Biography
Rebecca L. Johnson-Ellis , a partner in the firm, has been an attorney for the past 10 years and has recently celebrated her five year certification anniversary as a Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law from the American Board of Certification. Rebecca received both her law school degree and her undergrad degree from Michigan State University. Rebecca is admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan, the Western District of Michigan Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Rebecca has been recognized by her peers in the Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star several years in a row. Rebecca has helped hundreds of individuals through the bankruptcy process and is a frequent speaker at seminars on bankruptcy matters.
Education
- Michigan State University, Detroit College of Law, East Lansing, Michigan
- J.D. – 2002
- Major: Concentrations in International & Comparative Law and Taxation Law
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- B.A. – 1998
- Major: College of Arts and Letters
- Major: Pre-law
- Minor: Human Resource Management and Philosophy
Bar Admissions
- Michigan, 2003
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Supreme Court
Honors
- Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2013 Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights
- Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2012 Bankruptcy: Consumer
Classes & Seminars
- “Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13” Bankruptcy Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Reorganization: Which bankruptcy to advise your client. Overview of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Discussions of possible benefits of one bankruptcy over the other and particular issues that should trigger a particular analysis. Panel Chair, Debtors Bar of West Michigan Fourth Annual Winter Seminar, 2014
- “Bankruptcy v. Family Law” The effects of family law determinations, such as divorce decrees and domestic support obligations, have on an individual who is filing bankruptcy. Discussions on property settlement obligations, the bankruptcy automatic stay, property of the estate vs. marital property, the bankruptcy discharge and exclusive and concurrent jurisdictions of each court. Panel Speaker, 23rd Annual FBA Bankruptcy Section Seminar, 2011
- “Chapter 13 Panel Discussion” Overview of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy from start to finish, frequently asked questions by debtors and their attorneys and general practice tips for attorney’s in composition of the Chapter 13 Plan. Panel Speaker, Debtors Bar of Michigan First Annual Winter Seminar, 2011
- Educational Session “Chapter 13 Update” Court Case developments regarding Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Panel Speaker, 19th Annual FBA Bankruptcy Section Seminar, 2009
Certified Legal Specialties
- Consumer Bankruptcy Law, American Board of Certification
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Michigan, Member
- Federal Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, Member
- National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Member
- Debtors Bar of West Michigan, Member
Current Employment Position
- Partner