William L. Ellis, Jr.
FAX: 212.922.1819
Experience
William L. Ellis, Jr. advises large business and municipal corporations as well as major companies in the alcohol beverage industry on a variety of corporate matters.
Mr. Ellis's mergers and acquisitions experience includes feasibility studies, negotiations, letters of intent, due diligence, regulatory approvals, closings, integration of acquired businesses, resolving escrows and claims/litigation. Many projects also involved responsibilities for related financings (debt and equity).
Mr. Ellis's extensive experience includes serving as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Guinness UDV (now Diageo North America, Inc.), interim General Counsel for Remy Amerique, Inc. and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. as well as an adviser to Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine. He has been significantly engaged in intellectual property and technology transactions/litigation including trademark cases for Grey Goose Vodka and Heidsieck Champagne.
Additionally, he has held positions as Deputy General Counsel of Primerica (now part of Citigroup) and Senior Counsel - International of Merck & Co., Inc.
Education
- LL.B., University of Virginia Law School, 1963
- B.A., Yale University, 1960
Admitted
- New York
Seminars and Presentations:
- Ellis has been a frequent speaker at CLE programs and other seminars, often focusing on litigation management and alternate dispute resolution. He was one of the recipients of the first annual award for ADR achievement from the Center for Public Resources.
Professional Activities:
- Abbott House
- Association of the Bar of the City of New York
- Pro Bono Partnership
- Women’s Research & Education Institute, Corporate Advisory Council