate Counsel & Business Law Experience
Before founding LSK Legal, Lela worked in-house at various companies, gaining firsthand experience in corporate governance, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Her legal expertise spans multiple industries, including:
- Cybersecurity – Advising on data privacy regulations, cybersecurity compliance, and risk management
- Consumer Products – Managing intellectual property, supply chain agreements, and consumer protection laws
- Technology – Structuring corporate transactions, commercial contracts, and regulatory frameworks for tech-based companies
Her experience working with both large corporations and small businesses gives her a broad perspective on the legal and operational challenges businesses face. She has developed particular expertise in business formations, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and succession planning.
Investment Advisory & Estate Planning
In addition to her corporate legal career, Lela earned her Series 65 license and founded a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, where she provided clients with guidance on wealth management, asset protection, and financial growth strategies.
During her time as an investment advisor, she identified a critical gap in estate planning—many clients had generic, ineffective estate plans that failed to account for their financial and business goals. Frustrated by this lack of personalization, she expanded her legal practice to offer customized, strategic estate planning services designed to protect assets, minimize taxes, and ensure smooth wealth transfers for business owners, professionals, and families.
Comprehensive Legal Services at LSK Legal
At LSK Legal, Lela integrates her corporate law, investment advisory, and estate planning expertise to provide holistic legal solutions that protect businesses, personal wealth, and family legacies.
Her practice focuses on:
Business Law & Corporate Counsel
- Business Formation & Structuring – LLCs, S-Corps, Partnerships, and Non-Profits
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation – Business agreements, vendor contracts, employment contracts
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Succession Planning – Strategic legal planning for ownership transitions
- Outside General Counsel Services – Ongoing legal support for business growth and compliance
- Risk Management & Compliance – Regulatory adherence and proactive legal risk assessment
Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
- Wills & Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable) – Avoid probate and protect family wealth
- Business Succession & Complex Wealth Transfer – Ensure business continuity for future generations
- Special Needs Trusts & Asset Protection – Financial security for loved ones with disabilities
- Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives – Designate trusted decision-makers for financial and medical matters
Lela's ability to merge legal expertise with financial strategy enables her to provide business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals with proactive solutions that protect their assets, operations, and long-term interests.
Why Clients Choose Lela Kelly
- 15+ Years of Experience – A seasoned business and estate planning attorney with corporate, financial, and legal expertise
- Business & Financial Insight – A unique background in corporate law and investment advisory, allowing for comprehensive legal and financial solutions
- Strategic, Personalized Approach – A deep commitment to understanding each client's unique goals and providing customized, effective legal solutions
- Proven Success with Businesses of All Sizes – Extensive experience working with startups, mid-sized businesses, and large corporations
- Long-Term Client Relationships – More than just legal counsel—a trusted advisor throughout your business and personal financial journey
Whether you are a business owner seeking legal counsel, an entrepreneur navigating contracts and compliance, or an individual planning your estate, Lela provides practical, customized legal solutions designed to protect your interests now and for the future.