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David Kelly

Chief Legal Officer, Business and Basketball at Golden State Warriors

David Kelly is the Chief Legal Officer, Business and Basketball for the Golden State Warriors, a position he has held since September 2018.1 He joined the Warriors organization during the 2011-12 NBA season as Vice President and General Counsel.2 In his current role, Kelly is responsible for all legal matters affecting the company, including transactions, disputes, and compliance.2

Kelly's career with the Warriors has progressed through several positions:

  • Chief Legal Officer at Golden State Warriors / Chief Business Officer at Golden State Entertainment (July 2021 - Present)1
  • Chief Legal Officer, Business and Basketball (September 2018 - Present)1
  • General Counsel & Vice President, Basketball Management and Strategy (April 2012 - August 2018)1

In addition to his legal responsibilities, Kelly manages player development, salary cap management, and luxury tax planning for the team.2 He also oversees the organization's human resources and public/governmental affairs departments, assists with college player scouting, and manages key projects and initiatives on both the business and basketball sides of the company.2

Before joining the Warriors, Kelly was a partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he advised clients on various legal matters, including those related to sports teams.12

Interestingly, Kelly has a background in music as well. He is an accomplished underground rapper who performed in Chicago under the name "cap D".3 He has released eight albums and has toured internationally.2

Kelly's educational background includes:

  • JD from the University of Illinois College of Law
  • BA in English from Morehouse College1

His unique blend of legal expertise, sports knowledge, and creative background has allowed him to make significant contributions to the Warriors organization, including the creation of Golden State Entertainment, the first in-house record label at an NBA team.4

Highlights

Sep 10 · success.com
David Kelly: Writer, Rapper and NBA Lawyer - Success Magazine
Feb 1 · csq.com
David Kelly Blends Music, Sports, and Finance for the Golden State ...
David Kelly Blends Music, Sports, and Finance for the Golden State ...
Dec 4 · youtube.com
Be a lawyer. Make a difference. Interview with Golden State Warriors ...
Be a lawyer. Make a difference. Interview with Golden State Warriors ...
Oct 6 · abc7news.com
From rapper to lawyer, David Kelly does it all for Golden State Warriors
From rapper to lawyer, David Kelly does it all for Golden State Warriors
May 9 · docket.acc.com
Order in the Court: How David Kelly of the Golden State Warriors ...

Related Questions

How did David Kelly transition from being a rapper to a lawyer?
What are some of the key legal challenges David Kelly faces as Chief Legal Officer for the Golden State Warriors?
How does David Kelly's background in music influence his approach to his legal career?
What are the main responsibilities of David Kelly in his role at the Golden State Warriors?
How has David Kelly contributed to the Warriors' success during his tenure?
David Kelly
David Kelly, photo 1
David Kelly, photo 2
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Location

San Francisco Bay Area