---
title: "Michael F. Kelly | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-f-kelly-az-coa2"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Michael F. Kelly

Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two
- State: Arizona
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-12

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### digital evidence portal

Scope: statewide

Arizona's digital-evidence portal supports invited parties in participating courts to upload, review, manage, and share case exhibits for virtual or in-person hearings.

Evidence excerpt: The digital evidence portal provides convenient 24/7 online access to upload, review, and manage exhibits in a case to which a party has been invited.

[Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing local orders

Scope: statewide

Arizona requires each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court to issue a local remote-hearing administrative order. The applicable county or court order controls scheduling and technology requirements.

Evidence excerpt: The Arizona Supreme Court also mandated that each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court issue a local administrative order based on these recommendations, with modifications as necessary due to technology or staffing limitations.

[Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote appearances and evidence

Scope: statewide

Arizona remote appearances depend on the assigned judge and court. Parties should provide the court with evidence, documents, photos, or proof needed for the remote hearing using the court's directions.

Evidence excerpt: Depending on the judge and court, hearings can be scheduled as in person or remote appearances.

[Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://jpr.azcourts.gov/Portals/2/148/documents/2026RetentionJudges.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://jpr.azcourts.gov/Portals/2/148/documents/2026RetentionJudges.pdf)
- [Arizona Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://jpr.azcourts.gov/Portals/2/148/documents/2026RetentionJudges.pdf)
- [Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
- [Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
- [Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Michigan 4th District Court of Appeals, serving since 2009
- Judge, San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, appointed July 28, 2023 by Gov
- Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two, appointed in 2022
- Former partner at Sidley Austin LLP with extensive civil litigation experience
- Former partner at Hollingsworth Kelly Law Firm; previously a homicide and violent‐crime prosecutor
- Former trial lawyer for 20 years; adjunct professor of criminal law and procedure

### Education


### Additional information

- Previously served on the Los Angeles County Superior Court (2018–2023).
- Gavin Newsom.
- Recognized in Best Lawyers in America and International Who’s Who of Commercial Litigators.
- Tried more than 100 civil and criminal jury trials.
- The name Michael Kelly corresponds to multiple active appellate and superior court judges across California, Michigan, and Arizona, each with distinct judicial careers and backgrounds.