Ellen Penelope Ray, Bankruptcy Attorney in Richmond, Virginia
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law · 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatEllen P. Ray
Richmond, VA
Practicing bankruptcy in Richmond since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.1 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Ellen Penelope Ray?
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Quick answer
Ellen Penelope Ray is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellen P. Ray. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Richmond, VA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Criminal Defense · Family Law
- Handles Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law matters from Richmond, VA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Ellen Penelope Ray: Ellen Penelope Ray is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellen P. Ray. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Ellen's practice areas in Richmond
Ellen concentrates on bankruptcy, criminal defense, family law, litigation, and traffic. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Traffic
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Bankruptcy cases in Richmond, Virginia
Ellen takes bankruptcy matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Criminal Defense cases in Richmond, Virginia
Ellen takes criminal defense matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Family Law cases in Richmond, Virginia
Ellen takes family law matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Litigation cases in Richmond, Virginia
Ellen takes litigation matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Traffic cases in Richmond, Virginia
Ellen takes traffic matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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
Ellen Penelope Ray, bankruptcy attorney serving Richmond
Ellen Penelope Ray is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Ellen has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellen P. Ray. Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Ellen works from Richmond, Virginia and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Ellen Penelope Ray is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal law, traffic violations and 2 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from North Texas State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 35 years. Ellen practices at Ellen P. Ray in Richmond, VA.
Ellen's approach to bankruptcy cases
Ellen Penelope Ray is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal law, traffic violations and 2 other areas of law. Ellen received a B.A. degree from North Texas State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 35 years. Ellen practices at Ellen P. Ray in Richmond, VA.
Clients Ellen works with
Ellen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ellen studied and practices
College of William & Mary
J.D. · 1991
North Texas State University
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Ellen's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Bankruptcy Cour
1991 · ACTIVE
Ellen studied at J.D. in College of William & Mary and B.A. in North Texas State University.
Law school and academic background
Ellen completed J.D. in College of William & Mary and B.A. in North Texas State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ellen runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Ellen's legal honors and published work
Ellen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Ellen's professional memberships and bar associations
Virginia State Bar (Sections on: Criminal Law, 1991— Family Law, 1991—) Richmond Metropolitan Womens' Bar Association Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Richmond Criminal Bar Association
membership
Locations
Ellen Penelope Ray's office in Richmond
Ellen's primary office is at 16 South Second Street, Richmond, VA, 23241-6619. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ellen Penelope Ray — 4.1/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Ellen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Richmond.
4.1
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ellen Penelope Ray claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ellen Penelope Ray — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Richmond, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ellen Penelope Ray
How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Richmond?
Ellen is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia
Ellen handles bankruptcy matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Virginia
If Ellen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





