Ellen concentrates her practice in the areas of land use, natural resources, Indian, and development law. She advises clients on complex Oregon land use and energy siting law issues, natural resource regulatory programs, compliance matters and on business development matters. Ellen enjoys being part of a team assisting clients.

• Representation of federally-recognized Indian tribes on a wide range of matters including business and economic development, hydroelectric project license compliance, renewable energy development, energy and telecommunications infrastructure issues, federal and tribal land use and environmental impact review matters, and financing
• Representation of energy industry clients in the siting, development and review of energy generation facilities, including solar, wind, and natural gas
• Representation of individuals and entities in Oregon land use urban growth boundary expansions
• Representation of land owners and land development clients in zoning and land use approval matters in city and county jurisdictions
• Representation of private individuals and entities before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals and Oregon Court of Appeals
• Representation of individuals and home owners associations regarding planned community matters
• Representation of purchaser of timberland holdings in acquisition and due diligence matters

• Member, Oregon State Bar Sustainable Future section
• Member, Oregon State Bar Environmental and Natural Resources section
• Member, Oregon State Bar Real Estate and Land Use section
• Member, Deschutes County Bar Association
• Member, Bend Endurance Academy Board of Directors

Ellen received a BA in Political Science, magna cum laude from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She then completed a fellowship in Washington DC with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the National Sea Grant Marine Policy Fellowship. Ellen received her law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law. Before joining Karnopp Petersen, Ellen had the opportunity to serve as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Robert Wollheim, Oregon Court of Appeals and to serve as an associate attorney with Stoel Rives LLP.

Ellen has been recognized as the 2018 Distinguished Environmental Law Graduate from Lewis and Clark Law School and by US Business News and Best Lawyers for land use and development law.

• State of Oregon

Ellen and her family share a passion for outdoor adventures, including biking, Nordic skiing and running. Her volunteer commitments reflect these interests, and she enjoys giving back to the Central Oregon community.