After serving clients for more than four decades, Ellen is not only a civil litigator, but a trusted advisor who understands business and regulation. After more than two decades as a sole practitioner, Ellen joined Seigfreid Bingham to lead the Environmental Law practice and serve as the go-to for comprehensive environmental matters and policy services across the firm’s industry groups. Before going into private practice, she served as the associate regional counsel at the Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII, from 1978-1988.

In her practice, Ellen addresses environmental issues in real estate transactions, and assists companies and individuals with due diligence, compliance and regulatory issues, litigation, and counseling. She has appeared before federal, state and local regulatory agencies and commissions including the Environmental Protection Agency, OSHA, Corps of Engineers, State Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection to successfully advocate for her clients.

While Ellen will strategically and vigorously litigate a case when necessary, she can often resolve cases outside the courtroom and without a trial. Alongside her record of success, Ellen is known for devising creative strategies to resolve legal issues in the most cost-efficient manner possible. Her combination of experience and insight ensure that her clients’ interests are protected at every turn, each unique case handled with respect and care. Her approach is based on client collaboration to find the best possible solution for her clients, and has an excellent track record of accomplishing that objective. She enjoys the opportunity to continuously learn and solve complex issues in environmental law, with the combination of law, science, business, and certainly, people. Her clients appreciate her passion for problem solving, in which she employs her depth of understanding of the legal system to facilitate  resolution within this practice area of conflicting interests and objectives.

Ellen is married to John Parisi, who is also a longtime Kansas City attorney. They love visiting national parks and spending time with their two daughters and four grandchildren.