Richard S. Kelin is a partner in the Real Estate Group at A.Y. Strauss, where he brings decades of experience advising clients on transactional matters in the commercial real estate sector. His practice centers on the acquisition, sale, and financing of multifamily properties, with additional experience across industrial, retail, and office assets.

Known for his steady guidance and deal-focused mindset, Rich has built longstanding relationships with investors, developers, and property owners throughout the region and beyond. Richard has closed transactions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars and is valued by clients for his ability to move deals forward while protecting their bottom line. His work includes negotiating joint ventures, structuring real estate partnerships and closing transactions, involving agency, CMBS, and conventional lenders.

Prior to joining A.Y. Strauss, Rich was co-managing partner of a respected law firm, where he led a team focused exclusively on commercial real estate. He began his legal career clerking for Judges Leo Yanoff and Thomas Dalton, and as a student clerk to former U.S. Court of Appeals Judge John Gibbons.

Rich is a past president of the Property Owners Association of New Jersey, a former Board Member of the New Jersey Apartment Association, and an active Board Member of the Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey. In the past, he has lectured for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

Professional Activities

• Board Member, Jewish Bar Association of New Jersey
• Lecturer, NJ Institute for Continuing Legal Education
• Past President, Property Owners Association of New Jersey
• Former Board Member, New Jersey Apartment Association

Honors, Awards & Recognitions

• Best Lawyers in America® – Real Estate Law (2027)