William David Ellis, Business Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A
PartneratSidley Austin LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing business in Los Angeles since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
William David Ellis is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Business · General · M&A
- Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About William David Ellis: William David Ellis is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Los Angeles
William concentrates on business, general, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Los Angeles, California
William takes business matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
William takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Los Angeles, California
William takes m&a matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Los Angeles, California
William takes real estate matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William David Ellis, business attorney serving Los Angeles
William David Ellis is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sidley Austin LLP. William works from Los Angeles, California and takes on business matters across the region.
William David Ellis is a lawyer practicing real estate, acquisition and disposition, construction and real estate development and 9 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Occidental College in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. William practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
William's approach to business cases
William David Ellis is a lawyer practicing real estate, acquisition and disposition, construction and real estate development and 9 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Occidental College in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. William practices at Sidley Austin LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1982
Occidental College
A.B. · 1979
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and A.B. in Occidental College.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and A.B. in Occidental College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
William David Ellis's office in Los Angeles
William's primary office is at 555 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90013. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William David Ellis
William 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 William David Ellis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William David Ellis
How much does it cost to hire William for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
William is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new business clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
William handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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