Dr Danial Kelly is the Managing Partner and founder of Kelly and Partners Lawyers, as well as Kelly Partners Indonesia, where he excels in delivering comprehensive legal and notarial services. With a robust track record across multiple courts, including the High Court of Australia, Dr Kelly brings an authoritative presence to legal representation. His distinction as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries underscores his global recognition and proficiency, further complemented by his capability to handle Indonesian language matters in-house. Dr Kelly's academic prowess is equally impressive, having served as a notable lecturer and leader at Charles Darwin University, where he influenced the fields of comparative law and Indigenous legal systems. His tenure included roles as the Associate Head of the School of Law and later as the Assistant Dean of the College of Business and Law. His scholarly contributions are marked by his PhD, which was awarded the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s prize for doctoral excellence. In 2021, Dr Kelly's legal acumen was highlighted through his collaboration with Julian Burnside AO QC in challenging mandatory COVID vaccination laws in the Northern Territory, a testament to his impact in the legal arena. His longstanding ties with Indonesia, dating back to 1993, are reflected in his ongoing collaborations with Udayana University, where he is deeply involved in academic and editorial endeavours. Beyond legal services, Dr Kelly offers expertise in linguistics, education, and policy, effectively managing legal processes in Indonesia with support from his associates. His career is rooted in a rich educational background, including a PhD in Law, a Master of Applied Linguistics, and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), complementing his deep understanding of both Australian and Indonesian legal landscapes.
Partner
Kelly & Partners Lawyers
Sep 2020 - Present • 6 years 2 months
Assistant Dean (Learning Futures)
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2018 - Dec 2018 • 11 months
Associate Head of School
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2014 - Dec 2016 • 2 years 11 months
Senior Lecturer in Law
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2014 - Jul 2020 • 6 years 6 months
Law Course Coordinator
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 • 2 years
Lecturer in Law
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2010 - Jan 2013 • 3 years
Barrister & Solicitor
NORTH AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL JUSTICE AGENCY LTD
Jan 2008 - Jan 2010 • 2 years
Curriculum Consultant
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2008 - Jan 2009 • 1 year
Indonesian Lecturer
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 • 11 months
Academic Coordinator
Charles Darwin University
Jan 2007 - Jan 2010 • 3 years
Project Coordinator
Australian Volunteers International
Jan 2006 - Dec 2006 • 11 months
Teacher Trainer
Australian Volunteers International
Jan 2004 - Jan 2006 • 2 years
School Teacher and School Farm Founder
Alawa Primary School
Mar 2003 - Dec 2004 • 1 year 9 months
Executive Teacher (Professional Development)
NT School of Languages
Jan 2001 - Jan 2003 • 2 years
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Law
Charles Darwin University
Bachelor of Arts, Indonesian language and Comparative Religion
Deakin University
Graduate Diploma in Education
University of New England
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Charles Darwin University
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Charles Darwin University
Licentiate in Christian Ministry & Theology
Bible College of Western Australia
Master of Applied Linguistics
Charles Darwin University
Last checked: 13 May 2026 • Checked with Law Society NT
