Bio
A dedicated and fearless advocate with experience in all stages of litigation, Natalie Ellis defends clients in complex cases, primarily product liability and mass tort claims, in state and federal courts. She provides creative solutions and strategies rooted in a deep appreciation of her clients’ business needs and objectives, putting them in the best position to succeed when litigation arises.
Natalie is highly valued for her ability to grasp the technical nuances of her clients’ products and develop legal analyses specific to the unique considerations of each matter. Clients appreciate that she goes above and beyond to provide the most efficient and effective solutions.
Prior to joining RSHC, Natalie practiced medical malpractice at a Chicago-based law firm where she defended hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other health care staff.
Experience
Clerkships
Judicial Extern, Hon. Sharon Johnson Coleman, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (2017)
Credentials
Education
University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2017, cum laudeCALI Excellence for the Future Award, Advanced Trial Advocacy &
Professional Responsibility (2017)
Public Interest Law Initiative Internship, CARPLS (2017)
Administrative Editor, Elder Law Journal (2015-2016)
Black Law Student Association, President (2015-2016)
University of Illinois College of Law Trial Team (2015-2016)
University of Missouri-Saint Louis, M.A., Communication, 2014
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Murray State University, B.S., Organizational Communication, 2012, cum laude
Dean’s List
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, President (2011-2012)
Bar Admissions
IllinoisU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association (2017 – Present)Young Lawyers Section
Litigation Section
Health Law Section
Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago (2016 – Present)
Law Firm Committee, Chair (2024-2025)
Judicial Evaluation Committee, Co-Chair (2019-2022)
Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society (2020 – Present)
Illinois State Bar Association (2022 – Present)
National Bar Association (2021 – Present)
Membership Committee, Member
Professional Women’s Club of Chicago (2023)
Honors & Awards
2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Product Liability Litigation-Defendants), Best Lawyers®Publications & Presentations
“Finding Your Niche," (panelist) University of Illinois College of Law WLS Symposium Webinar (March 2024)
“Balancing The Scales,” (panelist) University of Illinois College of Law WLS Symposium Webinar (March 2023)
“FCA’S Scienter Standard: To Change or Not To Change, That is the Question,” Amundsen Davis Health Care Alert (February 23, 2023)
“Tag Talk,” Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, KY (April 2021)
“How to Build Your Brand,” (moderator) Cook County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section (2018)
Community Service
Collegiate Transition Committee, Co-Chair
Kimball R. and Karen Gatis Anderson Center for Advocacy and Professionalism (2022 – Present)
Board Member
Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (2018-2022)
Bar Mentorship Program, Mentor
Public Interest Law Initiative (2018-2021)
Alumnae Mentor