Prominent Litigator Ellyn S. Garofalo Joins Carlton Fields in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Calif. – Carlton Fields is pleased to announce that experienced trial attorney Ellyn S. Garofalo has joined the firm’s Los Angeles office as a shareholder. Garofalo’s practice focuses on a wide range of complex civil litigation as well as criminal defense and regulatory matters.

“Carlton Fields stands out for its world-class lawyers, its collegial firm culture, and above all, a deep commitment to client service,” Garofalo said. “I’m thrilled to join the team.”

Prior to joining Carlton Fields, Garofalo was a partner at Venable. In her three decades of courtroom experience, she has tried a wide variety of cases in state and federal courts across the country. Her complex civil litigation practice includes breach of contract claims, partnership disputes, securities and investor fraud claims, real estate litigation, and other business disputes.

“Ellyn is a top-flight trial lawyer who expands our diverse team of California litigators and brings a robust background in civil and criminal defense work,” Carlton Fields President and CEO Gary L. Sasso said. “We are extremely pleased she chose to join us.”

Mark Neubauer, Carlton Fields’ Los Angeles Office Managing Shareholder, added: “Ellyn’s record for success speaks for itself. We are proud she has chosen Carlton Fields to continue those achievements.”

Garofalo’s recent notable civil cases include obtaining a defense verdict as lead trial counsel for multiple defendants in a $100 million partnership dispute arising from the acquisition of a wellness resort. In another matter, she obtained a $32 million judgment for cyber theft by a former officer of a digital advertising company. Garofalo also recently obtained a settlement in an international breach of contract dispute involving one of the world’s largest produce suppliers.

Garofalo also handles a wide range of criminal and regulatory matters, including white collar criminal defense and SEC enforcement actions. She has defended clients in matters involving allegations of securities, bank, mortgage, health care, internet, and tax fraud, including several high-profile, sensitive matters involving celebrities.

Garofalo joins Carlton Fields’ nationally recognized Business Litigation Practice, which includes more than 150 attorneys in the firm’s 11 offices. Corporate counsel recently recognized Carlton Fields as one of the best law firms in complex commercial litigation, according to BTI’s 2022 Litigation Outlook. 

“Ellyn’s record in the courtroom speaks for itself. She is a tremendously skilled attorney, and her depth and breadth of experience adds to our capabilities on the West Coast and nationally,” said Merrick L. “Rick” Gross, co-chair of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice.

Garofalo is a past member of the board of directors of the Federal Bar Association Los Angeles chapter, the board of directors of the Los Angeles Business Council, and the book publishing board of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Pepperdine University School of Law, and her B.A. from Brooklyn College