Peter M. Kellett

Senior Counsel


Over the arc of his legal career, Peter Kellett has continuously exemplified client service. As a trial lawyer, he was his clients' eyes and ears, anticipating future issues while blazing a trail in pattern litigation.

As Dykema's chairman and CEO, Peter expanded the firm's service capabilities and geographic footprint and invested in the organization, its people, and the community. Now, as chair emeritus, he continues to strengthen client and community relationships as a trusted legal and business advisor.

Under Peter's guidance as chairman, Dykema embarked upon a successful growth strategy, combining with leading regional and boutique firms to cement its national presence, especially among automotive OEMs, financial services providers, dental service organizations, and the insurance industry.

Because of his extensive litigation background, he made trial experience a priority for up-and-coming lawyers, ensuring clients had counsel who could persuade judges and juries as well as negotiate favorable settlements. Even today, Peter relishes his role as the voice of the client, putting their needs above the firm's priorities.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are particularly important to Peter. While leading the firm, he formed a DEI task force accountable for attracting and retaining talent reflective of the communities in which we live and work and creating opportunities for advancement firmwide.

He continues to co-chair the task force, and in 2021, Dykema participated in the certification process for the Mansfield Rule 5.0, which recognizes large law firms in the U.S. and Canada that actively consider and promote women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership, governance, and equity partner roles.

Outside the firm, Peter devotes significant time to nonprofits focused on social justice initiatives and improving racial equity in education, healthcare, and employment.

Before serving as chairman, Peter led the firm's litigation group, representing some of the world's largest corporations in class action, product liability, and commercial litigation in courts across the country. By immersing himself in the technical aspects of each case and the client's long-term goals, he developed an uncanny ability to see down the road and understand how a decision in one jurisdiction would affect outcomes elsewhere.

Today, Peter remains a trusted confidante for Dykema's clients. C-level officers, general counsel, company owners, and nonprofit directors know he is available to discuss their pressing business and personal legal needs on a non-fee basis, an extension of the superior service he has provided throughout his career.

Delivering superior service and results requires planning. By keeping clients constantly apprised—regardless of the type of matter—we avoid unnecessary surprises.
    • Wayne State University, J.D., cum laude, Order of the Coif
    • University of Michigan, B.A.
  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan, 1982
  • Court Admissions

    • United States Supreme Court
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Securities; Mediation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2005-2024

    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® for Class Action/Mass Torts: Defense, Business Litigation, Personal Injury - Products: Defense, 2007-2023

    • Named to the "Lawyer’s Hall of Fame" by Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly, 2021

    • Named as "Lawyer of the Year" for Securities Litigation by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2020
    • Named a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, 2013-2020
    • Named a Michigan Leading Lawyer in the areas of Class Action/Mass Tort Defense and Commercial Litigation Law by the Leading Lawyers Network, 2014-2017

    • Named a Top Lawyer by dbusiness Magazine for Commercial Litigation, Mediation, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Antitrust Litigation, and Securities Litigation, 2010-2017
    • Recipient of an AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
    • American Bar Foundation, Sustaining Life Fellow
    • Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Life Member
    • American Bar Association
    • State Bar of Michigan
    • Detroit Bar Association
    • Oakland County Bar Association
    • Local Rules Committee of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Former Member and Past-Chair
    • Wayne Law School Board of Visitors, Past Member
    • The Futures Foundation; an organization serving intellectually and developmentally disabled persons, Board Member

    • New Detroit, Inc., Board Member and Secretary

    • Downtown Detroit Partnership, Board Member
    • Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and Detroit Economic Growth Association (DEGA), Past Member, Board of Directors, and Audit and Finance Committee

    • Detroit Economic Club Board of Directors, Past Board Member

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Latest News and Insights

Press Releases8.17.23

194 Dykema Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 and Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 194 of its attorneys, in multiple practice…

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Press Releases8.11.23

46 Dykema Attorneys Named to 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 25 of its attorneys from the firm’s…

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Press Releases10.19.22

Dykema Achieves Mansfield 5.0 Certification Plus Classification

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that the firm has achieved Mansfield 5.0…

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