Kevin Kelehan, a partner with Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr, received the Distinguished Maryland Real Property Practitioner Award from the Real Property Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association.

The award “is given annually to a Maryland real estate attorney who best exemplifies the experience, client service, technical skill, integrity, collegiality and courtesy that all real estate lawyers strive for in their professional lives,” according to the association website.

Kelehan focuses on real estate law, primarily real estate finance and affordable housing. He represents lenders and borrowers throughout the acquisition, development and lending process. In addition, Kelehan has an active construction law practice, representing several of the region’s contractors, and serves as a resource to national firms for both local representation and work in government contracting.

Among his honors, Kelehan was recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2023, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. He received the Housing Legacy Award from Heritage Housing Partners Corp., which works to promote and provide affordable housing and related services. In addition, he received Howard Community College’s Trustees’ Award for his time and effort on behalf of the college and leadership as co-chair of the college’s capital campaign.

Kelehan has chaired the Construction Law Section Council of the Maryland State Bar Association and previously served on and chaired the Howard County Housing Commission, the county executive’s Task Force on Affordable Housing and Voices for Children, a court-appointed special advocacy program for at-risk youth. He has also served on the Howard County Tourism and Promotion Council and has been pro bono counsel to the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, the Columbia Festival of the Arts and the Columbia Downtown Housing Corp.

He is a member of the American Bar Association and charter member of the association’s Affordable Housing Forum.

Kelehan earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore and graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He lives in Columbia.