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

Consumer Watchdog recently presented its prestigious 2026 Lifetime Legal Achievement Award to Michael A. Kelly, a distinguished shareholder at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger. This accolade celebrates his four-decade career dedicated to championing consumer protection, challenging corporate malfeasance, and securing justice for victims of catastrophic accidents, medical negligence, and wildfire disasters. Kelly’s steadfast commitment to public safety has consistently held powerful entities accountable for their actions.

Renowned for his pivotal leadership in landmark litigation, including the historic $13.5 billion PG&E wildfire settlement, Kelly has secured billions in recoveries for injured families. His work spans complex cases against industry giants such as Amazon, Tesla, and Kaiser. Reflecting on the honor, Kelly emphasized that his success is a testament to the resilience of his clients and the collaborative efforts of his dedicated legal team in the pursuit of meaningful systemic change.

Beyond his courtroom victories, Kelly remains a prominent figure in the legal community, holding memberships in the National Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame and the LawDragon Hall of Fame. His ongoing contributions to the California Judicial Council’s jury instruction task force further cement his legacy as a transformative force in civil litigation and a tireless advocate for the rights of everyday consumers.