Elizabeth Keeley
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
A self proclaimed Army brat who moved frequently as a child, Elizabeth Keeley has proudly called Melrose home for the past 30 years.
Elizabeth is a seasoned attorney with over four decades of legal experience. Since graduating from Suffolk University Law School, she has had a distinguished career. Elizabeth has specialized in criminal defense, representing clients in a wide range of criminal matters across the Commonwealth. Her practice areas include criminal law, education law, and white-collar crime.
As an Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County, she investigated and prosecuted felony cases, including homicides, rape, and gun violence. Her career also included serving as Chief of Staff for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, where she oversaw the executive management team and the 24/7 operation of the Nashua Street Jail, the House of Correction, and halfway houses for thousands of incarcerated men and women. In her role as Acting District Attorney for the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, Elizabeth managed the operation of twelve offices and personally prosecuted homicide and sexual assault cases.
Currently, Elizabeth serves as the Executive Director of Women's Lunch Place, a day shelter community in Back Bay dedicated to supporting women in need. Working in collaboration with staff, volunteers, and partners, she helps address the increasing needs of women experiencing poverty, hunger, homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorder. Learn more at www.womenslunchplace.org.
In addition to her legal career, Elizabeth is deeply committed to community service. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boston Rescue Mission, and the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported Malden Housing Families by developing communications, mentoring, and consulting.
Elizabeth is a passionate volunteer for The Food Drive, assisting in delivering donations to the Pantry of Hope at the First Baptist Church and to senior housing facilities.
What Elizabeth loves most about Melrose is its beauty and the incredible philanthropic businesses that always answer the call for donations. She firmly believes that small acts can have a profound impact on people’s lives, even something as simple as a smile and making eye contact. She encourages everyone to get involved in this wonderful community.
Completed on her bucket list was a trip to France, and she hopes to do more traveling in the future.
Ms. Keeley's dedication to both her profession and her community highlights her as a respected figure in Melrose, known for her legal expertise and civic involvement.
