Stephen Avery Ellis

Stephen Avery Ellis, ADR Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Construction · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratRutan Tucker Llp

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing adr in Costa Mesa since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Stephen Avery Ellis is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Stephen has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Costa Mesa, CA
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
ADR · Business · Construction
  • Handles ADR, Business, and Construction matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Stephen Avery Ellis: Stephen Avery Ellis is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Stephen has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Stephen Avery Ellis

Stephen concentrates on adr, business, construction, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Costa Mesa, California

Stephen takes adr matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Costa Mesa, California

Stephen takes business matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Costa Mesa, California

Stephen takes construction matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Costa Mesa, California

Stephen takes litigation matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Costa Mesa, California

Stephen takes real estate matters in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Stephen Avery Ellis — Over 41 years of California adr experience

Stephen Avery Ellis is a partner based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Stephen has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rutan Tucker Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Stephen Avery Ellis is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction law, corporate restructuring and creditors' rights and 2 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Stephen practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

Working with Stephen on a adr matter

Stephen Avery Ellis is a lawyer practicing business litigation, construction law, corporate restructuring and creditors' rights and 2 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Stephen practices at Rutan & Tucker, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

Clients Stephen works with

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and construction matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Stephen Avery Ellis's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of California Los Angeles, School of Law

    J.D. · 1985

  • California State University, Long Beach

    B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • California

    1985 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in University of California Los Angeles, School of Law and B.A. in California State University, Long Beach.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in University of California Los Angeles, School of Law and B.A. in California State University, Long Beach. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Stephen Avery Ellis

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Memberships Associations •Orange County Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Stephen Avery Ellis's office in Costa Mesa

Stephen's primary office is at 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-1931. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rutan Tucker Llp

611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1931

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Avery Ellis — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Costa Mesa.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Avery Ellis claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Avery Ellis — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Costa Mesa, 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 Stephen

Stephen 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen'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 Stephen Avery Ellis

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

    Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen'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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Costa Mesa?

    Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

    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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Stephen accepting new adr clients right now?

    Stephen'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 Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Stephen handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.