We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
At first glance, it might not seem like the most natural transition. Shakespearean actors tired of the low pay are supposed to become graphic designers or teachers, not lawyers, right?
Not necessarily, says employment law litigator, Matthew Ellis. The Emerson College graduate - who followed his 1998 BFA in acting with a five-year stint in New York - says the progression from acting to litigation was remarkably fluid. "Actors are at their best when they're authentic and believable," the Seattle-raised Matthew explains. "I think that's also what makes a good trial lawyer. ... It's not just being conscious of your voice and movement, it's about telling a story that resonates with people on a very basic, true, and honest level."
Just as importantly, Matthew boasts a receptive, open-minded approach that makes him popular with clients. "A lot of times, people come to attorneys when they are at their worst," he says. "Often, no one has truly listened to them. I try to focus on listening and being present, because everyone has a story to tell."
Matthew's conversion from actor to attorney wasn't immediate. While trying to put together a piecemeal acting career in New York and Boston, performing mainly Shakespearean roles, he worked as a writer at a rock music website in Brooklyn that went under during the tech crash, and as a content manager/technical project manager in the marketing group at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. After a post-September 11th bout of soul searching, he and his modern dancer wife moved to Portland so he could attend law school and she could pursue a career as a high school counselor.
Specializing in employment law and civil rights law, Matthew and his wife spend much of their spare time at their home in Northeast Portland trying to get their kids to each their vegatables and brush their teeth.
5
Practice Areas
18 years
18 years
18 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2022
No misconduct found
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
621 SW Morrison, Suite 1025, Portland, OR, 97205
8 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Debra | September 17, 2010 | Employment & Labor
Completely Satisfied
I had an employment case where I was unjustly let go. I called Mr. Ellis' office in December and he had me come in immediately even though it was during the holidays. After reviewing my case he assured me that I was not at fault and that he believed strongly in my case. Just hearing that information...
Posted by Sarah | September 14, 2010 | Litigation
An attorney who is worth your time and his skills equals a case won!
Mr. Ellis out performed my expectations as my lawyer. He was not only courteous and respectful of the sensitive information regarding my case; he outshined in his ability to be a determined individual to fight for his client and not stand back while the other ‘side’ took ground. Mr. Ellis holds to co...
"Matt is an extremely dedicated, professional, and intelligent attorney who advocates hard for his clients. I have been the opposing lawyer on cases with Matt and have found him to be always prepared, and a tenacious advocate for his clients."
"Matt has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest employment attorneys in Oregon. I have heard it said from more than one defense attorney that when they have a case against Matt, it seems like that case is his only case. If you are looking for someone to represent you in a wrongful termination matter, Matt is an excellent choice."
"Matt is both an approachable and savvy counselor as well as a tenacious and fearless advocate for his clients."
"Matt is an intelligent, insightful, and generous professional. In addition to the excellent service he provides his clients, he contributes his time and energy to improving the overall state of the legal community and our system of justice. Both his colleagues and his clients are lucky to have his guidance."
Employment and labor lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyer
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Matthew C. Ellis
2007 - 2013
Attorney, Kell Alterman & Runstein, LLP
2001 - 2004
Content Manager / Consultant, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
1999 - 2000
Music Writer, Gigmania.com
2008 - Present
Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court
2007 - Present
Oregon Trial Lawyers Association
2014 - 2017
Multnomah Bar Association, Professionalism CommitteeMember
2012 - 2017
Oregon State Bar, Civil Rights SectionExecutive Committee Member
2007
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BFA
2015
Theater Tricks for Trial Lawyers
2015
Professionalism for Newer Lawyers-Speaker
2014
Professionalism for Newer Lawyers- Panel Moderator
2014
Fair Housing Act Overview
2014
Fair Housing Act Design and Construction
2013
Mental Health
2013
Everything you've always wanted to know about First Amendment Rights for Public Employees but were Afraid to Ask.
2013
Fair Housing Design and Construction Overview
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides