Gray Ellis

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 Super Lawyers® Selectees Gray Ellis included in a Super Lawyers® list 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 2026North 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

• Founder & Managing Partner
• Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
• Attorney

• Burton & Ellis, Partner
• Wake County, Juvenile Court Counselor

• 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

• 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

• North Carolina
• Specialties and Certifications
• Board Certified Family Law Specialist, NC Board of Legal Specialization

• North Carolina Advocates for Justice, 2008 - Present
• Durham County Bar Association, 2002 - Present
• Modern Family Committee of the North Carolina Family Bar (Chair)