Overview

Ellen represents management in a broad range of labor and employment matters, with a focus on traditional labor issues and employment litigation.

She has extensive experience handling NLRB proceedings, negotiations, and arbitration, and has successfully obtained injunctions in labor disputes and resolved strike-related issues. Ellen has appeared before federal and state courts, as well as administrative agencies, on matters including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage and hour claims, and other employment-related litigation.

Ellen is nationally recognized for her expertise in wage and hour law. She served as Editor-in-Chief for the first, second, and third editions of the ABA/BNA Treatise, The Fair Labor Standards Act, solidifying her as a leading authority in this area.

Ellen’s depth of experience across a range of labor and employment issues makes her a trusted advisor to management. Her strategic, results-oriented approach to both litigation and labor relations has earned her a reputation as a powerful advocate for employers in complex legal and labor matters.

Honors & Recognition

  • AVVO, Top-Rated Lawyer (2020)
  • America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, "Lawyer of the Year" in Labor Law - Management (2022); Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2006-2022, 2024-2026)
  • Recipient of Bloomberg Law’s Outstanding Contributor Award (2025)
  • Chambers USA Guide® (2016-2025)
  • Cushing-Gavin Award recipient for excellence in Labor-Management Relations (1993)
  • College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Fellow (2003)
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers (2021-2025)
  • Lelia J. Robinson Award recipient, Massachusetts Women's Bar Association (2006)
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® 
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers® (2004-2025); Top 100 (2011, 2017); Top 50 (2007-2013, 2016-2017)
  • Women New England Super Lawyers®, Top 50 (2013, 2017)
  • Who's Who Legal USA – Management Labour & Employment 

College of Labor and Employment Lawyers badge

About Me

Ellen enjoys traveling with her family and hiking in the White Mountains.

Credentials

Education

Boston College Law School

  • J.D., 1976

Regis College

  • A.B., 1967

Media

News

Events

Legal Analysis

Professional & Civic Associations

Civic

  • Regis College, Member of the Board of Trustees
  • Reading Municipal Light Department's Board of Commissioners, elected Chair as the first woman to hold that office in the Light Board's 102-year history

Professional

  • American Bar Association - Labor & Employment Law Section Council, Former Member; Federal Labor Standards Committee, Past Chair; Commission on the Status of Women, Section Liaison 
  • Boston Bar Association - Labor & Employment Law Section, Former Chair
  • Massachusetts Bar Association - Labor & Employment Law Council, Former Member
  • Admitted to the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers in 2003

Admissions

  • Massachusetts, 1976
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - First Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - MA

"Plans are nothing; planning is everything."

Dwight D. Eisenhower
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