Gray Ellis

Biography

Ellis Family Law was built to help people navigate some of life’s most personal and high-stakes moments with clarity, strategy, and genuine care. Gray Ellis is the Founder and Managing Partner of the firm, and for more than 20 years, he has helped shape the standards, culture, and approach that guide the team’s work every day.

Gray is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law—a distinction held by fewer than 2% of family law practitioners statewide—and has been recognized for excellence by multiple independent attorney rating organizations. Today, his role is focused on leadership and oversight: ensuring the firm delivers exceptional service, strong advocacy, and consistent client experience across every case.

Perspective matters in family law, and Gray brings it both professionally and personally. As a parent who has experienced separation, he understands how stressful and disorienting this process can be—especially when children and long-term stability are at stake. That insight informs how he leads the firm: with high expectations, empathy, and a deep commitment to protecting families through transition.

“Perspective is very powerful in the practice of law… I feel my background makes me a more effective advocate… and provides an extra layer of determination and understanding about exactly what it is they are going through when they hire our firm.”
Gray Ellis

How Gray supports your case today

While Gray does not personally accept new matters, he plays an active role in ensuring clients receive the right attorney and the right strategy:

  • Building and mentoring a team of attorneys who are prepared, compassionate, and outcome-focused
  • Setting firm-wide standards for communication, preparation, and professionalism
  • Helping match clients with the best-fit attorney based on the needs and complexity of the case

Gray also believes strongly in serving the broader community. He was a Board Member of Meals on Wheels Durham and created the Feed the Need Gala, an annual effort supporting seniors facing nutritional challenges.

Outside the office, Gray enjoys tennis, golf, traveling, and ACC sports.

To get started, schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. We’ll match you with the best-fit advocate for your situation and help you move forward with a clear plan.

Education

  • North Carolina Central University School of Law, Durham, North Carolina
    • J.D.
    • Honors: cum laude
  • North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
    • B.A.
    • Honors: With High Honors
    • Major: Political Science

Bar Admissions

  • North Carolina – 2007

Honors

  • Super Lawyers Star Search, 2010
  • Super Lawyers 2021-2026
  • AVVO Rating 10.0 – Top Attorney Divorce
  • Martindale Hubbell A.V. Rated, 2016
  • BBB Rating A+
  • BBB of Eastern NC, Torch Award Finalist, 2017
  • Best of Durham – Readers’ Favorite Platinum Winner, 2014 – 2017
  • North Carolina Leaders in the Law Honoree, 2017
  • Best of The Triangle – Indy Week
  • Leaders in Law Honoree, Lawyers Weekly, 2017
  • Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina Honoree, The American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016
  • Top 100 Lawyer Honoree, The National Advocates, 2014 – 2016
  • Art of Law Excellence Award, 2015
  • Rising Star, North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2010 – 2012
  • Business North Carolina Legal Elite, 2016 – 2018
  • Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award, 2015
  • AV Preeminent Award, 2015 – 2019
  • AV Preeminent Judicial Award, 2016 – 2017
  • Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina Honoree
  • Charlotte Magazine North Carolina’s Super Lawyers, 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America Honoree

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Former Board Member of Meals on Wheels of Durham, served as Vice President
  • Member of Mission Advisory Roundtable of MOW Durham

  • Founder, Feed the Need Gala
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Sponsor, Compass Center for Women Passion and Purple Event
  • Sponsor, Durham Blues & Brews Festival Benefitting The Exchange Club of Greater Durham
  • The American Society of Legal Advocates

Practice Areas

  • Family Law
  • Estate Planning

Professional Associations

  • North Carolina Advocates for Justice
  • Durham & Wake County Bar Association
  • Modern Family Committee of the North Carolina Family Bar, Former Chair

Classes & Seminars

  • Divorce Clinic, Self Help
  • Equitable Distribution Clinic
  • Adjunct Professor, NCCU School of Law

  • Guest lecturer, Duke University School of Law

Past Positions

  • Burton & Ellis, Partner
  • Wake County, Juvenile Court Counselor

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Board Certified Family Law Specialist, NC Board of Legal Specialization

Hear From Our Clients

Ex Files featuring Pour Decisions

  • Stay up to date on changes in North Carolina law
  • Get specialist legal insights to your most pressing family law questions
  • Access exclusive guides and resources you won’t find anywhere else

And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!

Contact Us
Need immediate assistance?
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM