Charles Stephen Kelley

Charles Stephen Kelley, Bankruptcy Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMayer Brown LLP

Houston, TX

Practicing bankruptcy in Houston since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
7
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Charles Stephen Kelley is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. Charles has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Houston, TX
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Consumer
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer matters from Houston, TX.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Charles Stephen Kelley: Charles Stephen Kelley is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. Charles has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Charles Stephen Kelley

Charles concentrates on bankruptcy, business, consumer, energy, and environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Houston, Texas

Charles takes bankruptcy matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Houston, Texas

Charles takes business matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Houston, Texas

Charles takes consumer matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Energy cases in Houston, Texas

Charles takes energy matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Houston, Texas

Charles takes environmental matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Charles Stephen Kelley — Over 35 years of Texas bankruptcy experience

Charles Stephen Kelley is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. Charles has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mayer Brown LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Charles Stephen Kelley is a lawyer practicing banking & finance litigation, bankruptcy, construction & engineering and 13 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S.M.E. degree from The University of Texas, Cockrell School of Engineering in 1985, and has been licensed for 35 years. Charles practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Houston, TX.

How Charles handles bankruptcy matters

Mr. Charles Stephen Kelley is a lawyer practicing banking & finance litigation, bankruptcy, construction & engineering and 13 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S.M.E. degree from The University of Texas, Cockrell School of Engineering in 1985, and has been licensed for 35 years. Charles practices at Mayer Brown LLP in Houston, TX.

Who Charles represents

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and consumer matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Charles Stephen Kelley's legal education and bar admissions

  • The University of Texas School of Law

    J.D. · 1991

  • The University of Texas, Cockrell School of Engineering

    B.S.M.E. · 1985

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

  • US Supreme Court

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • US Court of Appeals

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • US District Court fo

    1999 · ACTIVE

  • US District Court fo

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • US District Court fo

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • US District Court fo

    1992 · ACTIVE

  • Texas

    1991 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in The University of Texas School of Law and B.S.M.E. in The University of Texas, Cockrell School of Engineering.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in The University of Texas School of Law and B.S.M.E. in The University of Texas, Cockrell School of Engineering. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Charles Stephen Kelley

Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Activities Executive Board of Directors, Texas Appleseed Board of Directors, Texas Defenders Service Board of Trustees, Annunciation Orthodox School Founding Member, Houston Pro Bono Initiative

    membership

Locations

Charles Stephen Kelley's office in Houston

Charles's primary office is at 700 Louisiana Street, Suite 3400, Houston, TX, 77002-2730. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mayer Brown LLP

700 Louisiana Street, Suite 3400

Houston, TX 77002-2730

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles Stephen Kelley — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Houston.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles Stephen Kelley claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Charles Stephen Kelley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles

Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles Stephen Kelley

  • How much does it cost to hire Charles for a bankruptcy case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Charles offer a free consultation?

    Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    Charles is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Charles accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

    Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

Charles handles bankruptcy matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.