Robert Hugh Ellis

Member


Bob Ellis’s commercial litigation practice is a collection of sophisticated practices for clients in numerous industries. Whether the client is in the automotive, consumer finance, real estate, or insurance industry, he obtains favorable outcomes and earns the respect of judges and opposing counsel.

In the automotive space, Bob counsels clients on compliance with automotive dealer statutes throughout the country and regularly represents manufacturers in related litigation. He appears in state and federal courts, arbitration, and before administrative bodies representing clients in disputes concerning, among other things, asset-purchase agreements, territorial allocation, encroachment, selection of successor dealers, performance metrics, and relocations of franchises.

Bob coordinates the defense of consumer breach of warranty litigation brought against auto manufacturers in multiple jurisdictions, as well as claims concerning certified pre-owned vehicles across the country.  Bob’s automotive work also includes supplier recall and warranty cost-recovery matters.

In the insurance arena, Bob represents carriers in insurance liability and priority disputes, as well as claims concerning the defense of insurance company special investigations units.

He also litigates real estate matters throughout Michigan, including disputes over condemnation, residential and commercial mortgages, construction contracts, title/lien priorities, loans, and contested judicial foreclosures.

Bob has handled a significant volume of consumer finance litigation nationwide, including suits arising under state and federal consumer protection, mortgage lending, and credit report laws.

He also managed a docket of consumer finance claims nationwide during a one-year in-house secondment.

Known for delivering results by demonstrating professionalism, Bob avoids animosity and actively cultivates cordial relationships. 

My primary goal in handling any dispute is to find a way to end it before trial, either by looking for pragmatic solutions or aggressively pursuing pre-trial decisions on the merits.
    • University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., cum laude, Moot Court Board, Law Review
    • University of Southern California, B.A., magna cum laude
  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan
    • Ohio
    • Wisconsin
  • Court Admissions

    • United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
    • United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
    • United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
    • United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
    • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
    • Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Key Lawyer for Automotive Litigation, 2023

    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star for Business Litigation, Insurance Coverage and Closely Held Business, 2015-2018

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