Mr. Al Ellis
Mr. Al Ellis
Mr. Al Ellis

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Military Branch: Army

Years Served: 1965-1969

Rank: Captain

Honors: Arlington State College Distinguished Military Graduate, UTA Distinguished Alumni Award, UTA Military Science Hall of Honor

Conflicts: Vietnam War

Biography:

Mr. Al Ellis graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1961, and in the fall he enrolled in Arlington State College. He joined the ROTC program and by his senior year was the Cadet Corps Commander and the Commander of the Sam Houston Rifles. While accomplishing all this, he paid his way through college with part-time and summer jobs. Al graduated in 1965 with a BA degree. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate and commission in the Infantry. His first duty assignment was with the 82nd Airborne Division where he served in the Dominican Republic. He later served in Vietnam as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army. Al left the Army in 1969 as a Captain to pursue a career in law.

He attended Southern Methodist University and received his law degree in 1971. While at SMU, he was the Student Chief Counsel for the SMU Legal Clinic and a member of the Board of Editors for the Journal of Air Law and Commerce. After graduation he began his career as a trial lawyer with a small firm that eventually became his own solo practice.

Mr. Al Ellis is known in legal circles for his long list of professional credentials. He has always been an advocate for his clients, having tried over 175 jury trials. Mr. Ellis serves as “Of Counsel” with Sommerman & Quesada, which signifies exemplary leadership and integrity in the practice of law as well as service to the community. Al Ellis earned this special designation through a lifetime of professional achievement, personal generosity, and energetic public service. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all Federal and State Courts in Texas. He is a Board Certified Personal Injury and Civil Trial Lawyer.

Mr. Ellis has received numerous awards during his career. Additionally, has been awarded the UTA Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the UTA Military Science Hall of Honor in 2013.

Interview Clips

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Interview Date: April 26, 2013

Summary:

Mr. Ellis talks extensively about his time attending Arlington State College, combining working and studying, being a member of the Sam Houston Rifles team and his role as Cadet Corps Commander. He also talks about his assignment in the Dominican Republic and his role as an advisor in Vietnam during the conflict there.