Ellen Davis

Practice Areas

Ellen provides strategic advice and counsel to clients on a range of crises including government investigations and enforcement actions, private litigation, cyber incidents and other high-stakes matters with the potential to affect reputation and value. Ellen also has an active practice advising non-profit organizations, independent schools and universities, and she has a number of pro bono clients. In crisis matters that involve litigation, Ellen works closely with clients, in-house and outside counsel to ensure that all communications are informed by, and in support of, legal strategy. As a former government attorney, she recognizes that legal concerns are paramount and carefully balances those interests with clients’ reputational imperatives. Recent and representative assignments include advising an electric vehicle manufacturer in connection with recalls and labor issues, an international non-profit fine arts institution in connection with employee litigation, a corporate Board of Directors in connection with an investigation into employee misconduct, and a Fortune 100 CEO in connection with a Board-mandated executive transition.

Career

Ellen has leveraged her prior experience as a government attorney and network news producer to tell compelling stories that protect reputations and mitigate harm. She served as Counsel and Spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, an attorney/advisor at DOJ and in the White House Counsel’s Office. She also oversaw legal coverage for ABC Network News.

Professional Memberships

Posse Foundation: New York Advisory Board

Association to Benefit Children: Volunteer Tutor

Friends of Shelter Island Music: Board Member

Publications

Ellen speaks regularly about litigation support and crisis management at professional conferences, including the Federal Bar Association, Practicing Law Institute and the National Employment Lawyers Association.