Academy Member Inducted 2008
Video ConferencingAvailable
- Practice Commenced1996
- # of MEDS (as of 22/12/24)1000
- # of ARBS (as of 22/12/24)3
Current Practice
Online / In-Person
Biographical
Ellen has been an attorney in North Carolina for 38 years. Her vigorous trial practice eventually evolved into the realm of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Twenty-five years ago in 1998, the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC) certified Ellen to mediate superior court cases (MSC). The Commission certified her to mediate family financial cases (FFS) in 2001.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) has approved Ellen to mediate workers' compensation and state tort claims since 1999..
The NCDRC certified Ellen as a mediation trainer in 2009. She has been one of the primary trainers for the 40-Hour NCDRC Superior Court Mediation course since 2010. Ellen is hailed by seasoned attorneys as one of the best mediation trainers in the state:
Ellen, Roy [Baroff], Colleen [Byers] and Kelley [Gondring] were all fantastic instructors with knowledge and passion for their particular sections of the class. Ellen is good at providing feedback and moves the class along and pivots when necessary. She is patient and kind and answers questions. She fosters open communication among the students.
Phoebe Coddington October 2024
Throughout the training, Ellen counseled our cohort of trainees to trust the mediation process to get the parties to the mediated outcome. Through her modeled behavior, compassion and encouragement, I learned to trust Ellen and her process to develop my perspective, knowledge and skills as a mediator.
This mediator training course was a very rewarding experience. Ellen is very good, has an exceptional demeanor, and really fostered an environment of being able to immerse yourself into real world situations to simulate the perspectives of attorneys, clients and mediators. The co-trainers were excellent as well and provided valuable guidance to allow our class to see various styles for addressing certain simulated situations. I would highly recommend Ellen as a trainer and cannot say enough good things about her training program.
This course has significantly enhanced my perspective as an attorney and improved my communication skills, both personally and professionally. Although I was initially apprehensive about the 40-hour training, it proved to be challenging yet extremely valuable in terms of both time and money. I immediately applied the open-ended questioning techniques in conversations with opposing counsel on a new case, and even in discussions with my partner about the extensive renovations at our home. In both situations, this approach was far more productive than asking direct, pointed questions. I’m learning how to gather information about facts, interests, and emotions, and spending more time building rapport with clients so they feel comfortable opening up to me. I truly love this class—Ellen has a remarkable talent for bringing everything together. Her guidance and corrections are offered in a way that motivates rather than discourages, inspiring continued learning. I highly recommend this course to all attorneys, even those who don't aspire to be Certified Superior Court Mediators. I only wish this class had been available when I was a student at Wake Law. Kudos to Wake Law for adding it!
Ellen was terrific, and her co-trainers were similarly terrific – all super-experienced and knowledgeable. The role-play, experiential learning approach was very effective to helping me learn. I would highly recommend Ellen’s class to anyone else looking to become a mediator.
I am not totally sure that I internalized everything that was taught, but Ellen seemed extraordinarily enthusiastic and interested in student success.
I am so pleased with this class. Going into the class, I had preconceived notions and confidence that I already had this figured out. From day one, I saw that I had to refocus all my thoughts, practice habits, aggressive advocate attitude and become a facilitator. It was mind-blowing and made me realize that the mediator perspective is much different than I had thought. Having been in 100’s of mediations, I felt I was ready, and this was just a requirement to check off. Then, as the course progressed, the light bulb went on, and I realized that a different approach and mentality was required. It made me look back on past mediations and mediators and see why I favor certain ones or describe certain ones as effective while others cannot get to yes. This class is helpful not only for work but also for life. It has changed my interpersonal relationships, office leadership, and general human kindness by facilitating solutions instead of always trying to be the solution. This is a class a young lawyer or a young parent or businessperson should take to learn to manage life. I wish I was 25 and not 60 when I took this class. It was challenging, fun, and exciting, required much work to grow, and taught human practices that will never fail you in life. I loved it. The guest trainers opened our eyes to methods that blew our minds. It’s a class where lasting cognitive change will occur over time as it all sinks in. I could go on for hours about the class, the instructors, the subject matter, and how it changes one's approach to conflict. I hope to be able to continue to expand my knowledge as it is all for good.
This is the best “CLE” that I have attended in my 23 years of practice. Thank you so much for your insight and teaching/mentoring abilities. I recommend Ellen to anyone wanting to improve their skills as a mediator, as an attorney, and as a person!
Thank you Ellen for a fun and informative training session. The two-week half-day framework was very helpful. I loved how you encouraged group participation nearly every day. Not only have I learned a new skill but I've developed a new network of friends. The guest speakers you invited were absolutely marvelous.
Ellen was outstanding in her instruction, attention to detail and general overall knowledge of mediation and the process.
I learned a lot, not only substantively, but also from your patience, professionalism and insight.
Ellen has the experience of a litigator with the mindset of a mediator. It's the perfect combination to teach this training.
THE BEST! EVEN BETTER THAN WHAT I EXPECTED!
Ellen's warmth, depth and breadth of professional experience and communication skills really shine. I have grown personally and professionally over the past two weeks.
This well thought out class will provide a level of self-awareness that is invaluable. As lawyers, it was very challenging to relearn how best to help people who are in conflict. Ellen knows how to guide her students in the best way in learning new skills. I would highly recommend [this] course.
Ellen is [a] patient, thorough and attentive instructor. The course material … was easy to access and comprehend. Ellen allowed class interaction which contributed to the overall success of the course. Thanks Ellen!
Ellen is a top-notch instructor, weaving all pertinent substantive and procedural knowledge regarding mediation in with helpful and relatable practical application. She has a wonderful personality, a great sense of humor, and a staunch commitment to her craft. Her guest instructors were excellent too. … Delivery was the key.
I’ve been an advocate many times in mediations and learned things that will help me improve my services on that side as well. I really enjoyed the time spent with fellow classmates and learned a lot from them too.
Ellen and everyone who participated was wonderful. It reminded me that I actually like lawyers.
Ellen’s training was extremely beneficial. She is a knowledgeable and delightful teacher. Ellen successfully brought together a group of aspiring mediators from various backgrounds and helped us all learn to expand our toolboxes as attorneys for creative ways to help facilitate negotiations as neutrals in the future. Thanks Ellen!
Ellen is a wonderful person and mediator. [She is] passionate about this profession, her class and having everyone feel engaged. This class was incredibly humbling, eye opening and will make me a better lawyer and person overall. I was extremely impressed with the co-trainers as well… .
The training was fantastic, and one of the best training courses I have encountered in many years over several disciplines. Ellen Gelbin provided information in a multitude of ways to complement our individual learning styles.... The simulations placed us in situations that unfold over the course .... We began [our simulations] with a starting point and we continued to add layers and complexities. On the first day, Ellen informed us that the class would unfold over time … . Not only did the course unfold, it grew, blossomed, flowered, proliferated and thrives. This type of experience doesn’t come along often. It is extremely special. This course inspires me.
Case Experience
- Civil Rights
- Commercial/Business
- Construction
- Consumer Fraud
- Contract Disputes
- Debt Collections
- Discrimination
- Divorce (High Asset)
- EEOC
- Employment
- Landlord/Tenant
- Lemon Law
- Personal Injury
- Probate
- Product Liability
- Property Damage
- Sexual Harassment
- Torts
- Workers' Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1985)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (B.S., 1982)
Memberships & Affiliations
MEMBERSHIPS
North Carolina State Bar (Since 1985)
Federal District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (Since 1985)
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (Since 1985)
Forsyth County Bar and NC 31st Judicial District Bar (Since 1985)(formerly 21st District)
National Association of Administrative Law Judges (NAALJ) Since 2000)
North Carolina Academy of Superior Court Mediators - a Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (Limited, Merit-Based and By Invitation Only) (Since 2005)
North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA)(Since 1985)
- Litigation Section (1985-2001)
- Family Law Section (since 1985)
- Workers Compensation Section (since 1985)
- Dispute Resolution Section Member (Since 2001)
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- Chair of the Mediation Practice Committee (2003-2004)
- Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee (2004-2006)
- Treasurer (2006-2007)
- Secretary (2007-2008)
- Chair of the Section Council (2008-2009)(and, as such, an ex officio member of the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission (NCDRC) (the state agency which regulates NCDRC certified mediators)
Rates Information
$300 one-time administrative fee and $300.00 per hour for time spent in mediation, reviewing materials submitted prior to mediation or traveling outside of Winston-Salem beyond 120 miles.