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Sherry Lee Ellis

Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney at Sarasota, FL

4.8   53 reviews

Licensed for 24 years

Free consultation

About Sherry

Learn Sherry’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Chapter 7 bankruptcy
    42%
    Preparing and filing chapter 7 cases

    21 years, 900 cases

  2. Chapter 13 bankruptcy
    20%
    Preparing and filing chapter 13 cases

    21 years, 400 cases

  3. Debt settlement
    20%
    I negotiate mortgage, credit card, medical, small business debt, private STUDENT LOANS and modify STUDENT LOANS in bankruptcy court.

    21 years, 100 cases

  4. Foreclosure
    18%
    I help clients when they can't pay their mortgage. If they receive a summons I will draft an answer. I may also be able to modify their mortgage and strip junior liens.

    20 years, 300 cases

EXPERIENCING DEBT, LOSS OF JOB, HOME, HEALTH? KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. LET ME HELP YOU GET A FRESH START

Born in Evanston, IL and raised in Arlington Heights, IL., I came to Sarasota in 1978.    I took a job waitressing at the Mel-O-Dee Restaurant and put myself through College at USF/New College  Campus.  I returned to USF and earned a Master's Degree. After Graduation, I worked at Palms Psyciatric Hospital.  When I had my first born, I had the luxury of staying home for 10 years and raising two children.  The oldest just recently graduated from FSU Law and I am very proud of him.  He is an old soul who exercises his passion and channels his energy in a way to promote change. My daughter can excel in any profession she chooses, she's just trying to find out what that profession is.

 

 I attended Stetson College of Law when my youngest entered Kindergarten. Going from Sesame Street at home to Law School in St. Petersburg was quite an experience. When I graduated from Stetson Law I was 40 years old.  I had interned at the State Attorneys Office and was offered a job.  I worked as an Assistant State attorney to Earl Moreland for 5 years.  I was able to practice in Misdemeanors, Juvenille, Domestic Abuse and Felony Division. I tried over 40 Jury Trials and numerous Bench Trials.  It was a wonderful experience and after 5 years I went out on my own. 

 

I opened up a small practice back in 2003 in Venice, FL.  I wanted to practice Bankruptcy and help those in need of professional guidance and I wanted to educate them on their options.  I thought with my Mental Health background, helping people who are stressed and overwhelmed would be right up my alley. After the rash of Hurricanes and the scars they left behind, my practice grew and I opened an additional practice in Sarasota, FL.  I still run two offices and I still do only debt related law.  

 

My passion is Music, walking, traveling, food, wine, reading, film and being outdoors. At one point I was a runner and ran 12 1/2 Marathons and 12 Full Marathons.  It was the people in my group that motivated me to get up and train.  Once the group dissapated I slowly lost the drive and ambition. I love participating in the community I live in.  Sarasota is my home and I love the people here.

Photos and videos

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Licensed for 24 years
State FL
Status Member in Good Standing
Acquired 1998
Updated 02/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Sherry

Sherry Ellis, P.A.

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  53 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sherry is the best!
Sherry is so genuine, sweet, and quick to respond. She has great communication and provides the best advice to her clients.
Posted by Rick | April 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Five stars aren’t enough!!
I first met with Sherry in 2019 after going through a brutal divorce and was financially devastated. Sherry was amazing to work with as she guided me through the process. I had a lot of debt and thought bankruptcy was my only option. However after getting a dream job and putting my life back together I was able to dig out of the hole over 2 years. I’m thankful Sherry took the time to meet with me and showed me a pathway to freedom. No other practice can compare to the amount of compassion and understanding like she showed me. I will always be thankful! Thanks again Sherry you helped me more than you’ll ever know. Rick
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Posted by Kassie | March 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful and Caring
Filing for bankruptcy is a hard and scary time but I am so thankful we contacted and hired Sherry to help the process. Not only was I am impressed by how much she cared and the knowledge she provided from our first conversation, I knew I had a lot less to worry about going through the process with someone like her. Communication is amazing and she truly cares about protecting her clients! I would absolutely recommend Sherry to anyone I know having to file for bankruptcy.
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Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Others Say They Are the Best in Sarasota, Sherry Ellis Is the Best
Sherry helped me with a complicated Chapter 7 filing. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Her primary goal is to protect her clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone going through a financial situation that may require bankruptcy.
Posted by Katlynn | December 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The absolute BEST there is
I really can’t say enough about how wonderful Sherry is and how grateful I am to have found her and had her represent me as my lawyer through my bankruptcy process. Sherry is simply the best lawyer you can hire and her professionalism, organization, knowledge, dedication, trustworthiness and genuine kindness and compassion for me as a client helped me get through this really tough time in my life with having to file bankruptcy and she helped put me at ease so many times. I truly appreciated how she was always there if I ever needed to ask her a question, which there was a lot, and I could always count on her replying right away and taking the time explain things to me. If you want to make sure you are in good hands then hiring Sherry is the way you should go. I could not recommend her more.
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Posted by Helen | August 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Mrs Ellis helped me through a very dificult time. The bankruptcy went through with out any problems.
Posted by Maria | June 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and very knowledgeable
I contacted and hired Sherry Ellis for bankruptcy. She was excellent. Answered all my questions and concerns I had. I recommend her. She walks you thru a difficult time and is very professional.
Posted by anonymous | May 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Sherry Ellis is very professional and wonderful at quickly responding to our questions. We did not have a clue how to proceed with bankruptcy. She explained all options and walked us through the procedure, We highly recommend her.
Posted by Mark | April 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highest Recommendation
Sherry Ellis is highly effective , professional and a pleasure to work with. She understands and relates to priorities and needs and works to meet and protect them. I give Sherry my highest recommendation.
Posted by Micki | April 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bankruptcy attorney
The best and most trustworthy attorney I have ever dealt with. She walked us through the process step-by-step and was always available to answer all questions
Posted by Eva | September 9, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very responsive attorneys are hard to find!
Every time I had a question (which was a lot) she responded very quickly to my emails and I didn't ever feel lost in the shuffle. She is also taking care of a wayward creditor who just isn't getting the hint and has kept me in the loop along every step of the way.
Posted by Niki | July 31, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional & Caring
I met with Sherry on separate occasions, before hiring her to handle my bankruptcy case. She has a big heart and was there to help guide me during my crazy financial chaos crisis. I feel she was a good choice and definitely would recommend her.
Posted by Denise | July 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney
Attorney Sherry Ellis have been a real blessing to me when I first went to her office I was very nervous and scared she made me feel so relieved after our visit she worked very closely with me always answered my questions always got back with me in a timely manner when I left messages always explained to me anything I didn’t understand good customer service I would highly recommend her services
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Posted by Staci | June 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bankruptcy lawyer
I hired Sherry Ellis as my bankruptcy lawyer. She explained my options in a clear and detailed manner. She answered any questions I had in a timely and understandable way. She took sincere interest in my case. I would recommend Sherry as she is a competent and sincere lawyer.
Posted by Jason | June 28, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bankruptcy
Sherry Ellis help me with my bankruptcy walk me through every step of it and got me through it. And she helped me start over fresh again I can't thank her enough.
Posted by MW | April 21, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very Caring and Knowledgeable Lady
We had a consultation with Ms. Ellis regarding our RV. Due to a medical hardship we can no longer drive it or make payments on loan. She has advised us of our options and given us her research material to help us fully understand our choices. She is compassionate and patient and prompt to answer any questions. I would highly recommend her services!
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Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Cares for my all the way through
This lawyer is not like most , she really cares about each case , responds very rapidly to a case that's years old , I've used other lawyers in the past that just wanna get $$ , sherry wants the best outcome.
Posted by Amanda | April 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Help & Assurance in time of need!
When we found ourselves in a difficult circumstance facing foreclosure after a denied modification request, we needed guidance and reassurance. We reached out to Sherry and were pleased with her quick response, attentiveness, and kind reassurance. She continues to be helpful as we navigate this process always assisting with our questions and providing ongoing guidance in the decisions we need to make. I am grateful to have hired her to walk us through this, and would recommend anyone else facing financial uncertainty to do the same!
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Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney !
Sherry Ellis has been genuine and Caring Person through my filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, I was very nervous and confused, but She always kept me informed and explained anything I was concerned with, If you have heavy debt and need a new start Sherry will get it done. Would definitely Recommend Sherry Ellis
Posted by Sara | April 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sarasota Pavers
We are a new client to her practice and we are currently still in the process of figuring out bankruptcy or a settlement but Mrs Ellis has been very attentive to our needs. She has really made an effort to keep us updated on her every move and we feel confident we will receive the results we would like with her help.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 200-250 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President
  • Sherry F. Ellis, P.A.
  • 2003 - Present
  • Prosecuting Attorney
  • State Attorney's Office Sarasota, Fl
  • 1998 - 2003
  • Intern
  • Sarasota County Governement Office
  • 1996 - 1996
  • Intern
  • Goodwill Industries of Sarasota, FL
  • 1985 - 1985
  • Director Of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Unit
  • Sarasota Palms Psychiatric Hospital
  • 1984 - 1987
View all work experience

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law
  • law
  • 1998
  • Institute of Family Therapy
  • 1989
  • University of South Florida
  • MA - Masters
  • 1985
  • University of South Florida
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1983
  • Illinois State University
  • Associate of Arts
  • 1978
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Richard G. Cors, Appellant v. State of Florida, Appelee
  • The Court affirmed CORS conviction or Violation of Domestic Injunction
  • Laverna Ketcham vs. State of Florida
  • The Court affirmed the County Court's Order.

Associations

  • BNI-Business By the Bay
  • Chapter Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Solo and Small Firm Standing Committee, Sarasota County Bar
  • Sarasota Bar Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Sarasota Downtown Association
  • Local Business Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Sarasota County Bar Association, South County
  • Attorney Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court
  • Masters
  • 1997 - Present
  • Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2005 - 2012
  • American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Attorney Member
  • 2005 - 2011
  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers
  • Board Member
  • 2004 - 2009
  • National Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys
  • Attorney Member
  • 2004 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Legal Elite
  • Florida Trend Magazine
  • 2017
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Richard Garland Outstanding Program of the year award.
  • Judge John Scheb Inn of Court
  • 2013
  • Improving Homes Economic Empowerment
  • Connectingvolunteers.org
  • 2013
  • 2012 Walk to End Alzheimers
  • Alzheimers Association
  • 2012
  • Team in Training fund raising
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
  • 2009
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • The Docket Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Who is the Wizard of Oz?
  • 2013
  • West Coast Woman Magazine
  • The 2005 Bankruptcy Reform Act and it's Implications
  • 2006

Speaking Engagements

  • Gulf Coast Legal Foundation Jewish Community center
  • Saving your Home
  • 2013
  • Legal Aid of Manasota and Jewish Federation
  • Bankruptcy Overview
  • 2012
  • North Port Library, North Port, FL
  • Mortgage Modification Seminar
  • 2011
  • Is your home upside down? Know your Options, Get Educated and Informed
  • Tuesday, May 25, 6 – 7:30 p.m. North Port Library, Juliano Room How to Save Your Home Join local attorney Sherry Ellis as she outlines the changes in Florida Bankruptcy Code.
  • 2010
  • North Port Library, North Port, Fl
  • Learn new ways to keep your Home
  • 2010
  • FCPC Conference
  • Foreclosures, Short sales and Bankruptcy
  • 2009
  • Womens Resource Center in Venice, FL
  • Debt management
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (10)
Endorse Sherry
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Sherry for several years and have on several occasions referred clients of mine in need of a bankruptcy attorney to her. They have all been very happy with her services!! I wouldn't hesitate to refer my own family members and friends to her, if they needed the services of a bankruptcy attorney!"
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I am endorsing Ms. Ellis as a Bankruptcy, Asset Protection and Consumer Rights Lawyer. As a long time legal aid lawyer in Southwest Florida, I often consulted with Ms. Ellis to assist scores of clients to save their homes, protect assets such as retirement savings, to stop creditor harassment and to find the way to a sustainable lifestyle, through debt management including ridding themselves of dischargeable debts. Over the years Ms. Ellis has been a key speaker at regional Save Your Homes seminars teaching consumers about their rights under the bankruptcy law and assisting thousands of area homeowners work through the abrupt life-changing ravages of the Great Recession. Ms. Ellis cares about each one of her clients and will help you put your problems behind you so you can make a fresh start."
Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney | Mar 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Sherry for many years in this legal community. She is very well respected by her fellow attorneys. I would refer any client of mine to her if the need arose. We are fortunate to have her in Sarasota."
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney | Jul 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sherry and I have worked together when we have mutual clients. She is knowledgeable in her area of practice as well as compassionate with her clients. I highly endorse Sherry for her skills as a bankruptcy attorney."
Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sherry Ellis is an excellent lawyer, and I have been entrusting my own clients to her for years when they need to consult on debt or bankruptcy. Time after time, I hear that she is patient and empathetic, and has a mastery of the debtor-creditor relationship. I would readily refer any of my own family to her, and endorse her unequivocally to anyone needing a sympathetic ear and expertise in financial law."
Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Sherry is not only an excellent attorney who is extremely knowledgeable in her field, she also truly cares about her clients and is sure to always go the extra mile for them. I recommend this Attorney for both her high ethical standards, but also her experience in the field. She is actively involved with the legal community, donating her time when called upon."
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Personal injury
Social Security & Disability
Estate planning
Criminal defense
Wills and living wills
Personal injury
DUI and DWI
Speeding and traffic ticket
Sarasota Chapter 7 bankruptcy Lawyer Sherry Lee Ellis
Sherry Lee Ellis
Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney
Sarasota, FL
Licensed for 24 years
Free Consultation