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Brooks Ellison
_________________________________________BROOKS ELLISON is the Managing Partner of Ellison Wilson Advocacy, LLC. Mr. Ellison is an accomplished attorney and a highly experienced legislative advocate. As a member of the California State Bar for nearly 25 years, his legal experience truly gives him a unique insight into the California political process and distinct advantage when advocating for his clients at the Capitol.
Mr. Ellison is an expert in the drafting and shepherding of complex legislative matters. His swift analytical skills and ability to control any debate give him a decisive edge as a legislative advocate. Prior to joining the Firm, Brooks was successful in founding and managing a successful Sacramento law firm. Later, he became the President, General Manager, and Co-owner of the Yakima Sun Kings, a professional basketball team in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). Under his leadership, the Sun Kings went from last place in the League to winning the CBA Championship. During his second year with the team, Mr. Ellison served as the Chair of the League’s Executive Committee where he was twice named “Executive of the Year”, the only person to receive such an honor in the League’s 50 year history.
Mr. Ellison received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the California State University at Chico.
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Bob Wilson
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BOB WILSON founded the firm nearly 30 years ago after having served in the California State Assembly from 1972 to 1976 and in the California State Senate from 1976 to 1980.
As an Assembly Member, Mr. Wilson served as Chair for a number of significant standing policy committees, including the Governmental Organization Committee, Public Employees and Retirement Committee, and Joint Legislative Audit Committee. While serving in the State Senate Mr. Wilson served as Chair of the powerful Judiciary Committee, as well as the Elections and Reapportionment Committee. During his tenure in office, Mr. Wilson was also appointed as a member of dozens of committees ranging from the Assembly Transportation Committee to the Senate Business and Professions Committee to the insurance and finance committees for both houses. Additionally in his distinguished political career Mr. Wilson was appointed to serve on the California Arts Council and the California State Athletic Commission.
Mr. Wilson has also been an active member of the California State Bar for nearly 40 years. As a result of his legislative service and legal expertise, Mr. Wilson continues to have an excellent rapport with both Democrats and Republicans. His vast inside knowledge as a former legislator has proved invaluable over the years in successfully advocating for his clients at the Capitol.
Mr. Wilson received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of San Diego. He also received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree.
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Patrick Whalen
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PATRICK WHALEN brings a wealth of impressive litigation experience to the firm, as he is an experienced trial attorney and appellate advocate, and has been a member of the California Bar since 1994.
Mr. Whalen’s federal and state court experience includes dozens of trials and more than one hundred appellate cases before the California Courts of Appeal. In addition, he has argued five cases before the California Supreme Court and twelve more appellate cases in front of the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to his extensive trial and appellate experience, during his career with the Attorney General’s office Mr. Whalen advised the Attorney General on legislation and also advised the Governor’s office on clemency decisions.
Mr. Whalen graduated 3rd in his class from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law where he was a member of the prestigious national honor society “Order of the Coif,” generally considered one of the highest honors a law student can receive and open only to the top 10% of law graduates nationwide. He received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Political Science from the University of California at Davis.
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Kirk Blackburn
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KIRK BLACKBURN, also a member of the California State Bar, has sharpened his advocacy skills through a unique combination of both legal and legislative expertise complimented with a significant background in public relations and public affairs.
In addition to considerable previous experience at a number of civil litigation law firms, Mr. Blackburn worked extensively in the public relations/public affairs field including several years with the award-winning San Francisco PR firm, Singer Associates, where he developed and implemented strategic communications programs for corporate, non-profit and government clients throughout the country. Amongst other projects, he served as a political advocate and publicist for the San Francisco 49ers, as well as executed a number of successful political campaigns.
Mr. Blackburn graduated with distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California at San Diego in 1999.