Gray Ellis - Durham, NC
Attorney at Ellis Law Firm PLLC
Family Law Lawyers in Durham, NC
3511 Shannon Road Suite 150 Durham, NC 27707
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
24
Years
Experience
Durham Family Law Lawyer
Updated: 02/16/2026
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Estate Planning
Attorney Information
Overview
Gray Ellis is the founder and managing partner of Ellis Family Law and has successfully represented individuals and families in their most important legal matters for more than 20 years. He is also Board Certified by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization - a distinction held by less than 2% of all family law practitioners in the state - and has been recognized for excellence in the practice of law by numerous independent attorney rating services.
In addition to his training and experience, Gray believes his effectiveness on behalf of clients is due in part to his personal experience as a parent who has gone through a separation.
"Perspective is very powerful in the practice of law, and especially in issues involving divorce, child custody, support, and end of life planning. I feel my background makes me a more effective advocate on behalf of our clients and provides an extra layer of determination and understanding about exactly what it is they are going through when they hire our firm." - Gray Ellis
Gray is also a believer in giving back to both the legal profession and broader communities served by the practice. He is a Board Member of Meals on Wheels Durham and created the Feed the Need Gala, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and funding to fight nutritional challenges among our elderly population.
In his free time, Gray enjoys tennis, golf, traveling and watching ACC sporting events.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2010 - 2012
- Super Lawyers Star Search, 2010
- AVVO Rating 10.0 - Top Attorney Divorce
- Martindale Hubbell A.V. Rated, 2016
- BBB Rating A+
- BBB of Eastern NC, Torch Award Finalist, 2017
- Best of Durham - Readers' Favorite Platinum Winner, 2014 - 2017
- North Carolina Leaders in the Law Honoree, 2017
- Best of The Triangle - Indy Week
- Leaders in Law Honoree, Lawyers Weekly, 2017
- Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina Honoree, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016
- Top 100 Lawyer Honoree, The National Advocates, 2014 - 2016, 2014 - 2016
- Art of Law Excellence Award, 2015
- Rising Star, North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2010 - 2012
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite, 2016 - 2018
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award, 2015
- AV Preeminent Award, 2015 - 2019
- AV Preeminent Judicial Award, 2016 - 2017
- Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina Honoree
- Charlotte Magazine North Carolina’s Super Lawyers, 2016
- AVVO 10.0 Rating
- Best Lawyers in America Honoree
Other Sources of Feedback About Gray Ellis
Included on the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2023 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2012 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
- 2011 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
North Carolina Central University School of Law,
Durham,
North Carolina
J.D.
Honors: cum laude
-
North Carolina Central University School of Law,
Durham,
North Carolina
-
Non Legal Education
-
North Carolina State University,
Raleigh,
North Carolina
B.A.
Honors: With High Honors
Major: Political Science
-
North Carolina State University,
Raleigh,
North Carolina
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Founder & Managing Partner
-
Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- Burton & Ellis, Partner
- Wake County, Juvenile Court Counselor
Classes and Seminars
-
Divorce Clinic, Self Help, 2002 - Present
-
Equitable Distribution Clinic, 2004 - Present
-
Guest lecturer, UNC School of Women and Gender Studies
-
Guest lecturer, Duke University School of Law
- University of North Carolina School of Women and Gender Studies, Guest Lecturer
Pro Bono Activities
- Board Member of Meals on Wheels of Durham
- Founder, Feed the Need Gala
- Habitat for Humanity
- Sponsor, Compass Center for Women Passion and Purple Event
- Sponsor, Durham Blues & Brews Festival Benefitting The Exchange Club of Greater Durham
- The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina
Specialties and Certifications
- Board Certified Family Law Specialist, NC Board of Legal Specialization
Other Affiliations
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice, 2008 - Present
- Durham County Bar Association, 2002 - Present
- Modern Family Committee of the North Carolina Family Bar (Chair)
Photo
Contact
3511 Shannon Road
Suite 150
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919-944-4811
Fax: 877-678-1584
Email: Send a message
Disclaimer
Your Profile? Update Now
When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.