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On Monday, U.S. law firm O’Melveny & Myers announced that it has successfully recruited David Kelley, a distinguished legal professional and former Manhattan U.S. attorney. Kelley, who formerly held the position of global co-leader of rival Dechert’s white-collar and securities litigation practice, has joined O’Melveny as a partner, reinforcing the firm’s presence in its New York office.
A Renowned Former Federal Prosecutor
Kelley boasts an impressive background, having served as a federal prosecutor from 1988 to 2005. Notably, he co-chaired the U.S. Justice Department task force responsible for investigating the September 11 terrorist attacks. His extensive experience in federal prosecution adds a valuable dimension to O’Melveny’s legal team.
Notable Legal Representation
Kelley has represented high-profile clients in private practice, showcasing his legal acumen in complex cases. Among his notable clients is former FBI director James Comey, whom he described during scrutiny by U.S. House Republicans for his actions in investigations leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
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Furthermore, Kelley served as legal counsel for former Twitter deputy counsel James Baker during a pivotal February 2023 hearing before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. The hearing focused on questioning Baker and other former Twitter executives about the company’s decision to limit the reach of a New York Post article on President Joe Biden’s son Hunter before the 2020 election.
Independent Safety Monitor for Toyota Motor Corp
Kelley’s legal expertise extends beyond the realm of investigations and prosecutions. He has also played a crucial role as an independent safety monitor for Toyota Motor Corp. This position followed Toyota’s admission of misleading U.S. consumers by concealing and making deceptive statements regarding sudden acceleration problems in 2009 and 2010.
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O’Melveny’s Perspective
Mark Racanelli, a global co-chair of O’Melveny’s white-collar defense and corporate investigations practice, expressed enthusiasm about Kelley joining the firm. Racanelli stated, “Kelley’s credentials and credibility are beyond question,” emphasizing Kelley’s value to the renowned law firm.
No Immediate Response from Dechert
In response to the news, a spokesperson from Dechert did not immediately provide a comment. Kelley’s move from Dechert to O’Melveny signals a significant development in the legal landscape, positioning O’Melveny & Myers as a leading force in white-collar defense and corporate investigations.
This strategic hire underlines O’Melveny’s commitment to assembling a formidable team of legal professionals and further solidifies its position in the legal industry.
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