Ellen is an attorney in Barley Snyder’s Litigation Practice Group, bringing more than a decade of experience representing clients in complex civil litigation matters. She has successfully resolved cases at every stage of litigation, including dispositive motion practice, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. Ellen’s practice involves a variety of civil litigation matters, including fiduciary litigation, real estate litigation, commercial litigation, construction litigation, and collection matters.

Fiduciary
Ellen handles a range of fiduciary litigation matters, including trust disputes, will challenges, and estate administration disputes. She has experience representing both trustees and beneficiaries, providing a well-rounded perspective in resolving these sensitive issues. 

Real Estate
Her real estate litigation practice includes disputes involving agreements of sale, property disclosure issues, easements and rights-of-way, and landlord-tenant matters. She handles both residential and commercial landlord-tenant disputes and represents clients in tax assessment appeals.

Business
Ellen represents businesses in partnership and shareholder disputes, including dissolution matters and governance conflicts. She also handles a wide range of contract disputes, helping clients resolve issues efficiently while protecting their interests.

Construction
Ellen represents contractors and related professionals in breach of contract claims and mechanics’ lien enforcement actions. She also defends contractors against homeowner claims and advises on disputes involving contractor licensing in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Collections
Ellen assists clients with the enforcement of judgments in Pennsylvania and Maryland, including the domestication and collection of foreign judgments.

Ellen draws on extensive experience in liability and insurance defense, representing builders, developers, and contractors in construction defect and worksite injury claims, as well as insurers and policyholders in coverage disputes. She has defended retailers, restaurants, and transportation providers in a wide range of premises and general liability matters. Ellen also brings significant courtroom experience, including jury trials and appellate advocacy, and is well-versed in analyzing complex liability, causation, and damages issues to develop practical, cost-effective strategies aligned with her clients’ business objectives.

In addition to her litigation practice, Ellen has played an active role in mentoring and training junior attorneys, leading training sessions focused on legal research, case strategy, and professional development. 

Earlier in her career, Ellen practiced at a general practice firm, where she handled family law matters, real estate transactions, and estate planning and administration, providing her with a well-rounded and practical approach to client advocacy.

Ellen is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She has been recognized for her professional achievements, being named to the Super Lawyers Maryland Rising Stars list from 2014 through 2026 and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list in 2024 and 2025.