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As the founder and managing partner of Ellis Family Law, Gray Ellis has spent more than two decades guiding individuals and families through their most critical legal challenges. He is Board Certified by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by less than 2% of family law attorneys in the state, and has been recognized by multiple attorney rating organizations for his work.
Gray’s personal experience as a parent who has gone through a separation enhances his ability to support clients facing family law disputes. He understands firsthand the emotional and legal complexities of divorce, child custody, and financial support, which strengthens his advocacy on their behalf.
Dedicated to community involvement, Gray is a Board Member of Meals on Wheels Durham and the founder of the Feed the Need Gala, an event focused on raising awareness and funding to combat senior nutrition challenges.
In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and golf, traveling, and attending ACC sporting events.
3
Practice Areas
24 years
24 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Gray online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sharon | October 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Ellis represented me in a very unusual and tense custody case. From the moment I walked into his office, I was treated with respect and consideration from the entire staff. There was not a single moment during the process of preparing for court or in court that I was not confident in our str...
Posted by Michael | September 29, 2015 | Hired Attorney
In 2012 I hired Gray Ellis as my family lawyer in a child custody case. He was able to get me more time that I had originally agreed too. Throughout the case, Gray kept in contact with me. If I called and Gray wasn't able to answer me at that moment, contact was made within 2 hours during regular bus...
Posted by anonymous | September 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Over the course of my child custody and support legal battles, I have worked extensively with both Gray and Autumn. They are a true rarity in this profession. Ellis Family Law has always put my legal and financial interests above their own bottom line. If you have legal matters pending in family c...
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2015
Gray and his team are amazing. Gray is prompt, professional and extremely knowledgeable. If you are looking for the best divorce attorney don't hesitate to retain Gray.
Posted by Laura | December 9, 2014
When I could not trust my own decisions Gray was a confident advisor. He took the worry and the emotion out of my hands. He sweated the small stuff as he artfully parlayed the law, his instincts, and sized up his opposition. He deftly created the best case for the most positive outcome. He delivered....
"I have practiced family law in Durham as a colleague of Gray Ellis for many years. I have worked with Gray and the attorneys in his office many times whether as opposing counsel on a family law case or by serving as mediator for attorneys in his office. Gray is committed to providing quality representation to each client, and his firm is always pleasant, dedicated and professional to work with. Ellis Family Law is a solid choice for clients with family law matters in the Triangle area."
"I am impressed with Mr. Ellis's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
"Gray Ellis and his firm are highly professional and very capable handling any family law issues like divorce, alimony, custody and division of marital property. I have practice Family Law in Durham for thirty years and have had many cases where the opposing party has been represented by Gray and his firm. They are dedicated to the interests of their clients but seek to minimize aggravation and bitterness while reaching a fair solution. He and his lawyers are extremely capable in trial when settlement cannot be reached. This firm has an excellent reputation in the legal community and its clients speak well of their experiences with the attorneys and support personnel of Ellis Family Law."
"Gray is a very knowledgeable and detailed family law attorney. He always stays up to date (if not ahead) of the latest trends, case law and research in the family law practice. I often call upon Gray for his advice and guidance when dealing with issues I may be uncertain of or am seeking confirmation about a certain issue I am dealing with. Without hesitation I have referred and will continue to refer cases to Gray and his firm."
"I endorse Gray. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer!! Attorney Gray Ellis is one of the most competent and efficient domestic attorneys in the Triangle Area. His firm is normally the first that I refer if I am unable to assist those in need. If I had a personal domestic matter, I would retain his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've referred several clients and friends to Mr. Ellis for his expertise, compassion, and persistent advocacy. Should I have need, Mr. Ellis is likely my first choice for a family law attorney."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
North Carolina Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
North Carolina Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
North Carolina Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Torch Awards for Ethics, Better Business Bureau
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
North Carolina Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Best Lawyer Honoree, Best Lawyers in America
2021
North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Best Lawyer Honoree, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Best Of Durham Honoree, Durham Magazine
2018
Best of Durham, Durham Magazine
2017
Best of Durham, Durham Magazine
2017
Torch Award, Better Business Bureau - Eastern North Carolina
2017
North Carolina Leaders in Law Honoree, Lawyers Weekly
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Best of Durham, Durham Magazine
2015
Best Attorneys, Durham Magazine
2015
Best Attorneys, Indy Weekly
2014
Best Attorneys, Durham Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Star Search, Super Lawyers
2007
Board Certified Specialist - Family Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2008 - Present
Partner, Ellis Family Law, PLLC
2002 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Durham County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
North Carolina Academy of Trial LawyersMember
2014 - 2016
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law SectionChair
sole custody with support and unequal division of assets in my clients favor
2001
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2015
Same Sex Divorce Issues
2012
Temporary Hearings
2011
Commencing Family Law Actions
2009
NCC School Of Law
2008
Unitarian Universalist Church
2002
Divorce Clinic
2002
Equitable Distribution
2024
2011
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides