Kelly J. Donohue Burns grew up in LeRoy, New York. After graduating from LeRoy High School in 1985, Kelly continued her education at St. Bonaventure University. She graduated cum laude in 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Deciding to further her education after undergraduate school, Kelly completed her law degree at Cleveland-Marshall.

While in school, Kelly went above and beyond academically and was able to graduate cum laude. Kelly was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta honor society and received the Barristers Award in law school. She was also an avid member of the moot court team during her years at law school.

Upon completion of law school, Kelly moved back to New York and took over the position of Assistant District Attorney of Livingston County that John had once filled. In 1993, she joined the Law Offices of John C. Putney and became a Livingston County Assistant Public Defender in 1996. In 2000 she became an Assistant Public Defender for Genesee County, where she continues her services. Kelly also once taught business law classes at the Attica State Prison for Genesee Community College. Kelly belongs to the Genesee County Bar Association and the New York State Defender’s Association.

Kelly’s legal services concentrate on criminal and family law.