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Sherry Lee Ellis
About Sherry
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
42%
24 years | 900 cases
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
20%
24 years | 400 cases
Debt Settlement
20%
24 years | 100 cases
Foreclosure
18%
23 years | 300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-250 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 27 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Sherry Ellis, P.A.
1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL, 34236
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Sherry Lee Ellis's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
57 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 57 reviews
Posted by Jeannie | April 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
I Have a Fresh Start!
I recently worked with Sherry Ellis during a challenging time in my financial life. I can confidently say that choosing her as my bankruptcy lawyer was one of my best decisions. Sherry's knowledge of bankruptcy laws was evident in how she navigated my case, providing insights I had not considered. Sh...
Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Looking for a great Bankruptcy lawyer
I was so terrified having to go thru bankruptcy. Sherry moves quick to get things rolling, very knowledgeable, easy to talk to, sweet, and understanding. Sherry is worth every penny you'll spend for her to help you out
Posted by Nydia | October 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Bankruptcy
It's not easy to file for bankruptcy, let alone find a reputable attorney. I didn't want to talk about it to any of my friends or relatives, so my husband googled "Best Bankruptcy Lawyer in Sarasota, FL" and Ms. Sherry Ellis' name popped up. I've had no regrets since contacting her. The amount of ...
Posted by Barbara | July 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
Sherry is Great!!
She has a great attitude and is there to help her clients. No matter if its filing bankruptcy or holding off. Which chapter to file she has all the knowledge you need!! Her empathy knows no bounds and she is there for you and will help or refer you to exactly to the best route for you.
Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2022 | 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.
Sherry Lee Ellis's Lawyer Endorsements
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Maria Gerber
Personal injury lawyer
Larry Heinkel
Tax lawyer
Terri Cromley
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Beth Waskom
Estate planning lawyer
Michael Perry
Criminal defense lawyer
Dana Gerling
Wills and living wills lawyer
Michael Ortiz
Personal injury lawyer
Thomas Hudson
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Haenel
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Dawn Bates-Buchanan
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2016
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Richard Garland Outstanding Program of the year award., Judge John Scheb Inn of Court
2013
Improving Homes Economic Empowerment, Connectingvolunteers.org
2012
2012 Walk to End Alzheimers, Alzheimers Association
2009
Team in Training fund raising, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
2008
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2003 - Present
President, Sherry F. Ellis, P.A.
1998 - 2003
Prosecuting Attorney, State Attorney's Office Sarasota, Fl
1996 - 1996
Intern, Sarasota County Governement Office
1985 - 1985
Intern, Goodwill Industries of Sarasota, FL
1984 - 1987
Director Of Adolescent Chemical Dependency Unit, Sarasota Palms Psychiatric Hospital
Associations
2014 - Present
BNI-Business By the BayChapter Member
2013 - Present
Solo and Small Firm Standing Committee, Sarasota County BarSarasota Bar Member
2012 - Present
Sarasota Downtown AssociationLocal Business Member
1999 - Present
Sarasota County Bar Association, South CountyAttorney Member
1998 - Present
Sarasota County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1997 - Present
Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of CourtMasters
2005 - 2012
Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2005 - 2011
American Bankruptcy InstituteAttorney Member
2004 - 2009
Florida Association for Women LawyersBoard Member
2004 - 2011
National Association of Bankruptcy AttorneysAttorney Member
Sample of 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.
Education
1998
Stetson University College of Law
law
1989
Institute of Family Therapy
1985
University of South Florida
MA - Masters
1983
University of South Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1978
Illinois State University
Associate of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Gulf Coast Legal Foundation Jewish Community center
Saving your Home
2012
Legal Aid of Manasota and Jewish Federation
Bankruptcy Overview
2011
North Port Library, North Port, FL
Mortgage Modification Seminar
2010
North Port Library, North Port, Fl
Learn new ways to keep your Home
2010
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.
2009
FCPC Conference
Foreclosures, Short sales and Bankruptcy
2006
Womens Resource Center in Venice, FL
Debt management
2006
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)
Bankruptcy Update
Publications
2013
The Docket Sarasota County Bar Association
Who is the Wizard of Oz?
2006
West Coast Woman Magazine
The 2005 Bankruptcy Reform Act and it's Implications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can banks do to me if I stop paying credit cards?
20 Jan 2023
Q&A
Contractor didn't done his work & started his company bankruptcy. How to receive my money back? Does his bankruptcy under law?
08 Nov 2022
Q&A
Am I liable for my wife's business debt?
04 Nov 2022