Michelle Ellis

Michelle Ellis joined Emory University’s Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance as a Civil Rights Investigator in October of 2026. In this role, she conducts neutral and impartial investigations of complaints of discrimination and harassment involving members of the Emory community.

Prior to joining Emory, Michelle served as an attorney representing the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services in child welfare proceedings. She previously spent more than four years as an Investigator with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, where she investigated civil rights and compliance matters, conducted witness interviews, analyzed federal laws and regulations, prepared investigative findings and reports, and monitored corrective action plans. Michelle’s legal career also includes experience in family law, housing law, child support enforcement, and public-interest advocacy.

Michelle earned her Juris Doctor from Charleston School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Criminology, from the University of New Mexico. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.