Michael Kielsky
VCard
Michael Kielsky joined Udall Shumway PLC in 2016. Mr. Kielsky is a 1984 graduate of Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
For 15 years, Mr. Kielsky was employed in a variety of roles in technology, including Software Engineer, Business Analyst, and Manager of Engineering, at well-known companies in industries such as aerospace, communications, defense, finance, and technology.
In 1999, seeking new challenges, and due to his long-running interest in law, Mr. Kielsky began on a path to his second career, enrolling in law school on an academic scholarship. Even with completing law school on an accelerated track in just 2 ½ years, Mr. Kielsky graduated Summa Cum Laude and first in his class, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 2001 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California.
Mr. Kielsky is a litigator focused on criminal defense, DUI defense, and traffic tickets, including photo radar. Additionally, Mr. Kielsky represents victims of crimes navigating the criminal justice system, as well as clients in administrative hearings before boards and administrative law judges, and in protective order matters. Mr. Kielsky has also represented clients in several high-profile election law matters.
Mr. Kielsky has developed a reputation for challenging photo radar citations, and has taught numerous Continuing Legal Education classes to other lawyers on the practical and legal foundations to achieving success in such cases.
Mr. Kielsky also has experience in family law, civil litigation, landlord/tenant disputes, and consumer law.
Active in politics when not busy helping clients, Mr. Kielsky was Chairman of the Arizona Libertarian Party, Arizona’s third-largest party, and has been a candidate for office, running for US Congress in 2004, and for Maricopa County Attorney in 2008, 2010, 2012, and for the State House in 2014.
Mr. Kielsky was born in Germany, and moved to Phoenix in his high school years. He enjoys playing recreational soccer, often playing on co-ed teams with his wife, Rachel.
Practice Areas
- Administrative Law
- Criminal Defense
- DUI and DWI
- Protective Orders
- Traffic Tickets and Photo Radar
Education
- J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, 2001 (summa cum laude, Law Review)
- B.S., Grand Canyon University, 1984 (Computer Science)
Community Activities
- Glendale Judicial Advisory Board – 2019-2022
- Avondale Judicial Advisory Board – 2019-2021
- Arizona Libertarian Party – Officer since 2003, Chairman from 2005-2010; 2015-2017
- Candidate for Maricopa County Attorney, 2008, 2010, 2012
- Candidate for U.S. Congress, Arizona CD 5, 2004
- Generations After, Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Greater Phoenix, Board Member, 2013-2018
- Tri-City (East Valley) JCC – Board Member, 2003-2004
- Community Legal Services – Board Member, 2016 – current; Executive Committee, 2018; Vice President, June 2020 – current
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- State Bar of Arizona, 2006
- State Bar of California, 2006
- United States District Court, District of Arizona, 2007
- United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2019
- Pima Maricopa Indian Community Court, 2019
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- East Valley Bar Association – President, 2016-now, 2011-2014; Vice President, 2014-2015
- Maricopa County Bar Association – Board Member/Director, 2012-2018
- Technology Committee, State Bar of Arizona – Member, 2012-2016
- Lawyer Referral Service Committee, Maricopa County Bar Association – 2012-2017
- State Bar of Arizona Certified CLE Presenter since 2014
- 10.0 AVVO Rating, with over 131 reviews and over 50 endorsements
Awards and Recognitions
- AV Preeminent™, Martindale-Hubbell, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
- Client Champion Platinum Distinction, Martindale-Hubbell, 2019
- AV Preeminent™, Judicial Edition, Martindale-Hubbell, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Clients’ Choice Award, Avvo.com, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Rated AV® Preeminent™ (Highest Possible Rating), Lawyers.com, 2016, 2018, 2019
- Top-Rated Lawyer, Avvo.com, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Client Champion Gold Distinction, Martindale-Hubbell, 2018
- Client Champion Silver Distinction, Martindale-Hubbell, 2017
- Top Contributor Award, Avvo.com, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Superb Rated Attorney Award, Avvo.com, 2013, 2014
- Top Valley Lawyers, North Valley Magazine, 2014
- America’s Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Arizona, American Society of Legal Advocates, 2015
Connect With Me
Client Reviews
Thank you, Michael, for helping us with our company's ticket. We were so worried and even lost sleep over it. You have alleviated all of our stress and we are very grateful. Please know you are very much appreciated.
-Kelly
Today, I received the notice from the court has dismissed my case. It was an unexpected result for me, I felt very surprised and happy。A year ago, I was charged with reckless driving in Phoenix. I found attorney Kielsky through Internet information. I saw many people have a good opinion of him. So I chose him to deal with my legal issues. I'm lucky that I didn't find the wrong person. Attorney Kielsky has worked very hard for my case with his responsible and serious attitude during the year, and I've got this very satisfactory result.
After my personal experience, I recommend attorney Kielsky to you if you want a responsible and experienced attorney.
-Wei
Mr. Kielsky took my case head on. He knew that a first time offender like myself in any way with the laws of Arizona should not face a class 3 misdemeanor for a speeding infraction. In all honesty this man is responsible for my ability to succeed in my professional future. The state of Arizona put up a good fight but Mr. Kielsky was better. If you are ever in an unfair predicament with the law he is your man.
-Kyle
Mr. Michael Kielsky responded very quickly with clear, concise, and accurate information. He went over my options in a way that was objective and easy for me to understand. He is professional, knowledgeable, and shows a genuine desire to help.
-Elle
I contacted Michale regarding a red light photo citation I received in Paradise Valley, AZ and, within a matter of minutes, he provided me with the guidance I needed to resolve my issue. No fine, no points, no silly driver survival class, and no cost for the consultation! I highly recommend contacting Michael if you have any question regarding the validity of a proto citation!
-John
I had a parking violation which I approached Michael about. He was very frank about the costs it would take to hire him and the financial sense it would not make. But above that, he provided me with other options I could take which no other attorney took the time to provide to me. For this. 5 stars.
-Amos
I had some questions about a compromising situation and Mr. Kielsky answered them all patiently and in great detail. I feel like he gave me very valuable advice on how to manage my predicament going forward and I would definitely recommend him to anyone dealing with a similar ordeal.
-Ron
I had received a criminal speeding ticket for going 91mph on the freeway (25mph over the speed limit) and had a clean driving record . I didn't know what to expect or what possible outcomes where possible . Michael took the time to explain everything to me and had good communication about the status of my case throughout the process. The case ended up getting thrown out with the requirement that I attended Defensive Driving School. If you find yourself in a similar situation I would recommend Michael
Kielsky.
-Anthony
I sought out the services of Mr. Kielsky a few years ago. He was extremely helpful in resolving my cases. His assistant was quick to respond to my emails - within minutes most of the time. Being in the dark and wondering what's going on has always been my experience with lawyers, but not this one. He and his staff understood my case and fully explained the process to me. According to the documents I received after my cases were closed, it was clear that there was a real professional effort to research, investigate, and prepare.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to Mr. Kielsky's office for helping me resolve my cases. If you are looking for someone to fight for you, these are the warriors you need. Their spears are sharp. Their resolve - unwavering.
-Dave
A member of the family received a photo red light ticket when this person was not the driver of the vehicle. We decided to consult with Michael Kielsky after reading all his positive reviews online. From the moment that we spoke with him, we knew that we were receiving sound advice. He took the time to listen to our problem. He answered all of our questions and he asked us a few pertinent questions. He was upfront with us about all of our options and spoke to us in a positive, clear and concise manner. He clearly knows the law. He told us what we could expect. Although we haven't decided which option to take, it is a relief to know that we have options. It is also good to know that there is such a knowledgeable and approachable attorney for any future legal circumstance that we might face. We would highly recommend contacting Michael Kielsky for legal assistance.
-Anne
Michael did an unbelievable job. He was extremely prepared and he communicated very well. The case turned out better than I could have hoped. Highly recommend Michael Kielsky.
-Justin
I contacted Mr. Kielsky when I received a ticket for excessive speed in AZ last week. I am a California resident and was shocked to find out that Arizona issues criminal tickets for driving over 85 miles per hour. I was panicked and started searching the internet for help immediately. I found Michael's info on the internet along with hundreds of reviews from satisfied clients so I sent him an email late Friday night. He called me back the next day and put my mind at ease. Thank You, Michael!
-Sofiya
Mr. Kielsky represented my daughter well in her criminal case. He was well prepared and knew the law. He was able to reach an agreement with the court that was the best possible outcome for my daughter.
-John
Mr. Kielsky was the third lawyer I contacted. The first two either did not call me back or wanted my credit card within a minute or two. Mr. Kielsky answered the phone and took time to know me and ask numerous questions about my family members case. After about 15 minutes I was confident that I had enough information to get my case dismissed without a fine and I DID! If I ever need a lawyer again I will consult and hire Mr. Kielsky. I highly recommend him. This man has ethics. Thank you!
-Sherwin
Michael Kielsky is one of the Most Effective Lawyers I have ever Hired!! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND him to anyone I cared for. He Exceeded my Expectations. He listened to me, he was then able to Draft a structured plan and Resolve each issue while anticapating our next move. Despite the Complexity of my Legal Situation in multiple areas of Law Michael repeatedly demonstrated his ability to GET THINGS DONE with Outstanding Professionalism. He is Expedient, Honest, Experienced and Trustworthy.
-Jen
Mr. Kielsky goes above and beyond to defend his clients. A true American in every way. A preserver of individual rights and liberties who can be of great service to you as he was for me. Thank you Mike!
-Melissa
I received a free consultation with Michael over the phone and was very pleased with his straight forward and candid answers to my questions regarding a DUI. His advice was helpful and I never felt pressured to engage his services. I would unreservedly recommend him to anyone in the future.
-April
I have never in my life have been so comfortable with dealing with a speeding ticket . Just a few minutes ago I thought I was done for and going to have 3 points on my record for one ticket . But just a few minutes after I spoke to Michael . All my fears were cleared and I was on the right path . just from speaking to him for 5 mins ! This man is truly amazing ! Don't go anywhere else ! This is the man for you ! Michael kielsky's the lawyer of the year !!
-Johnny