Kelly has over 34 years of experience in technology and intellectual property law. His career began as a telecommunications engineer at Exxon and Yemen Hunt Oil, providing him with a strong technical foundation. He transitioned to law, earning his JD and MBA, and specializing in patent prosecution, licensing, M&A transactions, technology contracts, and IP portfolio management across a wide range of technologies, including nanotechnology, AI, clean energy, software, electronics, and semiconductors. He has also held numerous leadership and advisory roles within the technology and energy sectors, including President of the Texas Nanotechnology Initiative.