Ellen has been an attorney in North Carolina for 38 years. Her vigorous trial practice eventually evolved into the realm of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Twenty-five years ago in 1998, the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC) certified Ellen to mediate superior court cases (MSC). The Commission certified her to mediate family financial cases (FFS) in 2001. 

The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) has approved Ellen to mediate workers' compensation and state tort claims since 1999..

The NCDRC certified Ellen as a mediation trainer in 2009. She has been one of the primary trainers for the 40-Hour NCDRC Superior Court Mediation course since 2010.  Ellen is hailed by seasoned attorneys as one of the best mediation trainers in the state:

“I thought Ellen and her co-trainers were phenomenal.  The class was very interactive and hands-on, which I found more enjoyable and rewarding than hours of substantive lecture.  I would highly recommend Ellen to anyone else looking to take the mediator certification class.” Andy Houston (July 2022)

“The course and Ellen exceeded my expectations.  I have been litigating for 30+ years.  I learned a lot in those 2 weeks.”  Ken Fromkrecht (July 2022)

“Ellen was great. She encouraged an open and inviting learning environment where everyone was invited to collaborate. She made sure everyone got their hours in while respecting we are all full-time lawyers.” Kevin Williams (July 2022)

“I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this course.  The class materials, guest instructors, and of course, Ellen, made the training informative and fun. I am proud to say I was trained as a mediator by the absolute BEST! Ellen is awesome?”  Porsha Buresh (July 2022)

****** This course will assist attorneys in their law practices, in working with clients in and out of mediation, during negotiations, during trial and in life.  

****** This course will assist non-attorneys in their day-to-day negotiations with family, friends, co-workers, supervisors and others in daily life.

Next Offering: May 29-July 9, 2023 on Zoom every afternoon from 1:00pm to 5:15pm for two weeks.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1985)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S., 1982)

MEMBERSHIPS

North Carolina State Bar (Since 1985)

Federal District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Since 1985)

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (Since 1985)

Forsyth County Bar and NC 31^st Judicial District Bar (Since 1985)(formerly 21st District)

National Association of Administrative Law Judges (NAALJ) Since 2000)

North Carolina Academy of Superior Court Mediators - a Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (Limited, Merit-Based and By Invitation Only) (Since 2005)

North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)(Since 1985)

• Litigation Section (1985-2001)
• Family Law Section (since 1985)
• Workers Compensation Section (since 1985)
• Dispute Resolution Section Member (Since  2001)

• • Chair of the Mediation Practice Committee (2003-2004)
  • Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee (2004-2006)
  • Treasurer (2006-2007)
  • Secretary (2007-2008)
  • Chair of the Section Council (2008-2009)(and, as such, an ex officio member of the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC) (the state agency which regulates NCDRC certified mediators)

$300 one-time administrative fee and $300.00 per hour for time spent in mediation, reviewing materials submitted prior to mediation or traveling outside of Winston-Salem beyond 120 miles.