H. Case Ellis, Esq. has extensive experience with civil litigation involving business, premises, vehicle, product, professional liability and now concentrates in arbitrating and mediating civil cases both privately and as a court appointed mediator. He has mediated more than 1,800 court cases and been retained as arbitrator in more than 500 cases.

ADR Experience and Qualifications

Mr. Ellis was appointed arbitrator for the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust in 1989. He is a Certified State Court mediator for the 19th Judicial Circuit and for the 17th Judicial Circuit. He is also a Certified Federal Civil Mediator for the U.S. District Court, Northern District. Mr. Ellis served on the committee that established the mediation program and drafted and approved the mediation rules for the 19th Judicial Circuit. He proposed and implemented a pilot program staffed by local bar to mediate pro-se small claims disputes in McHenry County to facilitate quicker disposition of claims for pro-se parties and shorten pro-se trial calendar.

Honors, Memberships and Professional Activities

• Appointed Member, Illinois Supreme Court, Committee on Character and Fitness, 2007-2011

• President, International Academy of Dispute Resolution, 2008-present

• Member, Board of Directors, International Academy of Dispute Resolution, 2003-present

• Member, Board of Governors, Illinois State Bar Association, 2001-2007

• Chair, Illinois State Bar Association Tort Law Section Counsel, Counsel, 1996-1997

• Instructor: “Conflict Resolution” - North Central College, Graduate Studies, Naperville, IL, 2003-2006

• Recipient, Center for Analysis of Alternative Dispute Resolution System “Service to Community Award,” for contribution to court annexed mediation program, 2002

• Recipient, “Distinguished Service Award” by the McHenry County Bar Association, for mediation activities, 2004

Background and Education

• J.D., Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, with honors, 1976
• B.S., Purdue University, 1972