Kelly Kotliar

Kelly’s legal career has been dedicated exclusively to matrimonial and family law since 2012, handling matters such as equitable distribution, spousal support, child support, custody, paternity, and post-judgment disputes. Her expertise extends to the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial, postnuptial, and cohabitation agreements, with a particular focus on complex, high-net-worth prenuptial agreements.

With over a decade of experience representing clients in the Supreme Court and Family Court of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, Kelly is a fierce advocate in the courtroom. However, her skillset goes beyond litigation — she is equally committed to negotiating favorable out-of-court settlements for her clients and takes pride in her ability to resolve even the most contentious cases. Trained in both mediation and collaborative law, her approach combines sharp legal analysis with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to her clients' best interests, earning her a reputation as a trusted and empathetic advisor throughout the process. Kelly’s clients value her ability to offer creative solutions to complex family law issues, achieving the best results possible both in and out of court.

In January 2022, Kelly became a partner at the firm after serving as an associate since 2012. She began her legal career as a law clerk with the firm while attending St. John’s University School of Law from 2011 to 2012. Prior to law school, Kelly gained invaluable experience as an intern for the Honorable Deborah A. Kaplan in the Matrimonial Part of New York County Supreme Court. At St. John’s, Kelly served as the President of the Family Law Society and Editor-in-Chief of the New York Litigator Law Journal.

Kelly resides on Long Island with her husband, two children, and their French Bulldog, Mollie. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, biking, and exploring local cuisine on the North Fork of Long Island.

Areas of practice

Education

• State University of New York at New Paltz, B.A., cum laude
• St. John's University School of Law, J.D., Dean's List

Admitted to practice law

• New York

Professional memberships

• New York State Bar Association
• The Association of the Bar of the City of New York
• Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York
• New York Association of Collaborative Professionals
• Co-founder of Young Attorneys Matrimonial Society (YAMS)

Honors and Recognitions

• Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America, 2024
• SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2017-2022
• Martindale AV - Preeminent