Attorney Kelli Martinez was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. In 2006, she graduated from Lakewood Ranch High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Kelli spent five years working as a litigation paralegal representing large healthcare enterprises before earning her Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, nationally recognized for its top rankings in trial advocacy, and legal research and writing.
During her time at Stetson, Kelli worked as an intern at both the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Children and Families. She also spent time advocating for abused, abandoned, and neglected children as a Guardian ad Litem.
Kelli served as President of the Cardozo chapter of Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society, competed as a member of Stetson’s nationally recognized Trial Team, and completed a Mastering Trial Advocacy program at Oxford University in Oxford, England. She earned the Highest-Grade Award in Trial Advocacy and Legal Research & Writing. In addition to her doctorate degree, Kelli earned a Certificate of Concentration in Advocacy, and completed Stetson’s Leadership Development Program.
Kelli received several awards including the Victor O. Whele Award in Trial Advocacy, the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award, and the Cacciatore Scholarship in Advocacy for the Protection of the Rights of Individuals.
Following law school, Kelli worked as a litigation attorney at Morgan & Morgan, one of the Country’s largest injury law firms, specializing in car crash cases. Kelli thereafter joined the law firm of Legler, Murphy & Battaglia, LLP in 2022, handling all injury claims including premises liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. In order to grow in her mission to provide the community with personalized service, aggressive representation, and quality results, she joined Suli Law in 2024 as a Partner, opening the Lakewood Ranch office. Kelli uses her vast knowledge in litigating liability and insurance claims, and her expertise in negotiating to get her clients the compensation they deserve.