Overview
Ellis is an associate in the firm’s General Commercial Litigation practice group. He brings significant experience managing complex litigation, advising on regulatory matters, and aligning legal strategies with business objectives. Before joining the firm, Ellis served as an Assistant United States Attorney, where he prosecuted a wide range of federal crimes including financial fraud, money laundering, public corruption, and national security offenses. In this role, he led investigations, tried cases in federal court, and provided legal counsel to investigative teams across multiple agencies.
Ellis previously clerked for the Honorable Frank D. Whitney of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina and has experience with the Department of Justice’s Antitrust and Commercial Litigation Divisions, as well as with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division. He has a strong track record of resolving conflicts, navigating regulatory frameworks, and delivering practical, business-focused legal solutions.
Earlier in his career, Ellis served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he led combat operations and earned two Purple Hearts. After leaving the Marine Corps due to the injuries he sustained, Ellis became a certified North Carolina law enforcement officer.
Ellis earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is admitted to practice in the Fourth Circuit, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Experience
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Tried over a dozen federal jury trials.
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Served as a National Security Prosecutor handling sensitive, compartmentalized information requiring extensive FBI security clearances.
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Drafted what may have been the first post-Bruen response to a constitutional challenge of a federal firearm conviction; the response was approved by the Attorney General’s office and circulated nationwide as a reference for other prosecutors.
Newsroom
News
Professional & Community
Civic Activities
- Volunteer Georgetown University Law Center Alumni Interviewer
Professional Activities
- North Carolina Bar Association
- South Carolina Br Association