While in law school, Ellie worked as a research fellow for a non-profit organization for youth empowerment to stop hate-group-led violence and worked to remove invalid racial restriction covenants from deeds in Washington state. She also interned at Court Appointed Special Advocates for DC, where she managed several programs such as the Juvenile Behavioral Diversion Program/Person in Need of Supervision, Abuse and Neglect, Unaccompanied Refugee Minors, HOPE Court, and the Family Treatment Court. Ellie also worked in public defense in Spokane County representing clients facing felony charges and involuntary civil commitment.
Before law school, Ellie worked as a clinical mental health counselor at the Spokane County Jail Mental Health Unit where she counseled individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse disorders. Additionally, Ellie worked as a mental health therapist for YFA Connections, where she conducted therapy sessions, developed treatment plans, and implemented behavioral interventions and modifications for children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with various disorders stemming from complex trauma or severe mental illnesses.
As a former mental health therapist, Ellie is devoted to helping people address the challenges they face.
See Ellie’s profile on our personal injury website.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
- $2.5M settlement for the family of a wrongful death victim in a medical malpractice suit.
- $1.9M for negligence against paramedics who failed to properly intubate client leading to his death.
- $1.8M settlement for a wrongful death caused by anesthesia negligence.
- $1.6M settlement for a pedestrian severely injured after being struck and dragged by a truck.
- $1.5M for a dram shop against a bar that overserved a person who then drove the wrong way and killed our client’s son.
- $1.5M for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle causing a broken elbow.
- $1.3M for a car accident where driver turned in front of client causing a broken leg.
- $1.2M for a medical malpractice case on a failure to diagnose a spinal cord compression that led to temporary paralysis.
- $900K settlement against a medical office that allowed our client with dementia to leave unaccompanied, which led to her death.
- $750K for the family of an inmate who committed suicide while in custody.
- Represented a nineteen-year-old foster youth facing the removal of her newborn due to hearsay.
- Represented a young mother facing the removal of her child due to disability discrimination.
ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Arizona Association for Justice, Member, 2022-Present
- The National Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2023-Present
HONORS & AWARDS
- The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, 2023, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America® Ones To Watch, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2024
- Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, Personal Injury General: Plaintiff, 2025
- Phoenix Magazine, Top Lawyer, Personal Injury, 2024
- Gonzaga University School of Law, Pro Bono Distinction
COMMUNITY & PHILANTHROPY
Ellie has worked on the Parent Legislative Action Network in New York City to help reform laws impacting parents facing neglect and abuse allegations. She has also partnered with educational groups in Washington, DC to implement laws that would disrupt the school to prison pipeline.
News
- Shannon Clark & Eleanor Shaffer Featured on ABC15, "Arizona Family Fights For Dental Safety Reforms After Son’s Death" - June 17, 2025
- Benson & Shaffer Featured in Women in Law Special Issue - May 29, 2025
- 23 G&K Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Southwest Super Lawyers and Rising Stars - April 17, 2025
- G&K Lawyers Continuing a Family Legacy in Law: The Boatman's - February 28, 2025
- Ellie Shaffer Named to “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers - September 18, 2024
- Phoenix Magazine Names 11 G&K Attorneys to 2024 Top Lawyers - September 3, 2024
- G&K's Professional Women’s Group Hosts "Pi Day" Bake Sale & Silent Auction in Support of Shoebox Ministry - March 15, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America® 2024 Recognizes 52 Gallagher & Kennedy Attorneys - August 21, 2023
Publications
- The Kids are Alt-Right: How the Media and the Law Enable White Supremacist Groups Recruit and Radicalize Emotionally Vulnerable Individuals, Vol. XII, Law Journal for Social Justice, Fall 2019
Events
- Artificial Intelligence and International Law: A Call for Regulations and Implementation of Protections for Fundamental Human Rights in the Digital Age, Asian Society of International Law, Manila, Philippines, August 2019
- Prison Psychology: Does Daily Counseling For Guards Have a Positive Impact on Prisoner’s Mental Health?, Washington Counseling Association Annual Conference, Spokane, WA, 2013
Mike S.
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
I had a bad faith problem with Progressive Insurance not helping with a claim on my toy hauler. Eleanor [Shaffer] was able to make the process stress free, communication was efficient, and the resolution was faster than expected. If I ever have any need for a lawyer or legal advice, she will be the first person I call. Thanks again for all your help!
Vicki James
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer were great. They represented me in a malpractice lawsuit, and they were very professional and prepared. They kept me abreast of any new developments. We were able to settle out of court with great negotiation skills. I would highly recommend Shannon and Eleanor to anyone! Best decision you could make!
Blanca Ruiz
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
If you are looking for knowledgeable attorneys, seek Gallagher & Kennedy Law Firm. Shannon Clark and Eleanor J. Shaffer have provided legal representation in my mother’s case. While the personal injury case was quite lengthy, the entire team has been extremely supportive. During the mediation, Shannon advocated for my mother in which the case was able to be resolved outside of court.
Mother & Family of Robert
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
My son was hit by an SUV while walking on the shoulder of a road; he suffered from multiple serious injuries while also sustaining horrific brain trauma. As his mother, I could only hope and pray that he would survive this disturbing event. ... This uncertainty was so great, that I had decided to speak to a legal counsel. By the grace of God, I had thankfully found the most compassionate and intelligent legal team available to me. ... Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer were my angels straight from Heaven, blessing me with the promise of legal stability and representation that I had longed for since the incident. ...
Jesus Rivera Yanez
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
I highly recommend anyone who is looking for an auto injury attorney to lawyers of G & K. Eleanor [Shaffer], Bob [Boatman], Karen [Trumpower], and the entire team went above and beyond with my motor vehicle case, they were consistent with follow up calls, 100% on strong work, feedback, and clear guidance in my case with outstanding results. Their detailed follow ups and check-ins calls were always my piece of mind through the entire process. Thank you for your support and dedication to my case!
Kathy Perkins
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
After the death of our son as the result of a tragic car accident, we obtained legal services from Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers. Our lawyers, Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer, filed a Wrongful Death claim on our behalf. We appreciated the professional attention to our case that Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer provided. They handled our case with honesty, respect, and compassion which helped comfort us during a very difficult time. Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer proved to be efficient and driven to obtain the best outcome for our claim. Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers are highly recommended by us!
Nancy Johnson
I am very pleased with my experience with Gallagher & Kennedy. They were very professional, knowledgeable, and informative throughout the process. I cannot say enough good things about working with Eleanor and the team. I am thankful that I had them working for me. They stayed on top of all inquiries that came in and kept me updated. They were wonderful to explain and answer my many questions keeping my best interest at the forefront. Highly recommend them to anyone needing an injury lawyer, they are the best!
Blake Benedict
Catastrophic Personal Injury Client
As a rule, I don't give reviews...ever. I am making an exception in this case. I had a motorcycle accident, where I was very lucky to keep my leg...and my life. In my search, for the BEST lawyer...Gallagher & Kennedy was my first stop, of 6 scheduled appointments with potential lawyers that day. It was immediately apparent...I already found my team. During my rehabilitation, including 2 major surgeries, I was consistently updated about the details pertaining to my case. The best way I can describe this legal team is...Taking care of business! They got me a 7 figure settlement...In Less than 1 year...just as I got back on my feet, and walking around again! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!! If I ever need ANY legal assistance, as long as I live, I already got my team. Just the fact that I am making this review, should tell you, all you need to know. 6 outta 5 Stars!!! You gave me my Dream Life!!
Amy Beal
After I lost my son and speaking to a trusted friend, I retained Bill King at Gallagher & Kennedy. From the very first in-person meeting we had, the whole G&K team-including Bill [King], Shannon Clark, Bob Boatman and Eleanor Shaffer-provided first rate representation and worked tirelessly to pursue my case, while also keeping me informed and involved every step of the way. Not only were they great advocates but they were also truly understanding, compassionate, empathetic and caring people during this difficult time. Previously, I had no experience with personal injury lawsuits and was unsure of what to expect. I could not have been more pleased with G&K's representation, professionalism and advocacy. I would highly recommend Bill King and the entire team at G&K to anyone who needs the attention, care and legal skill they demonstrated in my case.
Bonnie Warren
We so appreciate Eleanor Shaffer's and Shannon's efforts on our behalf. We found [them] to be honest, dependable, persistent, extremely capable, and genuinely concerned for our well-being. Thank you.