W. Ellis Boyle

Ellis is an accomplished litigator and trial lawyer with a proven track record of success in handling highly complex legal disputes in courtrooms across North Carolina. His experience encompasses an impressive range of areas, including business disputes, personal injury and wrongful death claims, civil rights and constitutional issues, and other general litigation matters. 

With a career spanning both public service and private practice, Ellis brings a unique background to his litigation practice. Drawing on the powerful combination of experience in roles such as General Counsel and Deputy Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ellis manages high-stakes legal disputes with precision and efficiency. His background as an Army officer guides his practice and sense of focus on accomplishing the mission, whatever may come up. 

He represents businesses, government entities, and individuals in both state and federal courts. Clients rely on Ellis' deep knowledge of the law through all phases of the litigation process, including discovery, motion, and trial. 

While Ellis is a strong advocate in the courtroom, he also emphasizes outside-the-box solutions to resolve legal matters as quickly as possible, including through mediation and informal negotiations. He strives to reach a fair resolution while minimizing clients' risks and maximizing their outcomes. 

Ellis successfully guides non-local lawyers through the pitfalls of local jurisdictions, serving as local counsel in state and federal courts throughout North Carolina.

Education

• J.D., Wake Forest School of Law, 2005
• B.A., Davidson College, 1998

Honors and Distinctions*

• The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers^®, 2025

Professional and Community Affiliations

• 4th Circuit Juridical Conference
• North Carolina Bar Association
• North Carolina Heroes Fund, Board of Directors
• North Carolina Bar Disciplinary Hearing Commission
• Wake County Bar Association

Related News

• Media Mention: Ward and Smith Prevails in Wage Dispute Covered by Law360
• Ellis Boyle Appointed to the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina State Bar
• 67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025

Admitted to Practice

• North Carolina, 2005
• Cherokee Supreme Court for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and All Lower Courts, 2023

* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.