Steven Ellison, Esq.

Senior Legal Writer

Articles written

142

Steve is an experienced lawyer who writes legal articles for FindLaw.com.

Steve went to Iowa State University and received a bachelor’s degree with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, in English before going to the University of Minnesota Law School. He was on the law review and graduated magna cum laude, Order of the Coif. After graduation, he clerked for Chief Judge Harry H. MacLaughlin of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Steve then entered private practice. He focused on complex civil litigation, including class actions, product liability litigation, and contract disputes. He spent nearly 15 years in Chicago and became a litigation partner in a large global law firm. He then returned to Minneapolis and, after nearly five years with two Twin Cities firms, opened his own firm. He continued to focus on complex civil litigation, but added family law, intellectual property, and employment law to his practice. He has litigated cases in state and federal courts all across the country and has first-chair trial and appellate experience.

In addition to his legal practice, Steve has been an Adjunct Professor of Legal Writing at DePaul Law School in Chicago and the University of Minnesota. He mentored students for many years in moot court classes and competitions. He has spoken at many continuing legal education seminars about issues relating to the practice and profession of law.

Community Service

Steve believes that service is fundamental. He served on the board of the Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers, an organization that provides legal and educational services to help maintain the bond between imprisoned mothers and their children. He has represented mothers in abuse and neglect proceedings. He has specialized training in representing women who have survived domestic abuse. Steve has received commendations from the Minnesota Supreme Court for pro bono work he has done on behalf of members of the Red Lake Nation and a domestic abuse survivor.

Steve has varied interests. He loves Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton, and reads them for fun. He has run the Chicago Marathon twice and holds a black belt in a Korean martial art. Steve is a voracious reader, loves video games, and enjoys spending time with his wife of more than 35 years and their four children.

Latest Articles

Can I Sue a Rideshare Company as a Driver on the Road?

FindLaw discusses whether you can sue a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft, if one of their drivers hits you on the road and no-fault coverage.
Can I Sue USPS?

You can sue the United States Postal Service (USPS) for personal injuries or property damage, but not lost mail. Learn more at FindLaw.
Can I Sue Yelp for Defamation?

You can't sue Yelp directly for defamation relating to bad reviews. Learn how you can identify an anonymous online reviewer so you can sue them at FindLaw.
Can I Sue a Social Media Platform?

FindLaw discusses suing social media platforms and immunity under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, as well as exceptions to immunity.
Can I Sue X (Formerly Twitter)?

FindLaw discusses suing X, including section 230 immunity for third-party content, contractual limitations, discrimination, and employment claims.
Can I Sue the Department of Children and Family (DCF)?

FindLaw discusses suing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for violating parents' constitutional rights.
Can I Sue Convenience Stores or Gas Stations?

Depending on the specific occurrence, you may be able to sue for a mishap at a convenience store or gas station. Learn about negligence, duty of care, evidence, small claims court, and much more at FindLaw.com.
Can I Sue My Employer After a Robbery?

If you were the victim of a workplace robbery, you could sue your employer. Learn more with Findlaw's article about workplace robberies.
Can I Sue Quick Car Maintenance Services Like Oil Changes, Tires, and Brakes?

Sometimes car repairs don't work out as planned, but can you sue the shop for negligence? Learn about reasonable care, res ipsa loquitur, causation, and much more at FindLaw.com.
Can I Sue My Internet Provider?

If your internet provider fails to provide you with the service they promised, you may have legal remedies available. Learn about user agreements, ISPs, the FCC, and much more at FindLaw.com.

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