Kelly E. Waits

Kelly works in bankruptcy law, litigation, and creditors’ rights. She protects her clients with tenacity, working directly with them to safeguard their interests in all facets of bankruptcy, workouts, and financial restructuring-related matters. Kelly’s practice is primarily concentrated on the representation of financial institutions in connection with distressed real estate and commercial loans. Her practice also includes enforcement actions and non-judicial foreclosures.

Kelly was drawn to the valuable service aspect of the legal profession and is motivated by the chance to develop personal relationships that create meaningful impact for people’s businesses and in their lives. One case in which this was especially prevalent was a bankruptcy case in which Kelly secured a successful outcome for an immigrant-run mom and pop outfit.

Away from the office, Kelly spends time with her family and enjoys getting outdoors and biking.

Kelly earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Georgia. Kelly also served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Douglas O. Tice, Jr. in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

• Georgia Super Lawyers "Rising Star," Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights (2014, 2015)
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®️:  Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law since 2023; Litigation - Bankruptcy since 2025

• Atlanta Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, Member-At-Large (2022)
• International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation
  • International Board, Director-At-Large (2022)
  • Georgia Network, Programming Community Co-Chair (2022)
• State Bar of Georgia
• Atlanta Bar Association
• American Bankruptcy Institute
• Decatur Performs, Secretary 

Legal Practice Assistant

Nicole Golay
(404) 685-4286
ngolay@burr.com