Elizabeth Jane Schwab - Philadelphia, PA
Attorney at McEldrew Purtell
Civil Rights Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA
1845 Walnut Street 18th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
2
Years
Experience
Philadelphia Civil Rights Lawyer
Updated: 07/16/2026
Areas of Practice
- Civil Rights
- Catastrophic Injury
- Wrongful Death
Attorney Information
Overview
Ellie Schwab is an attorney on McEldrew Purtell’s Civil Rights Team, focusing on wrongful conviction litigation. She brings a strong background in post-conviction advocacy, criminal defense, public interest law, and reentry work to her representation of individuals and families seeking accountability after wrongful convictions and other civil rights violations.
Ellie earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where she concentrated on public interest work and issues affecting underrepresented communities. Her commitment to criminal justice reform led her to work with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, The Legal Aid Society’s Wrongful Conviction Unit, and the Capital Habeas Unit at the Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Through these roles, Ellie developed a deep understanding of post-conviction litigation and the barriers faced by people wrongfully convicted of crimes.
Ellie also strengthened her trial advocacy skills through internships with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender and the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Her work with Federal Reentry Court further shaped her perspective on the long-term impact of incarceration and the importance of supporting people as they return home.
While in law school, Ellie received the Exemplary Pro Bono Service Award for her commitment to public interest work. She volunteered on multiple pro bono projects and served as President of the Equal Justice Foundation, where she helped fund opportunities for students pursuing unpaid public interest positions.
Ellie is originally from Texas and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin.
Awards and Honors
Other Sources of Feedback About Elizabeth Jane Schwab
Included on the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Pennsylvania Law School,
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
Honors: Exemplary Pro Bono Service Award
Non Legal Education
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The University of Texas,
Austin,
Texas
B.A.
Honors: With Honors
Major: Sociology
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Associate Attorney
Pro Bono Activities
- President of the Equal Justice Foundation
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania
Other Affiliations
- Pennsylvania Association of Justice
- American Association of Justice
- Attorneys Information Exchange Group
- Defender Association of Philadelphia
Photo
Contact
1845 Walnut Street
18th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone Number: 215-987-5645
Email: Send a message
Hours: 24/7
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