Laura J. Ellis

Laura J. Ellis is a partner and seasoned civil litigator at First & Fourteenth PLLC, with more than a decade of experience handling complex lawsuits and disputes. Her practice covers the full litigation process, from pre-complaint strategy through trial. She represents individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other clients in high-stakes matters. Her background includes service as an Assistant US Attorney, where she defended the federal government in tort, employment, and Administrative Procedure Act cases.

Ellis earned a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif. She received a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, magna cum laude, from the University of Denver on a full athletic soccer scholarship. Her education was followed by clerkships with Judge David M. Ebel of the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and Chief Justice Nancy E. Rice of the Colorado Supreme Court.

Ellis handles complex civil litigation involving business disputes, real estate conflicts, personal injury defense, employment matters, and other contested proceedings. She has represented clients in arbitrations and state and federal courts across the country. Her experience includes business-divorce arbitration, property-access disputes, class actions, and litigation involving government agencies. She focuses on practical case strategy and negotiated resolutions when possible while preparing matters for trial when settlement does not resolve the dispute.

Laura J. Ellis brings extensive trial, arbitration, and federal litigation experience to complex civil disputes. She is admitted in Colorado, the US District Court for the District of Colorado, and the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Her professional involvement includes membership in the Colorado Bar Association and the Tenth Circuit Historical Society. She continues to represent clients through investigations, negotiations, hearings, trials, and appellate-related matters requiring detailed strategy and courtroom advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, First & Fourteenth PLLC
• Member, Tenth Circuit Historical Society
• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Fellow, Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Colorado School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Denver
  BA in Psychology & Sociology with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges