JUDGE KELLY REPORT CARD 

Kathleen A. Kelly was appointed to the Superior Court in November 2003 by former Governor Gray Davis.  She is a niece of former Governor Jerry Brown. Judge Kelly received her J.D. from the University of California, Hasting Law School in 1984.  She began her career as a trial attorney with the Office of the City Attorney in San Francisco.  She represented the Department of Human Services as well as minors in dependency trials.  She then joined the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California.   

Grade: INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO GRADE 

Survey Rating: Judge Kelly earned a high average survey rating of 6.4 from trial attorneys who closely observe the courts. Her highest rating was for knowledge of the law.  Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 the highest score.  

Refused to answer any questions posed to judges regarding voter education, appeals of their decisions, published writings, judicial application, etc. 

Case History: Judge Kelly issued orders on only one narcotics sales case during the short period of our study. This is insufficient to draw any conclusions.  

Example: None 

Comments from Court Observers: “(I observed) only one case before her, but she has a good reputation. When she heard personal attacks and false statements lodged against an attorney, she investigated and got to the bottom of it.” 

Appeals: No relevant appeals. 

Media reports: 

Family Treatment Court: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/family-children-treatment-court-17672934.php