About Lisa Nicole

Lisa Nicole Ellis practices estate planning law in Bellevue, Washington — She founded Ellis Law, LLC in 2013, focusing on estate planning, probate, and elder law. The firm provides comprehensive services to clients navigating complex legal issues related to wills, trusts, and guardianships. Her office is known for its approach, ensuring that each client's needs are met with care and attention. She earned her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2000, after completing her B.A. in History at Whitman College in 1993.

During law school, she worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert H. Whaley in 2002. This role provided her with insights into the judicial process, which she later applied in her practice. Most of her work involves drafting estate plans, guiding clients through the probate process, and advising on elder law matters. Cases typically include the creation of wills and trusts, as well as navigating disputes that arise during probate. She also assists families in planning for long-term care and addressing issues related to aging.

Before establishing her own firm, she worked as an associate lawyer and trial lawyer, gaining extensive litigation experience. Her career began with a position as a lawyer advisor in 2000, followed by her role as session counsel to the Judiciary Committee in 2001. This background gave her a strong understanding of both the legal and legislative aspects of her practice areas. Lisa is an active member of several professional organizations, including the King County Bar Association and the Washington Association of Elder Law Lawyers. She also participates in the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where she has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Board of Publications Chair. Her involvement in these associations supports her staying current with legal developments and advocating for her clients.

In addition to her legal practice, Lisa is dedicated to educating the community about estate planning and elder law. She frequently speaks at conferences and seminars, sharing her expertise and insights with both legal professionals and the public. Her goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their legal matters, ensuring that their wishes are honored and their families are protected.

Education

University of Oregon School of Law

J.D. (2000) | Law

1997

Whitman College

B.A. (1993) | History

1989

Languages

English (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Founder and Principal

Ellis Law, LLC
2013

Associate Lawyer

Ellis Li & McKinstry PLLC
2004

Trial Lawyer

Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho
2002

Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert H. Whaley

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
2002

Session Counsel to Judiciary Committee

Washington State Senate Committee Services
2001

Lawyer Advisor

U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review
2000

Accepted Jurisdictions

Washington
9th Circuit

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court

Types of Cases Handled

Estate Planning Probate Elder Law

Legal Services Scope

Drafting Litigation Advisory

Professional Associations

King County Bar Association

has membership 2021 - Current

Washington Association of Elder Law Lawyers

has membership 2020 - Current

National Academy of Elder Lawyers

has membership 2019 - Current

American Immigration Lawyer s Association - National

Board of Publications Chair; Conference Speaker; Annual Conference Program Committee; Distance Learning Committee; Contributing Author 2004 - 2021

American Immigration Lawyer s Association - Washington Chapter

Executive Committee; CBP Liaison Committee Chair; Consular Liaison Chair, Vice Chair of CLE Committee 2004 - 2021

Office Locations

Main Office

 40 Lake Bellevue Drive Suite 100 Bellevue WA 98005