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The Harris Law Firm The Harris Law Firm

Katherine Ellis

Partner

  • (303) 622-5502
  • kellis@harrislawcares.com
    • Denver, Englewood, Boulder, Colorado Springs
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    Appeals, Estate Planning, Family Law

    Katherine Ellis Photo
    Katherine Ellis

    Meet Attorney Katy Ellis

    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Recognition
    • Practice Areas
    • Publications & Presentations

    Katherine Ellis

    Katherine “Katy” Ellis has been practicing law since 2007 and focuses her practice on family law, with particular emphasis on appeals, marital agreements, and cases involving international legal issues. In addition to her role as a Partner, Katy serves as the firm’s Practice Manager, helping guide firm operations while continuing to advocate for clients navigating complex family law matters. She is passionate about helping individuals and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives and believes attorneys have a responsibility to provide both strong advocacy and realistic expectations so clients can make informed decisions about their futures.

    Katy has long been interested in international affairs and the ways legal systems shape people’s lives across borders. That interest led her to pursue both a law degree and a Master’s Degree in International Studies. Early in her career, she clerked for the Honorable Russell Carparelli at the Colorado Court of Appeals, an experience that strengthened her interest in legal analysis, writing, and appellate work.
    Since entering private practice, she has built a career combining litigation, appellate advocacy, and cross-border legal issues within family law, reflecting her commitment to understanding global legal and political systems. She remains actively involved in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the world’s largest moot court competition, where she supports students interested in international law and advocacy.

    Katy is also deeply engaged in the legal community through professional organizations. She is an active member of the American Inns of Court and has served as a member of the William E. Doyle Inn of Court, co-president of the Byron S. White Inn of Court, and a founding member and secretary of the Irving P. Andrews Inn of Court. She is also a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and previously served as vice-chair and chair of the International Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association.

    Katy’s appellate background provides a strong foundation in legal research, persuasive writing, and strategic case analysis. She frequently assists clients with international family law issues, including cross-border disputes and international child abduction cases. Fluent in Spanish and French, Katy can communicate with a wide range of clients and address matters involving multiple legal systems.
    Katy approaches every case with empathy and professionalism, recognizing that family law matters often carry significant emotional weight. She prioritizes clear communication and careful listening so she can fully understand her clients’ goals and concerns. By combining thoughtful legal strategy with practical guidance, she helps clients navigate complex legal processes while ensuring they feel informed, respected, and supported.

    Outside of her legal practice, Katy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and tending her backyard garden. Her love of languages and global cultures continues to shape both her personal life and her work. She also enjoys exploring new places with her husband and her son, including a memorable visit to the Toronto Aquarium.

    Katie & Son

    Here are Katy and her son experiencing the Toronto Aquarium.

    Memberships & Affiliations

    • Member, Colorado Bar Association
    • Member, William E. Doyle Inn of Court
    • Founding Member - Irving P. Andrews American Inn of Court
    • Member, Colorado Women’s Bar Association
    • Member, Colorado Lawyers Committee Education Task Force - School Finance Subcommittee
    • Member, Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals Committee for the Colorado Supreme Court
    • Colorado Bar Foundation, Bar Fellow
    • Co-Chair, International Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association, 2012-2016
    • Co-President, Byron White Inn of Court 2016-2017

    Bar & Court Admissions

    • State of Colorado
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • U.S. District Court for Colorado

    Pro Bono

    • Colorado Appellate Pro Bono Committee Volunteer
    • Mi Casa Legal Night
    • Family Tree Legal Clinics
    • Regional Administrator for the Rocky Mountain Region of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
    • Grading for the bar exams on an annual basis

    Background & Experience

    Reported Cases

    Supreme Court:

    • In the Interest of Child: B.B.O., 277 P.3d 818 (Colo. 2012)

    Court of Appeals:

    • In re Marriage of Morales and Meixueiro, 546 P.3d 639 (Colo. App. 2024)
    • In re Marriage of Schaefer and DePumpo, 522 P.3d 732 (Colo. App. 2022)
    • In re Marriage of Thomas, 501 P.3d 290 (Colo. App. 2021)
    • In the Interest of C.N, a Child, 431 P.3d 1219 (Colo. App. 2018)
    • In re the Parental Responsibilities Concerning B.C.B., 411 P.3d 926 (Colo. App. 2015)
    • In the Matter of the Petition of A.T.M., 250 P.3d 703 (Colo. App. 2010)

    Professional Recognition

    • Best Lawyers: Recognized Since 2023
    • Colorado Super Lawyer’s: 2022-2025
    • Colorado Super Lawyer’s Rising Star: 2014-2017
    • National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, Top 10 Attorney under the Age of 40, 2014-2015
    • Member of the Colorado Bar Fellows since 2014

    Services Handled

    Publications & Presentations

    • 8/7/25 Family Law Institute presentation on "Digital Divorce - Untangling Accounts."
    • 6/27/25 Best Practices and Ethics in the Profession presentation on "Ethical Rules and Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals" (with the Honorable Rayna Gokli)
    • 6/24/25 LLP Practicum presentation with Lea Ann Lyster on "Transitioning to Full Representation and Collaboration with an Attorney”
    • 6/5/25 Domestic Relations and Probate Institute presentation on "What to do for a Minor Child if a Parent is Dying or Has Died" (with Carolyn Wiley and Jen Workman)
    • 3/12/25 Panel member for Professionalism and Practice Issues for Lawyers and LLPs CLE (with Lea Ann Lyster and Judge Espinosa)
    • “APR, PRE, CFI, BFA, or ENA: How to determine where to (sink or) swim in the alphabet soup of evaluations”, presentation at the 2018 Colorado Fall Family Law Update, co-presented with Kevin Albert, Psy.D.
    • “Changing the Legal Landscape: Local Attorneys highlight the year’s most noteworthy family law appellate cases.” - Quoted in Law Week Colorado, June 5, 2017
    • “Understanding Medical and Mental Health Privileges, Including HIPAA and Protected Health Information”, presentation at the 2021 Colorado Family Law Institute, co-presented with Peter B. Goldstein
    • “Decision Making When Parents Cannot Agree”, Presentation to the 1st JD Bar Association, co-presented with Magistrate Tims, Magistrate Allen, and Jennie Wray
    • “Preserving Issues on Appeal: How to Protect your Client”, presentation at the 2019 Colorado Family Law Institute, co-presented with Melinda Moses and Honorable Diana Terry

    Hear From Our Happy Clients

      I would like to thank the team for your patience with us through what has been a very difficult process for us both.
      “We had a successful conclusion to all of our work this morning. The court commented on the fine work that had been done using a combination of the collaborative process and our independent efforts. I would like to thank the team for your patience with us through what has been a very difficult process for us both.”
      - Mark
      My family and I deeply appreciate it.
      “Thank you both for everything you have done to help me have my daughter in my life. My family and I deeply appreciate it.”
      - Paul
      I followed your instructions to a T and felt completely prepared to state my case.
      “Dear Angie and Janet, I want to thank you for your incredible help and advice last week as I prepared for my emergency restricted parenting case for protection of my two children.”
      - Marisa D.
      Rich Harris is a first class practitioner with a wealth of experience
      “Rich Harris is a first class practitioner with a wealth of experience of international cases. An extremely impressive lawyer, who you will want to have on your side.”
      - Tom
      Quick and detailed communication on any question I had
      “Very professional services provided as I proceeded through my divorce process. Quick and detailed communication on any question I had as well as guidance on completion of all the required forms. Would highly recommend Harris Law Firm to be considered to help handle this delicate change in a persons life.”
      - Nathaniel
      He advised us well, kept us informed, yet was sensitive and helpful
      “Jason Cruz with Harris Law helped us navigate a very difficult and nuanced custody case with our non-biological grand-daughter after her mother passed away from cancer at the young age of 27. Jason did a great job helping us balance the emotions surrounding the case with the best interests of our grand-daughter with applicable law. He advised us well, kept us informed, yet was sensitive and helpful keeping our legal bills in check. Most importantly we were able to achieve our desired outcome becoming our grand-daughters legal guardians Jason, thank you!!! We are forever in your debt.”
      - Brad & Robin
      I cannot recommend him enough
      “Jason Cruz has represented me for several issues related to my divorce and I cannot recommend him enough. If you have a difficult legal situation I strongly recommend him.”
      - Jason
      Really cares and excellent communication
      “Erika Carter at The Harris Law Firm is definitely the go to to lawyer at that firm in my opinion. She is very personable, caring and willing to listen. I tend to be long winded and a bit verbose when I am explaining my dilemma. However Erika is very patient and understanding. She is very mindful when it comes to the cost of representation. Erika however is outstanding. Really cares and excellent communication. They have great lawyers at this firm, however I don't know if I would be comfortable using anyone else except Erika. Thank you Erika, and thank you, The Harris Law Firm.”
      - Kevin
      They were strategic, honest about expectations, and always prepared
      “Erika Brotzman is the official G.O.A.T of all divorce attorneys in Colorado. From the initial consultation through the final resolution, my attorney demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and dedication. They were strategic, honest about expectations, and always prepared. I felt confident knowing they were handling my case, and the outcome reflected their skill and commitment. I would strongly recommend them to anyone needing a family law attorney. Thank you so much Erika”
      - Patrick

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