Executive Team

John P. Kelly

President and CEO

John P. Kelly is the founder of BlackStone Discovery. He is responsible for the company’s strategic direction, overall management and growth. John works closely with BlackStone Discovery partners and customers to streamline all aspects of the e-discovery and information management process. During his 20-year career working in the legal technology industry, John has been on the forefront of innovation – creating the first nationwide legal document services firm, and originating the first legal scanning and processing business on the West Coast.

Prior to starting BlackStone Discovery, John held executive positions at Garage Technology Ventures, Netscape Communications, NightRider Overnite Copy Service (IKON Office Solutions), and the law offices of Morrison & Foerster. During John’s career he has been recognized for his success in new company creation, building high energy teams, and in developing and delivering technology for the legal industry.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Masters in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. He is active in the local community and in coaching youth sports. Find John on LinkedIn

Minh T. Tran

Vice President of Operations

Minh T. Tran has been with BlackStone Discovery since the company was founded, and is responsible for its operations. As Vice President of Operations responsible for the EDD and related production groups, Minh has established himself as an expert in the delivery of electronic discovery services. Minh has significant experience building solutions and managing large-scale computer forensic collections and electronic discovery projects.

Minh brings over a decade of professional services and production management experience to his role at BlackStone Discovery. Prior to joining the company, Minh held management positions at Remec Semiconductor, H&R Block and SCKS. In these roles, Minh developed his consultative approach while delivering consistent financial results and maintaining high-level client relationships.

Minh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from University of Phoenix. Find Minh on LinkedIn

Dave P. Darner

Vice President of Discovery Services

Dave P. Darner has been with BlackStone since 2008, and his contributions have enabled BlackStone to expand the professional services group and enhance the delivery of client support services. Dave has received recognition in the litigation support community for his abilities to identify and deliver case management strategies. Dave’s involvement in creating and implementing BlackStone Discovery’s “Discovery Log” and in the development of a streamlined “Statement of Work”, has been instrumental in delivering increased value to the litigation teams BlackStone supports.

Prior to BlackStone, Dave was the General Manager for Window Works a customized window solutions company, where he led the company’s sales and project management efforts. Dave is also an accomplished golf professional having taught at Oakdale Country Club and Creekside Golf Course.

Dave is a graduate of Heald Business College with a specialty in Networks & Information Technology, and is recognized as a CompTIA Certified Professional. Find Dave on LinkedIn

Shaun M. Sullivan

Director of Discovery Services

Shaun M. Sullivan has been critical in the development of BlackStone Discovery's end to end litigation support services. As a senior project manager he is responsible for facilitating client interactions and growth across all branches of BlackStone. Shaun works hand in hand with customers to ensure a work product that is both prompt and distinctly superior. Levering his experience as a former litigation case clerk, Shaun acts as an extension of any legal team. In early 2011 Shaun's leadership in BlackStone's eDiscovery branch received national notoriety when featured in The New York Times. The Times featured Shaun’s project as a benchmark for cost containment through data reduction, in the ever changing landscape of eDiscovery. Shaun’s expertise in case management empowers his trial teams by keeping them in control of their case material and budgetary constraints.

Prior to BlackStone, Shaun was a Case Clerk for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in Palo Alto, CA. During his career at Morgan Lewis, Shaun received hands on trial and arbitration experience in the areas of intellectual property, trademark, labor & employment, and patent prosecution. He also donated his time to multiple pro bono matters throughout the local community. Shaun is an active bicyclist and former member of the Republic of Ireland all University Men's Volleyball Team.

Shaun holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Diploma in European Common Law from the University College Cork in the Republic of Ireland. Find Shaun on LinkedIn¹ New York Times, “Armies of Expensive Lawyers, Replaced by Cheaper Software”

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