Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (MLW) has recognized Partner Felicia Ellsworth in its 2015 Excellence in the Law edition, which recognizes a wide range of accomplishments in the legal community. Ellsworth was recognized as an Up & Coming Lawyer, a section meant to identify and honor the rising stars of the Massachusetts legal community—attorneys who have been members of the bar for 10 years or less, but who have already distinguished themselves in their practice.

Featured in the 2015 edition, Ellsworth provided advice and inspiration drawing on her career so far. Among the advice she offers is that “there are times when it’s appropriate to be self-critical and times to have confidence in your own ability to arrive at the best recommendation.” She also shares the best piece of professional advice she’s received. “The attitude or approach you should have is what is right and not what’s required to win,” she said.

Ellsworth’s work in state and federal courts of all levels was highlighted, and in particular her work on the challenge to the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). When asked what she considers her biggest achievement she mentioned the DOMA litigation and stated, “the DOMA litigation rises to the top in terms of both personally and professionally fulfilling cases on which I’ve had the good fortune to work.”

Ellsworth is a partner in WilmerHale’s Litigation/Controversy Department and a member of the Appellate & Supreme Court Litigation and Business Trial Group Practices. Her practice focuses on high-stakes complex commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, and her appellate practice spans both civil and criminal matters in the state and federal appeals courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.