John Ellis

Attorney

About Me

John has been a history buff ever since his parents made the mistake of allowing their six-year-old son to listen to a Fisher Price cassette tape about the American Revolution. The study of how people and societies behave when confronted by challenges has taken up more of his waking hours then he would like to admit, and has certainly informed his practice of law. This interest became particularly useful in 2020, when John led the Firm’s response to the wide variety of employment issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since joining the Firm in 2006, John has devoted his practice to management-side labor and employment law. He focuses on risk management and prevention related to wage and hour issues, discrimination, discriminatory harassment, employee discipline, disability accommodation, leaves of absence, reductions in force, hiring issues, employee privacy, and other employment-related issues.  John drafts a wide range of employment-related documentation, including employee communications; disciplinary documentation; employee handbooks, policies and procedures; employment contracts; covenants not-to-compete; and separation agreements. He actively participates in Ufberg & Associates’ client training arm, and is a frequent speaker at seminars on labor and employment law issues. 

John has represented employers before the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Commission, The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, and other state agencies.

Outside the office, John is a reluctant though faithful exerciser, and – when he can pull his nose out of a book – is periodically able to complete home improvement projects. John is a member of the CLE Committee of the Lackawanna County Bar Association, and has served as the Chairperson of the Worklaw Network’s Trademark Committee since 2018.  

John is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New York. 

Education

• JD – Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Hofstra University
• MA (History) – University of Scranton
• BA (History/Political Science/Philosophy) – University of Scranton

Professional / Civic Engagement

• Marley’s Mission, Board of Directors
• The Deutsch Institute, Board of Directors 
• Step by Step, Inc., Board of Directors
• Member of American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Lackawanna County Bar Association.