Elizabeth (Ellia) M. Thompson

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emthompson@Venable.com

Los Angeles, CA

T +1 310.229.9689

Ellia Thompson focuses primarily on land use and real estate litigation, having handled over a dozen jury and bench trials regarding an array of claims, and numerous administrative mandamus land use and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) writ cases. Ellia’s practice concentrates on land use, planning and zoning regulations, government administrative law, local housing laws, breach of contract cases for real estate projects, partition actions, prescriptive easements, encumbrances, trespass, and nuisance claims. Clients, including landlords and property owners, value her experience in land-use entitlements, with emphasis on zoning and subdivisions, community outreach, and projects located in hillside and historic areas.

Ellia is known for her counsel regarding environmental compliance, especially in relation to CEQA. She has broad experience in environmental review processes, administrative proceedings, and housing law. In addition, she has experience handling criminal defense for property owners who are charged with misdemeanors for failure to comply with certain property regulations, including fire code, building code, health, and housing violations.

She also has extensive trial experience in other areas of the law, including labor and employment, having successfully handled the defense of a major hospital from various claims by disgruntled former employees.

Prior to attending law school, Ellia served as press secretary to Congresswoman Jane Harman and communications director to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, chair of the powerful House Rules Committee. After September 11, 2001, Ellia also worked as the Democratic press secretary to the House Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security.

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Credentials

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Education

J.D. The George Washington University Law School 2005
B.A. English University of California at Los Angeles 2000

Bar Admissions

California
District of Columbia

Professional Memberships and Activities

Chair, Government Relations Committee, Board of Trustees, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA)
Member, Valley Industry Commerce Association (VICA)
Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Previous member, Economic Development Committee, Downtown Women’s Center (DWC)

Recognition

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Los Angeles Times, Inspirational Women Finalist, 2021
Los Angeles Business Journal
- Top Women Attorneys, 2020
- Most Influential Women Attorneys, 2018 – 2019
Super Lawyers
- Southern California, 2015 – 2023
- Rising Star, 2013 – 2014
CREW LA, Woman on the Rise, 2012

Community

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Pro Bono

Provided pro bono legal services to several U.S. military veterans, obtaining additional medical services and monetary awards for certain combat veterans suffering from past injuries