Ellen Cha, ADR Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy
AssociateatPite Duncan Llp
San Diego, CA
Practicing adr in San Diego since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ellen Cha?
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Quick answer
Ellen Cha is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy. Ellen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pite Duncan Llp.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- ADR · Appellate · Bankruptcy
- Handles ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Ellen Cha: Ellen Cha is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy. Ellen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pite Duncan Llp.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Ellen Cha
Ellen concentrates on adr, appellate, bankruptcy, civil rights, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Appellate
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Bankruptcy
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Civil Rights
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General
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ADR cases in San Diego, California
Ellen takes adr matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Appellate cases in San Diego, California
Ellen takes appellate matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in San Diego, California
Ellen takes bankruptcy matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in San Diego, California
Ellen takes civil rights matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Ellen takes general matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ellen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Ellen Cha — Over 25 years of California adr experience
Ellen Cha is an associate based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Bankruptcy. Ellen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pite Duncan Llp.
Ellen Cha is a lawyer practicing civil rights, bankruptcy & debt, appeals and 2 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from Carleton College in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years. Ellen practices at Pite Duncan, LLP in San Diego, CA.
Ellen's approach to adr cases
Ellen Cha is a lawyer practicing civil rights, bankruptcy & debt, appeals and 2 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from Carleton College in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years. Ellen practices at Pite Duncan, LLP in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Ellen takes
Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and bankruptcy matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Ellen Cha's legal education and bar admissions
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 2001
Carleton College
B.A. · 1996
Jurisdictions
Ellen's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
2001 · ACTIVE
Ellen studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in Carleton College.
Law school and academic background
Ellen completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in Carleton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Ellen Cha's office in San Diego
Ellen's primary office is at 4375 Jutland Dr., Ste. 200, San Diego, CA, 92117-3600. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ellen Cha
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Ellen Cha — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ellen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ellen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ellen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ellen
Ellen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ellen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ellen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ellen Cha
How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ellen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ellen offer a free consultation?
Ellen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Ellen is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ellen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ellen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ellen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ellen accepting new adr clients right now?
Ellen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Ellen handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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