Gray Ellis, Founder and Partner Ellis Family Law Durham

Gray Ellis believes perspective is powerful in the practice of law, especially when it involves family issues such as divorce, child custody and support, and end-of-life planning.

As founder and managing partner of Ellis Family Law, he has represented individuals and families for more than 20 years. He started his career as a juvenile court counselor.

“I saw firsthand the impact of dysfunctional family dynamics on the children,” he says. “I also grew up with a special needs family member and saw the impact of mental illness on my own family.”

Ellis gives back to the legal profession by chairing various local and state family law committees. He has spoken at legal seminars and has served as a guest lecturer at the law schools at North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina and Duke University.

He is on the board of Meals on Wheels Durham and created the Feed the Need Gala, an annual event that raises money to fight nutritional challenges among the elderly population. It has become Meals on Wheels’ single highest fundraising event.