Matthew Caruso Ellis, Civil Rights Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and Estate Litigation
Portland, OR
Practicing civil rights in Portland since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Matthew Caruso Ellis?
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Quick answer
Matthew Caruso Ellis is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Estate Litigation. Matthew has over 19 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Portland, OR
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Employment · Estate Litigation
- Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and Estate Litigation matters from Portland, OR.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew Caruso Ellis: Matthew Caruso Ellis is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Estate Litigation. Matthew has over 19 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew Caruso Ellis
Matthew concentrates on civil rights, employment, estate litigation, franchise, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Employment
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Estate Litigation
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Franchise
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General
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Litigation
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Sexual Harassment
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Trusts
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Wrongful Termination
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Civil Rights cases in Portland, Oregon
Matthew takes civil rights matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Portland, Oregon
Matthew takes employment matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon
Matthew takes estate litigation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Franchise cases in Portland, Oregon
Matthew takes franchise matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Portland, Oregon
Matthew takes general matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew Caruso Ellis — Over 19 years of Oregon civil rights experience
Matthew Caruso Ellis is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and Estate Litigation. Matthew has over 19 years of legal experience.
Mr. Matthew Caruso Ellis is a lawyer practicing employment law, litigation, civil rights and 10 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.F.A. degree from Emerson College in 1998, and has been licensed for 19 years. Matthew practices in Portland, OR.
Working with Matthew on a civil rights matter
Mr. Matthew Caruso Ellis is a lawyer practicing employment law, litigation, civil rights and 10 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.F.A. degree from Emerson College in 1998, and has been licensed for 19 years. Matthew practices in Portland, OR.
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and estate litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Matthew Caruso Ellis's legal education and bar admissions
Lewis & Clark College Law School
J.D. · 2007
Emerson College
B.F.A. Acting · 1998
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
Washington
2022 · ACTIVE
Oregon
2007 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in Lewis & Clark College Law School and B.F.A. Acting in Emerson College.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in Lewis & Clark College Law School and B.F.A. Acting in Emerson College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations
Federal Bar Association Oregon State Bar (Civil Rights Section-Executive Committee) Multnomah Bar Association Oregon Trial Lawyers Association Owen M
membership
Panner American Inn of Court
membership
Locations
Matthew Caruso Ellis's office in Portland
Matthew's primary office is at 621 SW Morrison, Suite 1025, Portland, OR, 97205. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Caruso Ellis
Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Caruso Ellis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Caruso Ellis
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Matthew is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Matthew handles civil rights matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Oregon
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





