Olivia P. Kelly

Olivia P. Kelly is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy where she focuses her practice on helping individuals and families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Based in the firm’s New York office, Olivia participates in every stage of litigation as an asbestos attorney but focuses on motions and appellate practice. She utilizes her skills in legal research and writing to strategize innovative ways to advocate and obtain successful results for her clients.

“Each client has a different story and set of circumstances that requires not only individualized attention to detail, but empathy and respect as well,” Olivia said. “Clients can expect all of this from me as we work together to secure the justice they deserve.”

Notable Cases & Results

• Seen v. Kaiser Gypsum Co., Inc.: Olivia handled briefing and motion practice in a New York asbestos trial that resulted in a $15 million jury verdict for a client. On appeal, the First Department affirmed the verdict, resulting in a $10 million recovery.
• Reichart v. American International Industries et al.: Olivia led all phases of motion practice and appellate briefing in a talc trial that secured a verdict and set the stage for Pennsylvania’s first published appellate decision in a talc case.
• Multi-Defendant Talcum Powder Case: Olivia represented a client with mesothelioma in a case involving consumer talcum powder products, taking three corporate representative depositions and establishing successor liability against a key defendant. Her work contributed to a multimillion-dollar settlement in this case.

Prior Experience

Before joining Simmons Hanly Conroy, Olivia served as a Senior Appellate Court Attorney for the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department in Brooklyn, New York. The Second Department hears appeals from all trial courts across 10 counties in lower New York State. 

As a Senior Appellate Court Attorney, Olivia assisted the Justices of the Court by reviewing records for cases on appeal, conducting exhaustive research on the relevant laws, and issuing recommendations as to how cases should be resolved.  

From working at the Second Department, Olivia not only gained valuable insight into the judicial process, but she also mastered the research and writing skills that are critical to obtaining an optimal trial result and defending that result, where necessary, on appeal.

Education & Community

Olivia graduated from the City University of New York School of Law. In law school, she served as Staff Editor of the City University of New York Law Review and as a student attorney in the Human Rights and Gender Justice Clinic. 

Olivia currently lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and daughter.