Ellen is a retired partner of Perkins Coie, where over her long career she focused on all aspects of real estate development and financing. She and her husband moved their young family to the Puget Sound Region in 1977. Their children attended the Renton Schools, and her grandchildren now attend the same schools. Ellen has served on the boards of many regional nonprofit organizations focusing on social justice and education. She was also a leader in the Washington State Bar Association, where she served as President for the 2006-2007 term. Ellen and her husband live in Ravensdale.