James Ellison | Annapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney James Ellison is an experienced legal advocate who works tirelessly for his clients to obtain the greatest possible results. He fights to protect the rights of those who have been criminally accused by the State, have been wrongfully reprimanded or terminated by their employers, or have suffered personal injuries in automobile accidents or on the job. Mr. Ellison attended the University of Baltimore where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Jurisprudence in 2009. He was accepted for early entry to the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 2011. While in law school, Mr. Ellison was a member of the University’s American Association of Justice National Trial Team and a member of the Inter-American Human Rights International Moot Court Team. Mr. Ellison was also the Treasurer of the Student Bar Association and the Public Service Chair for the Criminal Law Association. In addition, Mr. Ellison also practiced as a supervised Assistant Public Defender for Baltimore City through the University’s clinical internship program.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
In March, I represented a young man of 18 years of age who was charged with felony drug distribution. I was able to have the felony charges dropped and allow him to not have any conviction on his record. This outcome made a big difference in his life, as he will not be a felon and will not have any conviction on his record as he continues through college and eventually into his career.

Last month, a case involving felony gun and drug possession was completely dismissed on my motion due to the prosecutor's fatal error in the case.

Also last month, I represented a young woman who had fallen into a drug addiction after a surgery. I was able to reduce the theft charges in several cases against a young woman, having all cases dismissed and reduced into a single case for drug court. She is now receiving the medical treatment she needs and a second chance. If successful, she will not have a conviction on her record and will be able to have a fresh start as she pursues her education and employment opportunities.

How did you build a successful practice?
Putting clients first and finding innovative ways to get them the best outcome possible.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
A client that puts your interests first, will be up front with you about the strengths and weaknesses in your case, and present options to get the best outcome possible.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge of the court and the attorneys can be a good resource in understanding and presenting the options. I am familiar with the judge in the local counties, e.g. Anne Arundel, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Howard, Dorchester, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I can provide an initial impression of the case and will generally provide my insight as to how the potential client should proceed.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
I need to know as much information as possible to give the best initial impression. The nature of the criminal charges, the reasons given for a termination of employment and any allegations of employment misconduct, or the circumstances surrounding the injury claimed.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
My style is one of a complete analysis. As a practitioner in several areas of law, I look at the whole person rather than just the individual case. I may see something in an employment claim that has criminal liability; or, I may see something in a workers' compensation claim that involves a claim for wrongful discharge. Having this holistic approaches gives the client a better resolution of their issues as well as how they proceed forward in other matters of their life.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping people resolve outstanding issues and improve their lives, whether that is getting them the compensation they deserve, freeing them from incarceration to see their families, or providing counsel to a person facing a rough patch in their life. Seeing an uplift in the client at the end of the process can be the most rewarding aspect of the attorney-client relationship.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and sports. I play in the bar association softball with other local attorneys and judges. I also attend several legal seminars and education trips a year.

Are you involved in your community?
I am active with several non-profit organizations advancing causes that are dear to me, including wetlands and water preservation and civil rights.

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Attorney	Bennett & Ellison P.C.	Annapolis, MD	Present

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
University of Baltimore School of Law	J.D.	Law School	2011
University of Baltimore	B.A.	Jurisprudence	2009

State / Court	Date
District of Columbia	2013
MD	2011

• Maryland State Bar Association
  Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association
  American Bar Association
  American Association for Justice
  Maryland Association for Justice
  Anne Arundel County Bar Association
  

Sun.	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.
Closed	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	9:00 am - 5:00 pm	Closed

James Ellison has been a Premium Member since May 19, 2017.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.

Verified Credentials	Date Verified
(2011) Licensed as Attorney in Maryland. Verified with Maryland State Bar Association.	May 19, 2017
(2013) Licensed as Attorney in District of Columbia. Verified with District of Columbia Bar.	May 19, 2017

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