Meet Ellen
Ellen Bognar has dedicated her career to helping victims of elder abuse. Her practice is devoted to advocating for patients and their families who have been harmed by the negligence of nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes, and home health companies.
Ellen’s clients describe her as sympathetic, caring, and thoughtful. She knows that no two cases, clients, or circumstances are alike, and she treats each case with specialized attention. She is persistent and methodical, and she thrives when doing the necessary detective work to uncover the full story in order to deliver justice for the elderly.
Originally from Miami, Ellen moved to Charlottesville for law school. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and swimming with her son.
Experience
- Trial Attorney, Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen (2020 – Present)
- Adjunct Faculty, University of Virginia School of Law (2017-2023)
- Associate, MichieHamlett (2016-2020)
- Associate, Law Offices of Robert W. Carter, Jr. (2011-2015)
- Judicial Clerk, Third District Court of Appeal, Miami, FL (2009-2010)
- Summer Associate, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP (2008)
- Judicial Intern, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (2007)
Bar Admissions
- Licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
Education
- National Trial Advocacy College, University of Virginia
- J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
- B.A., Williams College
Honors
- Virginia Super Lawyers (2025, 2026)
- Virginia Super Lawyers (Top 5% of Virginia Attorneys) (2025)
- Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star, Personal Injury (2019)
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly Million Dollar Plus Settlements (2025)
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly Largest Verdicts #9 (2016)
- Virginia Lawyers Weekly Largest Verdicts #6 (2012)
Professional Affiliations
- American Association for Justice
- Nursing Homes Litigation Group (2011-present)
- Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC) (2011-present)
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
- Member- Board of Governors (2024-present)
- Member- Legislative Committee (2024 -present)
- Member- Education Committee (2024-present)
- Chair- Long Term Care Section (2024-present)
- Chair- Long Term Care Retreat (2026)
- Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association
Speaking Engagements
- CLE Moderator VTLA Long-Term Care Retreat, “How to Select a Good Case” (2026).
- CLE Presenter, National Business Institute (NBI), “Demonstrative Evidence” (2018).
16 attorneys named to 2026 Virginia Super Lawyers
We are proud to announce that 16 Allen & Allen attorneys have been named to the 2026 Super Lawyers list. Those attorneys include: Edward L. Allen, Ellen C. Bognar, Paul...
Can I use AI to save lawyer’s fees? No.
An AI computer program cannot stand up to an insurance adjuster, interpret subtle facts in your case, or protect you from mistakes that could cost you your claim. A seasoned...
$500,000 settlement for Nursing Home Negligence
Our client’s 85-year-old mother died after she was admitted to a nursing home for long-term care and it failed to implement the necessary safety measures. Upon admission, she could walk...
Maureen from Louisa
The name Allen & Allen was familiar to me from the time I was a child. I’m 77 years old and I remember at age eight or nine hearing my...
Elaine from Maryland
When my mother was fatally injured in a rehab facility, we reached out to Allen and Allen for help. Working with Ellen and Deanna was an excellent experience. They gave...
$1M Settlement for Nursing Home Negligence Case
Attorneys Ellen Bognar and Lee Appleton obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for their client who suffered a below-the-knee amputation as a result of nursing home negligence. The facility did not care...