Ellis G. Payne

Overview

Ellis Payne is a member of the firm’s real estate group, where he focuses on commercial leasing for both landlords and tenants, as well as real estate development and financing. He advises clients through all stages of real estate transactions, helping them navigate complex issues and move projects efficiently from concept to completion.

Before joining Ellis & Winters, Ellis served as senior vice president and general counsel for a commercial real estate development and management company with clients locally, nationally, and globally. In that role, he oversaw the company’s commercial real estate portfolio and managed company operations from both a legal and business perspective. This in-house experience gives Ellis a practical understanding of the challenges his clients face and allows him to provide advice that is both strategic and business-focused. His work has involved a wide range of clients, from small independent businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Ellis approaches real estate matters with an analytical mindset and describes himself as a “deal attorney.” He enjoys working collaboratively with clients, brokers, and other professionals to structure transactions and solve problems as deals evolve, with the goal of seeing each project through to completion. Because real estate projects are inherently tangible, Ellis often visits development sites in person to gain a deeper understanding of the property and the objectives behind each project.

Active in local real estate and legal organizations as well as in his community, Ellis stays informed about local, state, and national real estate trends and keeps clients apprised of developments that may create risks or opportunities. Ellis earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Scouts BSA program and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society. The Eagle Scout code includes a pledge to “help other people at all times,” a principle that continues to guide Ellis in both his professional and community life.

Outside of his practice, Ellis enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children and occasionally fitting in a round of golf. He is an avid reader and recently took up fly fishing, hoping to improve his casting technique during family trips to the mountains.