About Jillian G. Ellis
Jillian is a lifelong Massachusetts resident. She was raised in a middle-class, blue-collar family on the South Shore. The daughter of a truck driver and a hair stylist, Jillian knows what it is like to be part of a working-class family and the struggles they often face.
Jillian’s Education & Philosophy
Jillian obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Rhode Island in 2004. She was the first woman in her family to go to college. After college, Jillian returned home to Massachusetts to attend New England Law Boston. She put herself through law school and she has the student loans to prove it!
During law school her passion for Juvenile law was evident and she began focusing her studies in this area. After studying for and passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam in 2007, Jillian was accepted to a judicial clerkship in the Massachusetts Juvenile Court. As a judicial law clerk in the Bristol, Plymouth, Suffolk and Norfolk County Juvenile Courts, Jillian gained valuable experience both in the practice of Juvenile law and in working with Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) involved families.
After opening her law office in 2009, Jillian became a member of the Committee for Public Counsel Services Children and Family Law (“CAFL”) panel representing parties in Care and Protection proceedings. She began serving as a mentor for new lawyers on that panel in 2014. Jillian sat on the board of the Massachusetts Juvenile Bar Association from 2013 to 2020 serving as Co-President for four years.
In her private practice, Jillian privately represents adult parties involved in Care and Protection matters in Bristol, Plymouth and Norfolk Counties. She represents parents, caregivers, foster or adoptive parents in DCF fair hearings, grievances and clinical matters statewide.
Ask anyone who knows Jillian and they will tell you that she is compassionate and understanding. She is honest and straightforward. She will explain everything you need to know in ‘English,’ not some unnecessarily complicated ‘lawyer talk.’ Jillian believes that it is an attorney’s responsibility to guide clients through any legal process with care and consideration of the ‘real world’ consequences on the family.
Jillian will evaluate your position, give you reasonable expectations and make every effort to obtain a timely, fair and favorable outcome in your case. Jillian is fluent in the language and actions of DCF. She knows how to navigate both the Juvenile Court and the DCF systems effectively. She will zealously advocate your case with experience, skill and professionalism.
When you retain Jillian, you are getting personalized attention. You will not be discussing your case with a secretary when you call. You will not be paying an attorney’s rate for work done by an intern or paralegal. Jillian will personally handle all of your needs, questions and concerns.