Born in Waterville, Maine, he attended Princeton University and Boston University School of Law and initially worked as a lawyer in Boston. But in the 1980s he became involved with screenwriting. Initially, he wrote several episodes for the television series L.A. Law, which he later produced as well, and later co-created Doogie Howser, M.D. (with L.A. Law creator Steven Bochco), Picket Fences, Chicago Hope, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Snoops , Girls Club, Boston Public, The Brotherhood of Poland, N.H. , and Boston Legal. 

Kelley's shows are renowned for their whimsical, occasionally surreal comedic touches, as well as moments of seriousness. 

Kelley married actress Michelle Pfeiffer in 1993. They have two children, a girl adopted by Pfeiffer before the marriage and a son. 

Credit: biography.ms