Biography

Ellen Koscielniak is based in Raleigh and handles civil cases for both our Raleigh and Charlotte offices. She navigates the complexities of civil litigation with a focus on insurance coverage as well as insurance defense, construction defect, premises liability, and professional liability.

Ellen’s legal journey began at a North Carolina law firm, where she honed her skills in insurance coverage, drafting coverage opinions, reservation of rights letters, and a myriad of motions for state and federal courts.

In addition to her legal practice, Ellen is committed to sharing her expertise with others. She has served as a Continuing Education (CE) Instructor, providing invaluable insights into the National Flood Insurance Program for adjusters. Ellen has also made significant contributions to legal publications, including articles such as “The Role of Insurance in Effectuating Change” and “Emerging Strategies to Proactively Address and Effectively Resolve Risk.”

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts from High Point University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She was honored with the Konduros Fellowship Award during her time in law school and received the Presidential Scholarship at High Point.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Ellen enjoys immersing herself in the vibrant cultural scene of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. She is an avid reader, a culinary enthusiast, and an active participant in various sports, including pickleball, basketball, and volleyball.

Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Ellen has called the Carolinas home for the past decade. Her diverse background, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her clients, makes her an invaluable asset to our legal team. Ellen continues to leverage her strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients in even the most complex legal matters.

Experience and Involvement

PUBLICATIONS:

  • “The Role of Insurance in Effectuating Change.” For the Defense, DRI, January 2023 – Contributing Author
  • “Conflicts of Law in Bad Faith: Contractual Claims vs. Tort Claims and the Choice of Law.” For DRI Committee News, February 2023 – Contributing Author
  • “Emerging Strategies to Proactively Address and Effectively Resolve Risk.” For the Defense, DRI, May 2022 – Contributing Author
Honors

HONORS:

  • Recipient of the Konduros Fellowship Award at USC Law, 2021
  • Recipient of Presidential Scholarship at HPU, 2018