Michael Best is pleased to announce that Kellye Fabian Story has joined the firm's Litigation practice group and will be based in the Chicago office. Story’s illustrious litigation career expands two decades and focuses working alongside nonprofit and social enterprises.
"Kellye’s track record navigating the intricacies of complex litigation, especially in the nonprofit sector, sets her apart in the legal community,” said Dan Vaccaro, Chair of the firm's Litigation practice group. "We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her valuable, strategic counsel to organizations with diverse missions."
Story brings a wealth of experience in employment matters, conflict resolution, policy review and development, governance, investigations, and litigation. She devotes most of her time to nonprofit and social enterprises, honing in on faith-based organizations. Her client service comes in the form of a lawyer and in the form of a church leader. For nearly nine years, Story held a variety of roles, including serving as a pastor, directing child protection policy measures, developing congregant and volunteer protection practices, managing disciplinary and restoration processes, leading the reconciliation ministry, and conducting internal investigations. She continues to combine her faith-based background and legal acumen to develop restorative justice and reconciliation plans for churches and nonprofits that have been subject to conflict.
"We are glad to have Kellye join our expanding practice," said James Forrest, Managing Partner of the firm's North Carolina offices and leader of the faith-based industry sector for the firm. "Her experience and passion in litigation is certainly well-known, but her involvement in the faith-based community brings a unique perspective to the practice that will greatly benefit our clients. Specifically, her experience in leadership at Willow Creek Community Church will be an important resource for our clients navigating complex legal issues."
Prior to Michael Best, Story practiced in both a boutique nonprofit firm, as well as a top AmLaw firm. Outside of the firm, she actively participates community organizations including Jubilee Centre USA and Safe Families for Children.
Story graduated cum laude from DePaul University College of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif. She received her M.A. from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of Illinois.