EXPERIENCE

Donald C. Ellis joined the firm in 1984.  Since that time he has worked with a wide variety of business clients, including extensive work with the firm's utility clients.  Donald Ellis has specialized areas of practice for utility clients in bankruptcy issues, regulatory issues, and a wide range of labor and employment law issues.  He works with management on a daily basis, drafts contracts, negotiates contracts, and authors legal opinions.  Mr. Ellis has assisted numerous Alaska companies in negotiating collective bargaining agreements.  He has represented management in grievance arbitrations involving employee discipline, terms and conditions of employment, and subcontracting.  He has appeared before state and federal administrative agencies, and has appeared as counsel in the state courts of Alaska in a wide variety of employment and wage and hour litigation.

Mr. Ellis is experienced in cooperative issues such as capital credits, utility financing, and board and manager relations.  He is also involved in negotiation of contracts for the construction of hydroelectric facilities and the purchase of hydroelectric power.  Mr. Ellis was responsible for negotiating the contract for a major Alaska hydroelectric project and has successfully argued a number of cases before the Alaska Supreme Court.

Mr. Ellis also represents and serves as general counsel for several local mortgage lenders, providing general business and corporate advice.  Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ellis served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps for four years, including procurement work and litigation.

EDUCATION

Mr. Ellis received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1976.  He graduated from Rutgers University with a Juris Doctor degree in 1979.  He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  He was admitted to the bar in the state of Massachusetts in 1979 and in Alaska in 1983.