Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC - Seattle, WA

Serving Seattle with Integrity and Excellence

A Tradition of Service Since 1977

Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC (ELM) is a mid-sized law firm with a unique identity in the Seattle legal market. Founded in 1977 by Chi-Dooh ”Skip” Li, the firm was built on a philosophy of viewing the practice of law as a calling to serve others. Located in the Denny Triangle neighborhood, ELM has grown into a highly respected full-service firm that balances professional excellence with deep community involvement. Their attorneys are known for their commitment to ethics and their ability to handle complex legal matters with a personal, relationship-based approach. Unlike mega-firms where clients can feel like line items, ELM prides itself on being large enough to handle sophisticated litigation and transactions, yet small enough to maintain genuine connections with their clients.

The firm is particularly renowned for its work with Non-Profit and Religious Organizations, acting as general counsel for many churches, charities, and educational institutions across the Pacific Northwest. They understand the specific governance and First Amendment issues these organizations face. Additionally, the firm has a strong international reach, with founding partner Chi-Dooh Li bringing a global perspective and fluency in Mandarin and Spanish to the practice. If you are looking to find a lawyer who combines top-tier legal skills with a strong moral compass, Ellis, Li & McKinstry is a distinguished choice.

• Global Reach: Expertise in international transactions and a multilingual team fluent in Mandarin and Spanish.
• Non-Profit Experts: A dedicated practice group serving the legal needs of churches, ministries, and charities.
• Business Solutions: Full-lifecycle support for businesses, from startup formation to mergers and acquisitions.
• Litigation Power: Experienced trial lawyers representing clients in serious personal injury, employment, and commercial disputes.

Comprehensive Legal Counsel

Ellis, Li & McKinstry offers a broad spectrum of legal services. Their Business and Real Estate group assists companies with everything from leasing and land use to complex securities and financing. They are also experts in Estate Planning and Probate, helping families preserve their legacy and navigate the emotional process of trust administration. On the litigation side, they represent plaintiffs in serious Personal Injury and wrongful death cases, fighting for just compensation for victims of negligence.

The firm also has a robust Employment Law practice, advising both employers and employees on workplace rights, contracts, and discrimination claims. Their diverse team includes former prosecutors and seasoned trial advocates who are prepared to go to court when necessary. Whether you are a startup founder, a non-profit director, or an individual facing a legal crisis, ELM offers the sophisticated counsel you need. When you need to hire an attorney who sees you as a person, not just a case, Ellis, Li & McKinstry delivers.

Located in the Denny Triangle

The firm's office is located on 7th Avenue in the rapidly evolving Denny Triangle district, right where Downtown meets South Lake Union. The office is situated in a modern high-rise building, reflecting the firm's forward-looking approach. This central location makes it easily accessible for clients from the tech hub of Amazon's campus as well as the traditional business core. The office offers a professional and welcoming environment for all clients.