OUR FIRM

Who We Serve

We represent home buyers and sellers at every stage—from first-time purchases to more complex matters. Whether you’re navigating a straightforward closing or something more involved, we provide the same level of attention, care, and expertise every step of the way.

Our History

Since its 1984 founding by Steven Kellem and his father Larry, our office has built a reputation as an industry leader in the representation of buyers and sellers of homes as well as the lenders that make home purchases possible. The firm has developed close relationships with realtors, mortgage lenders, and title insurers — relationships that are vital for getting often challenging transactions to the closing table. “There are certain lenders better suited for a particular transaction due to a client’s unique situation,” says, Steve Kellem. “There are certain methods of resolving a title issue that one insurer is better at than others.  There are creative solutions to differences between parties that arise during negotiations. Experience is the best teacher of how-to problem solve effectively.”

In January 2014, Steve added a third partner, Attorney Michael Brust, formerly of the real estate firm Stanton and Davis. Mike is the managing attorney at the Kellem Baird Cavanagh LLC satellite office at 1000 Plain Street in Marshfield, Massachusetts.  Also, in 2014 Attorney Andrew Firnrohr (“no one adds a sense of humor like Andy” comments Steve) joined the firm as a partner, followed by Attorney Mike Baird in 2015. Both Andy and Mike are well known and respected through the conveyancing community and add great viewpoints and contagious energy.  

The firm’s associate attorney, Marie Romans, was a paralegal with Kellem & Kellem for over ten years before she attended and graduated from law school. Marie’s practice includes both real estate conveyancing and commercial closings. Marie brings 20 years of experience and tireless commitment to her clients.  She has a rare combination of skill and kindness. 

Attorney Howard J. Kelman joined Kellem & Kellem in 2020 upon closing his own firm, Serkey & Kelman, when his partner retired. Howard has been practicing law since 1985, successfully representing commercial lenders, borrowers and developers in real estate and business transactions. As Howard attempts to retire himself, he will remain of Counsel to Kellem Baird Cavanagh LLC.

In 2024, we welcomed Caroline Hughes Corbin, after her almost 22-year career working with her father, Roger Hughes, at Hughes & Associates Law Office, P.C., in Norwell, MA, after her father retired. Caroline is a well-respected real estate attorney who consistently uses her knowledge of the law and thoughtful preparation and attention to client’s specific interests to represent her clients successfully.  

In 2026, the firm’s name changed to Kellem Baird Cavanagh LLC. This is a result of Mike Baird being named a managing partner, after joining Kellem & Kellem as a partner in 2015.  Mike has prided himself on taking the time during work hours and “off work hours”, to discuss all aspects of real estate transactions with both his buyer and seller clients, to ensure they have the knowledge to work through any concerns they may have. 

In addition, in 2026 we welcomed Thomas J. Cavanagh, previously of Cavanagh Law Group LLC in Quincy, MA, where Tom had practiced real estate for the past 17 years, representing buyers, sellers and lenders.  Tom is well-known in the real estate community as a thorough and client-focused attorney who also prides himself on attention to detail. 

With a new name and the same values instilled in the firm by Larry Kellem over 40 years ago, Kellem Baird Cavanagh LLC will continue to help and guide clients with one of the most significant and personal decisions of their lives – to purchase or sell their home.