Sherry Lee Ellis

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.