Ellen Cordell’s practice is concentrated on the resolution of complex business disputes with an emphasis in defending large-scale local, regional, national and international manufacturers, distributors and sellers in products liability litigation nationwide. Her clients include leading companies in the automotive industry.
In addition to having direct responsibility for case management, Ellen has been involved in all aspects of litigation leading up to trial, including trial preparation. Her extensive litigation experience includes drafting pleadings and motions, including motions to dismiss, motions for protective orders, motions to compel, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine; conducting all phases of discovery, including preparation of interrogatories and document requests, as well as assisting corporate clients with responses to discovery requests in complex tort litigation; collaborating with expert witnesses regarding case strategy, inspection of subject products and deposition testimony; and providing detailed legal research and analysis on a wide spectrum of legal, procedural and ethical issues. Ellen has also been involved in negotiating favorable settlements in high-stakes products liability litigation cases for clients before, during and after trial.
Her achievements have earned her inclusion in Oklahoma Super Lawyers' list of "Oklahoma Rising Stars,” which recognizes the state’s top up-and-coming attorneys.
Ellen earned a Certificate in Native American Law and Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law and devotes a portion of her practice to the representation of Indian tribes.
Prior to entering private practice, Ellen worked as the exhibits registrar for the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History where she was in charge of project management of in-house and traveling exhibits, including exhibit design and preparation, conservation, and monitoring of environmental controls. She also participated in consultations regarding the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) with Native American tribes and presented papers for professional conferences on NAGPRA.
Ellen is a 2004 graduate from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where she was a member of the Energy Law Journal and the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.
Active in the community, Ellen serves on the boards of the University of Tulsa College of Law Alumni Association and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Tulsa.