Former State Senator Brian Kelsey of Memphis has regained his law license after receiving a pardon from President Donald Trump.
Kelsey’s law license was reinstated by the Tennessee Supreme Court last week, following a suspension that began on December 8, 2022, due to his guilty plea to federal charges related to campaign finance violations.
Kelsey was initially suspended after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aiding and abetting the acceptance of excessive contributions.
Kelsey served two weeks in prison earlier this year before receiving an unconditional pardon from President Trump.
The Supreme Court reinstated Kelsey to the active practice of law on August 20, 2025, but noted that any formal proceedings pending against him would continue.
With his law license reinstated, Brian Kelsey is now able to return to practicing law, pending the outcome of proceedings by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, which is likely to approve the reinstatement of his license as well.
According to the Tennessee Journal, Kelsey says he’s “excited” to be defending people who need representation. “We should try to give a voice to the voiceless,” he commented.
At one point, Kelsey was Chairman of the State Senate judiciary committee. With his pardon and reinstatement, Kelsey could re-enter the political arena despite his felony conviction that is now been cleared by the pardon. He has previously served in both the house and the state Senate representing Germantown.
Steve Gill is publisher and editor of TriStar Daily.
