Peter M. Ellis concentrates his practice in the area of general commercial and business litigation, and advising clients concerning a wide variety of business related disputes and transactions. His practice includes the representation of national and multi-national clients in the areas of franchise, licensing and distribution, product liability, unfair competition, trademark, trade secrets and other intellectual property claims, contract disputes and defending consumer related claims in numerous jurisdictions.

Mr. Ellis has litigated complex commercial matters including class action lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, and has extensive experience utilizing various methods of alternative dispute resolution. Additionally, he has successfully represented companies and individuals in internal investigations. He also has significant experience in corporate franchise and distribution law as well as insurance and reinsurance litigation, and representing chemical and performance materials companies in various business disputes and transactions. Mr. Ellis often serves as coordinating counsel in connection with domestic and international representations, including a wide variety of corporate and real estate transactions.

Mr. Ellis has contributed to articles appearing in the International Journal of Franchising and Distribution Law and has prepared numerous articles for the International Franchise Association's Annual Legal Symposium. He has spoken extensively on improving collegiality within the legal profession as a member of the ABA Raise the Bar Task Force.

Mr. Ellis is currently a member of the Chicago office's Hiring Committee and Pro Bono Committee. He also is the co-chair of the Chicago office Diversity Committee.

ADMISSIONS

• Illinois
• Ohio
• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

Adhésions

• American Bar Association, Member
• Chicago Bar Association, Member
• National Bar Association, Member
• ABA Section of Litigation, Co-Chair of Membership Committee (2007-Present)
• ABA Section of Litigation 2005-2006 Young Lawyer Leadership Program Fellow
• ABA Section of Litigation Raise the Bar Task Force (2005-2007)
• ABA Section of Litigation Federal Courts Task Force (2005-2007)
• Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Trial Techniques Committee (2001-2002)

Publications

• Co-author, "Report from America," International Journal of Franchising and Distribution Law (2001, 2000)

Expérience de clerc

• Law Clerk to the Honorable Algenon L. Marbley, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Activités civiques et caritatives

• Leadership Greater Chicago (2006-07 Fellow)
• Board Member, Chicago Botanic Garden
• Board Member, Jazz Institute of Chicago
• Executive's Club of Chicago, Member
• Barry Elementary School, Lawyer in the Classroom Program (2004-2005) and Principal for the Day (2005)
• Board Member, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (2001-2004)