Anne Marie Ellis

Practice Areas

Products Liability Law

Litigation

Environmental Law Practice

Japan Practice

Greater China Practice

Career

Anne Marie Ellis is the Office Managing Partner of the firm’s Orange County office. She serves as the California Chair of Buchalter’s Products Liability Practice Group and as Chair of both the Chemical Law & Proposition 65 Industry Group and the Automotive Industry Group. She represents clients in complex product liability defense, personal injury and commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission 15(b) reporting, recalls and risk management counseling across a wide range of industries.

Anne Marie is nationally recognized by Chambers USA as a leader in Product Liability and Mass Torts (USA – Nationwide). This prestigious ranking reflects a rigorous, independent research process that evaluates attorney experience, client feedback, and peer recognition, and confirms her standing as one of the top practitioners in her field nationwide.

From the most recent Chambers USA research, clients report:

“Anne Marie Ellis’ client service, sophistication and commercial vision are very strong. She is sharp and attentive, with keen attention to detail.”

“She is responsive, diligent, and delivers excellent work product.”

“She provides excellent service — extremely organized and clear in her recommendations.”

“Anne Marie knows the strategies for handling complex cases and is highly cost-effective.”

Whether defending claims as trial counsel, managing risks associated with allegations of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, or establishing strategies to prevent and defend California’s Proposition 65 claims, Anne Marie has a reputation for practicality and efficiency in complex, high exposure investigations, litigation, trials and regulatory matters. Prevailing in state and federal courts across the country, Anne Marie has a complex litigation background that includes class actions and every phase of litigation and trial. She is well-versed on e-discovery and preservation of trade secrets and confidential information.

Anne Marie has substantial experience advising manufacturers and importers on Section 15(b) reporting, CPSC investigations, and recall execution across a range of consumer products. Her work includes managing reporting decisions for products involving alleged children’s use, chemical compliance issues, and products failing in the marketplace, as well as coordinating Fast Track recalls and responding to onsite regulatory investigations. She also advises on cross‑border reporting obligations, including coordination with Health Canada on concurrent disclosures.

Anne Marie also spends considerable time helping clients prevent litigation and apply best practices to comply with regulatory obligations. She is a frequent author and presenter to legal and industry audiences. Recently, Anne Marie has been advancing the discussion around trends in PFAS claims and compliance with Prop 65. She offers extensive experience managing California Proposition 65 compliance as well as defending private enforcement cases.

Regulatory Compliance and Pre-Litigation Counsel

In her counsel to many regulated businesses, Anne Marie advises and guides on matters involving state and federal agencies including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, Attorney General investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, product recalls, and a range of compliance issues. Her litigation-prevention guidance and advice addresses:

Recalls and Investigations

Supply Chain Issues

Warranty Reviews

Releases/Waivers

Warnings and Labels

User Manuals and Other Regulatory Obligations

Implementing compliance and testing plans

Anne Marie has also helped clients fight back against Consumer Legal Remedies Act, false advertising, unfair business practices shakedown suits and similar claims. She also routinely defends lawsuits and claims involving Title III of the ADA, and corresponding California statutes including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, for brick-and-mortar stores and website accessibility.

Should a crisis arise, Anne Marie is familiar with the best practices to contain and control risks and works closely with company leadership to implement a powerful, early defense.

Advising Clients Across Industry Sectors

Anne Marie represents national and regional manufacturers, retailers, distributors, importers, franchisors, and direct selling companies, among others. Her additional experience across a variety of industries and issues includes:

Amusement Park Venues

Apparel and Textiles, Jewelry, and Accessories

Arborists

Automotive, including Autonomous Vehicles and Emerging Technologies

Chemicals, PFAS, and Other Toxic Torts

Children’s Products, Toys and Care Devices, and Clothing

Consumer Appliances

Cosmetics, Health and Wellness, and Dietary Supplements

Food and Hospitality

Micromobility

Motorcycles

Sporting Goods and Fitness Equipment, Recreational and Outdoor Products

Trash and Recycling Haulers

Wildland Fires

Professional Memberships

Anne Marie is a dynamic professional with a passion for driving excellence and inclusivity. She serves on various firm governance committees, including the partnership evaluation, Orange County women’s, marketing, and DEI committees. Her leadership shapes strategic decisions, fosters diversity, amplifies the firm’s brand, and advocates for inclusivity. Anne Marie’s dedication inspires positive change and drives impactful results.

Anne Marie brings her litigation and regulatory depth to a variety of industry groups, such as:

International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) which is an international, neutral forum for product safety stakeholders to learn, network and share information.

Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), a prestigious trade association at the forefront of helping product manufacturers, retailers and suppliers stay abreast of legal and regulatory issues (Sustaining Member).

Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Legal Task Force.

Executive Committee General Interest Representative, Hockey Equipment Certification Council Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks out, evaluates and selects standards and testing procedures for hockey equipment.

Society of Product Safety Professionals which provides product safety management education and certification.

Women in Manufacturing – national and global trade association dedicated to providing support to women in the manufacturing industry.