REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Ellen’s extensive representative experience includes:
- Representing the developer of a multi-hotel, mixed-use resort in the Dominican Republic in the negotiation of hotel management contracts and related agreements, as well as in several loan restructurings.
- Representing an international hotel operating company and brand owner in a variety of acquisition, development and management deals throughout North America.
- Representing the receiver and construction lender of a troubled hotel project under construction in New York City, in matters related to the restructuring of the borrower, negotiation and restructuring of several asset management agreements and the sale of the hotel to a takeout purchaser.
- Representing the co-owner of a major hotel brand in master franchising agreements for resort properties throughout the Caribbean.
- Representing the government of a Caribbean country in the development of a proposed timeshare statute.
- Representing the world’s largest pension fund in the negotiation of loan, acquisition and disposition transactions throughout the United States.
PROFESSIONAL HONORS AND AWARDS
- Recognized by The Legal 500 United States in the area of real estate (2010)
- Named as an Outstanding Volunteer for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s First 25 Years (June 8, 2008)
- Recipient, Inspire by Example National Volunteer Week Certificate of Appreciation, Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network (2005)
- Nominee, Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service (2004)
- Recipient, Service Contribution Award, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity (2003)
- Recipient, 2002 Excellence in Writing Award for Best Technology Article from Probate and Property (an American Bar Association Publication), regarding the article “Information Technology Issues in Hotel Acquisitions,” published in Probate and Property (January/February 2002)
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, State Bar of Georgia
- Member, Atlanta Bar Association
- Member, Urban Land Institute
- Pro Bono Representation, Trust for Public Land, Atlanta, Georgia (2007–present)
- Member, Planned Giving Advisory Committee and Pro Bono Representation, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity (2002–present)
RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Co-author, Hotel Law (2011)
- Co-author, “Representing a Client Investing Abroad,” Partnering Perspectives (Winter 2010)
- Author, “Key Elements of a Successful Hotel Business Plan,” Barbados Business Authority (May 9, 2005)
- Author, “Emerging Trends: New Focus in Hotel Management Agreements,” National Hotel Executive Hospitality Forum (April 2004)
- Author, “Technology Issues in Hotel Acquisitions: A Buyer’s Perspective,” Probate and Property, Vol. 16, No. 1 (January/February 2002)
- Author, “ ‘Springing’ Exclusives—Another Technique to Resolve Exclusive Use Issues,” Retail Law Strategist, Vol. 2, Issue 1 (January 2002)
- Panelist, "Serviços e Produtos para os Mega Eventos Esportivos" (Services and Products Associated with Major Sporting Events), Megaeventos Esportivos: Brasil 2014 - Rio 2016, Câmara de Comércio e Indústria Brasil-Alemanha de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (November 11, 2010); event organized by São Paulo chapter of Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce regarding various opportunities, including hotel investment and development, associated with the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games
- Panelist, "2009 Management Contracts Roundtable," The Center for Hospitality Research, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, Ithaca, New York (May 3-4, 2009)
- Speaker, “Investing in the Caribbean Today—The Issues and Opportunities,” Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (April 14–15, 2009)
- Speaker, “How Do You Negotiate the Hotel Management Agreement?” 12th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (May 6–8, 2008)
- Speaker, “How to Structure Management Contracts,” 11th Annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (May 8–10, 2007)
- Speaker, “The Mixed-Use Project: How Do You Make 1+1=3?,” 10th Annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (April 4–6, 2006)
- Speaker, “Volunteer Opportunities for Real Estate Lawyers,” Real Property Law Institute (May 12–14, 2005)
- Speaker, ���Doing Business in the Caribbean—Developing A Successful Plan - What Works and What To Be Careful Of,” 9th Annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (May 9–11, 2005)
- Speaker, “Doing Business in the Caribbean: The Business Climate and Your Business Plan,” PROFIT in the Caribbean Partnership Meeting (October 5–8, 2004)
