Kelley M. Petry

Work Experience

Managing Attorney / President
Kelley M. Petry, P.A. – Tampa, FL
May 2004 – present

Practice focused on Consumer Bankruptcy, both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

• Client information intake and fact determination.
• Analysis of client’s financial details vis-à-vis Bankruptcy Code, Rules and caselaw.
• Evaluation of options and outlining potential outcomes.
• Assist in the decision-making process by advising clients of benefits and detriments of filing bankruptcy to suit client’s best interests.
• Preparation and filing of Voluntary Petition, Schedules, and Statements.
• Prosecute a comprehensive variation of pleadings and contested matters including: confirmation of Chapter 13 Plan; objections to proofs of claims; motions to determine secured status; motions for relief from stay; motions to avoid liens; motions to modify orders; preliminary and final evidentiary hearings.
• Knowledge of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rules.
• Perform research using Westlaw and Lexis, draft legal memorandum, present oral argument against creditor’s counsel and Chapter 13 Standing Trustees.

Biographical Information

I graduated from Mississippi State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.  I graduated from Rutgers School of Law – Camden in 1998 with a Juris Doctorate. My focus on coursework was business transactions, UCC, and bankruptcy.

I am the owner, president, managing, and litigation attorney for Kelley M. Petry, P.A. since 2004. I have been practicing in the area of Consumer Bankruptcy since 2000.  I have represented thousands of Debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, guiding them through successful cases to obtain their Discharges.

Skills

As a solo practitioner and small business owner, I have acquired the skills necessary to perform the responsibilities of an effective and reliable Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

• Interacting with individuals during difficult times in their lives that have necessitated the filing of bankruptcy has honed excellent customer service skills and an enhanced ability to make others feel heard and addressed.
• Drafting and filing thousands of pleadings has resulted in accuracy and attention to detail.
• Running a full-service law office as a solo practitioner has developed strong organizational skills. Bankruptcy is a fast-paced practice, requiring the ability to handle multiple cases with frequent deferment to deal with urgent issues.
• Many bankruptcy filers are not highly educated and savvy in matters related to financial issues and management. This has necessitated that I evolve the ability to communicate on a level and in a manner that is functionally helpful to each individual.
• Consumer Bankruptcy is a close-knit community. As such, a practitioner will interact with the same opposing counsel in multiple cases. Maintaining dignified and respectful professional relationships enables me to provide a better and more successful experience for clients.
• Confidentiality is the touchstone of the attorney-client relationship. I have never breached that responsibility
• Appearing and practicing in the federal court system has raised my level of performance of responsibilities, as meeting the expectations of the judges is a necessity.
• I am familiar with standard computer skills, and the CM/ECF and PACER filing systems.

Professional Organizations

• I proudly served on the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association Board of Directors beginning in 2003, ending my tenure as President for the 2016-2017 year.
• I served on the District-Wide Steering Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida during the period 2012-2014, and was Chair of the Committee during the period of 2017 – 2020.
• I served as President of the Bankruptcy Law Education Series 2019-2020.
• I am a member of the Florida Bar, Business Law Section, Hillsborough County Bar Association, and the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation.
• I have assisted the award winning Stetson University College of Law Bankruptcy Moot Court team prepare for competition by judging practice rounds.
• I have been a guest instructor for Judge Catherine Peek McEwen at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School for bankruptcy.
• I have been a guest instructor for Judge Michael G. Williamson at Stetson University College of Law for bankruptcy
• I have happily welcomed students from Cooley and Stetson to intern on their path to a career in bankruptcy.
• I have spoken at multiple seminars and presentations on Chapter 7 and 13 presented by Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, Hillsborough County Bar Association, and Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers.

In my spare time, I frequently visit our local theme parks, especially Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (I am a Ravenclaw).  My son and I take Taekwondo lessons together, and I have an advanced green belt. I think it is important for my family to be involved in our community and contribute to its success.