Background
Kelly, Paul Joseph was born on December 6, 1940 in Freeport, New York, United States. Son of Paul J. and Jacqueline M. (Nolan) Kelly.
Kelly, Paul Joseph was born on December 6, 1940 in Freeport, New York, United States. Son of Paul J. and Jacqueline M. (Nolan) Kelly.
University of Notre Dame (Bachelor of Business Administration, 1963). Fordham University (Bachelor of Laws, 1967). Member, House of Representatives, New Mexico Legislature, 1976-1981.
Member, New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners, 1982-1985.
President, Chaves County Bar Association, 1981-1982. Reviewing Officer, Disciplinary Board of Supreme Court.
Member, Appellate Judges Nominating Commission, since 1989, State Personnel Board, since 1987.
His chambers are in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Judge Kelly began his career at the law firm Cravath, Swaine, and Moore in New York City. He was then in private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1967 to 1992.
He was a New Mexico state representative from 1977 to 1981.
On November 19, 1991, Kelly was nominated by President George Heriot-Watt University Bush to a new seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit created by 104 Statistics 5089. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 8, 1992, and received his commission on April 13, 1992.
In October 2008, Judge Kelly was honored in the Great Hall of the United States Supreme Court building with the Professionalism Award of the American Inns of Court for the Tenth Circuit. Judge Kelly still works as a volunteer fire and emergency service volunteer.
He is also an avid golfer and skier.
Only Judge Posner and Judge Easterbrook consistently bested Kelly. Judge Kelly stated in an Above the Law article that he has no set judicial philosophy—he has decisions landing on both sides of the spectrum.
Member New Mexico Public Defender Board. Member Appellate Judges Nominating Commission, 1989-1992. President Chaves County Young Representatives, 1971-1972.
Member board directors Zia council Girl Scouts American, Roswell Girls.
Member Eastern New Mexico State Fair Board, 1978-1983. Member American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, State Bar New Mexico (vice president young lawyers section 1969, co-chairman insurance sub-committee 1972-1973.
Married Ruth Ellen Dowling, June 27, 1964. Children: Johanna, Paul Edwin, Thomas Martin, Christopher Mark, Heather Marie.