Suisman Shapiro Attorney Kristi Kelly of Old Lyme Named Finalist for 2025 ‘US Women, Influence & Power in Law’ Awards

NEW LONDON–Suisman Shapiro Attorney Kristi D. Kelly has been named a finalist in the 2025 US Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards. 

Suisman Shapiro in a press release said Kelly is a contender in the Law Firm Collaborative Leadership category. The national award honors women attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a sustained commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in the legal profession.

Suisman Shapiro lauded Kelly as a legal advisor, mentor, and advocate whose work spans labor, employment, and municipal law. A director with the firm, she represents municipalities, public agencies, and private employers in matters ranging from collective bargaining and employment investigations to compliance and discrimination claims. She regularly appears before local governments and state and federal administrative bodies, including the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor.

At Suisman Shapiro, Kelly leads the firm’s Human Resources Committee with a focus on increasing diversity and inclusion. This year, she will launch the firm’s inaugural Women in Leadership Committee, a strategic initiative designed to foster mentorship, connection, and career advancement for women at Suisman Shapiro.

Eric W. Callahan, managing director of Suisman Shapiro, said Kelly represents the values the firm strives to uphold. 

“Kristi brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her work that has had a meaningful impact across our firm,” Callahan said. 

Kelly said collaboration has always been key to how she approaches her work. 

“I’m fortunate to work alongside colleagues, who value mentorship, inclusion, and supporting one another’s growth — both personally and professionally,” she said. 

Before joining Suisman Shapiro, Kelly served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington and as a civilian labor attorney for the U.S. Department of the Army in Alaska.

Kelly is a VA-accredited attorney, who donates pro bono services on behalf of disabled veterans through the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center. She was honored with the Connecticut Bar Association’s 2020 Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Service Award. She also served as president of the Board of Higher Edge, a nonprofit that supports first-generation college students, and currently sits on the Board of the USS Groton Sail Foundation.

Winners of the 2025 US Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards will be announced at an awards dinner on Oct. 7 during the WIPL Conference in Washington, D.C.

The awards are presented by Corporate Counsel, a national publication of the Law.com network.