Biography

Robert Ellis has wanted to be a Jacksonville attorney since graduating from high school here in 1989.  He enrolled at the University of South Florida in 1989 and ran NCAA Division I cross country.  In 1991 he transferred to Florida State University and graduated in 1993.  He earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1998.  While in law school Robert was a member of the Moot Court Board and received an award for competing at legal writing and oral argument.

After law school Robert worked as an Assistant Public Defender.  He handled a large case load of criminal cases and went to trial over 40 times.  Robert has worked as an associate attorney at a prestigious civil law firm and represented Fortune 500 companies such as General Motors, Tyson Foods, and BP.  He has also represented high profile public officials in federal court.

Robert values public service.  He is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association Professionalism Committee and has provided many pro bono hours with Jacksonville Area Legal Aid since 2008.  He has served as a board member for the Inside Outside Program and mentored teenagers charged with adult crimes.  He was active with the YMCA Adventure Guides Program when his children were young and served in many positions within the program, including the head position as Federation Chief from 2010 through 2012.

Robert spends most of his free time with his wife and two children in Jacksonville Beach.  He also enjoys running, surfing and golf.

Recognized as Pro Bono spotlight attorney by the Financial News & Daily Record, March 6, 2017 and July 2, 2020.  

Received the Jacksonville Area Legal Aid Kathy Para Outstanding Public Service Award, September 18, 2019.

Admission Details

  • 1998, Florida
  • 2000, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • 2012, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Law School Attended

  • St. Thomas University School of Law
    • Class of 1998
    • J.D.
    • Outstanding Competitor, National Moot Court Competition

University Attended

  • University of South Florida
    • Class of 1991
    • A.A.
    • NCAA Division I Cross Country
  • Florida State University
    • Class of 1993
    • B.S.
    • Criminology

Associations & Memberships

  • Jacksonville Bar Association, Member, 1999— (Member, Professionalism Committee, 2007—)

Professional Affiliations

  • 'AV' Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating.
  • Avvo rates Robert 'Superb', scoring 10 of 10.
  • Committee Member - Florida Bar Member Benefits Committee (2011-2017)
  • Board Member - Florida Lawyers Legal Insurance Corp. Inc. (2015 to Present)
  • Board Member - Florida Legal Insurance Plan, Inc. (2015 to 2021)
  • Jacksonville Beaches Bar Association, (2013 to Present)
    • Secretary (2018)
    • Member Spotlight
  • Committee - Member - Jacksonville Bar Association Professionalism and Mentoring Committee (2013-Present)
  • Member - Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (2014-2016)
  • President - Association of Professionals/American Association of Business Networking (2018 to Present)
  • Board Member and Volunteer for Inside Outside Program – For At Risk Youth (2007-2010)
  • YMCA Adventure Guides Program (Choctaw Federation) (2006-2012)
  • Federation Chief - YMCA Adventure Guides (2012-2014)
  • Jacksonville's 904 Magazine a top Jax attorney (2010)
  • Member - Knights of Columbus, Council No. 5535 (2013-Present)
    • Recorder (2017)
    • Warden (2018)

Media

  • Guest, 'The Horse's Mouth' podcast with host Tom McManus, May 2023