Kelly Gemelli

elly D. Gemelli is a trusted legal advisor and seasoned employment law practitioner with extensive experience in advising and representing employees and employers in both the public and private sectors. Kelly offers over 25 years of experience practicing on all sides of employment law, both as a neutral and litigator, and understands how to best navigate complex, technical, and emotionally charged disputes. Kelly has handled many challenging and high-profile matters, as well as highly sensitive matters, including those involving sexual misconduct and abuse. Prior to founding Gemelli Employment Law, Kelly was a partner at one of California’s leading workplace and campus investigation law firms.

Kelly also spent over a decade at one of the country’s preeminent workplace law firms, where she was a Principal. During this time, Kelly gained extensive experience working with clients to help find practical solutions to everyday employment decisions. Kelly provides information plus insight that helps clients make informed decisions.

Kelly is a certified mediator, having completed the Mediation Skills Training from the National Conflict Resolution Center in 2025. Kelly also attended the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Training Institute in 2019 and is an AWI Certificate holder. She has served on the Board of Directors for Lawyers Club of San Diego for the past three years. Kelly currently serves as Lawyers Club’s Vice-President of Planning and Development. Over the years, Kelly co-chaired the 2025 Annual Dinner, the Judicial Appointments, Endorsement Committee; the Mentorship Committee; the Red, White & Brew Committee; the Professional Advancement Committee; and the Business Development Subcommittee. Kelly is also active with the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA), having previously served as the Vice Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Section. Kelly graduated from the inaugural SDCBA Leadership Academy and continues to serve on the Leadership Academy Subcommittee.

Kelly has been active with student mentoring at Crawford Academy of Law, and donates a significant amount of time volunteering as a mentor to law students and new attorneys in San Diego.

Kelly enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time at the beach and baseball fields with her family, including her husband and two sons. She also spends her free time playing pickleball and watching the San Diego Padres.

Education & Training

• J.D., University of San Diego School of Law; San Diego, California
• B.A, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
  • Member of Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board and Golden Key National Honor Societies
• National Conflict Resolution Center, Mediation Skills Training (2025)
• Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Training Institute in 2019

Bar Admissions

• California