William Brown Ellis, Environmental Attorney in Richmond, Virginia
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Government, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatEllis & Thorp, PLLC
Richmond, VA
Practicing environmental in Richmond since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William Brown Ellis?
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Quick answer
William Brown Ellis is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Litigation. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis & Thorp, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Richmond, VA
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Government · Litigation
- Handles Environmental, Government, and Litigation matters from Richmond, VA.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Brown Ellis: William Brown Ellis is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Litigation. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis & Thorp, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William Brown Ellis
William concentrates on environmental, government, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Government
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in Richmond, Virginia
William takes environmental 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 William agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Richmond, Virginia
William takes government 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 William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Richmond, Virginia
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Richmond, Virginia
William takes zoning 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William Brown Ellis — Over 49 years of Virginia environmental experience
William Brown Ellis is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Litigation. William has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis & Thorp, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William Brown Ellis is a lawyer practicing litigation, environmental law, land use and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. William practices at Ellis & Thorp, PLLC in Richmond, VA.
William's approach to environmental cases
William Brown Ellis is a lawyer practicing litigation, environmental law, land use and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. William practices at Ellis & Thorp, PLLC in Richmond, VA.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, government, and litigation matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
William Brown Ellis's legal education and bar admissions
University of Pennsylvania
J.D. · 1977
Haverford College
B.A. English · 1974
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Virginia
1980 · ACTIVE
California
1977 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. English in Haverford College.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.A. English in Haverford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William Brown Ellis
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
William Brown Ellis's office in Richmond
William's primary office is at 1406 Confederate Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William Brown Ellis — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Richmond.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Brown Ellis claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Brown Ellis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Richmond, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Brown Ellis
How much does it cost to hire William for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple environmental 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Richmond?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new environmental clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia
William handles environmental matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Virginia
If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





