Claire E. Kellen is an associate in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. Claire represents clients in state and federal courts facing complex commercial disputes, business torts, and high-stakes contractual matters. She brings a broad and diverse litigation background to her clients at PFS, including significant experience at leading national firms.
Prior to joining the firm, Claire practiced at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Chicago, focusing on complex commercial litigation, and at Wiley Rein LLP in Washington, D.C., where her work encompassed a wide range of commercial disputes, including significant matters in international arbitration. Claire is committed to advocacy that balances strategic, creative solutions with a clear understanding of each client’s business goals and priorities.
Claire’s pro bono practice has included representing individuals and nonprofit organizations in discrimination and actual innocence cases, as well as drafting Supreme Court amicus briefs for cases with wide-ranging sociopolitical impact. She is passionate about ensuring access to justice both in her work and community engagement.
Claire received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2021, earning Dean’s List honors and serving on the Executive Board of the Vanderbilt Bar Association and the Managing Council of the Moot Court Board. While at Vanderbilt, she was also a teaching assistant for Criminal Law. She holds both a B.A. in French, with minors in English and Linguistics, and an M.A. in French Language & Literature from the University of Kentucky. Claire is fluent in French.
Outside of her legal practice, Claire enjoys ski trips (having skied since she could walk), is a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, and is an avid reader.
