Jo Ellen joined the Firm in 2006 following a career of over 25 years as an employment law specialist and General Counsel to three major corporations.  Having managed risk and litigation for her prior corporate clients, she is cost-sensitive and practical.

     Jo Ellen was Vice President and General Counsel for the North American operation of a 3.2 billion dollar UK industrial materials conglomerate, Cookson Group, PLC.  Before joining Cookson in 1998, Jo Elen was General Counsel to Columbia HCA's Homecare business, Jo Ellen also served as General Counsel to Fresenius Medical Care, North America (FMCNA), formerly National Medical Care (NMC), a subsidiary of W.R. Grace and the largest dialysis provider in the world.

     With over 15 years in the health care industry, Jo Ellen has experience in government investigations, management of multi-jurisdictional litigation, employment and corporate law.  A proven business leader and valuable member of management in her prior roles, Jo Ellen brings a unique understanding of client needs, practical experience, and business savvy to the practice. 

     Jo Ellen is a 1979 cum laude graduate of Boston College Law School, where she served as an Editor of the Boston College Law Review.  She holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois and a B.S. from Purdue University.  Prior to her legal career, Jo Ellen taught in the Community College systems in both New York and Massachusetts where she represented faculty in collective bargaining and arbitration matters. For the past seven years, Jo Ellen has maintained a position on the Boston College Law School's Board of Overseers and the Dean's Advisory Board. 

     Jo Ellen is a frequent speaker on litigation management and systems to track and manage civil litigation matters.  She provides training on employment practices, including sexual harassment, employment discrimination law, and advises clients on all aspects of employment law.

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