Anne Marie Ellis is the California Chair of Buchalter’s Products Liability Practice Group and the Chair of the Chemical Law and Prop. 65 Industry Group. She concentrates on product liability defense, personal injury and commercial litigation, general liability, regulatory compliance, and client counseling.

Whether defending claims as trial counsel, managing risks associated with allegations of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, or establishing strategies to prevent and defend California’s Proposition 65 claims, Anne Marie has a reputation for practicality and efficiency in complex, high exposure investigations, litigation, trials and regulatory matters. Prevailing in state and federal courts across the country, Anne Marie has a complex litigation background that includes class actions and every phase of litigation and trial. She is well-versed on e-discovery and preservation of trade secrets and confidential information.

Anne Marie also spends considerable time helping clients prevent litigation and apply best practices to comply with regulatory obligations. She is a frequent author and presenter to legal and industry audiences. Recently, Anne Marie has been advancing the discussion around trends in PFAS claims and compliance with Prop 65. She offers extensive experience managing California Proposition 65 compliance as well as defending private enforcement cases.

Regulatory Compliance and Pre-Litigation Counsel

In her counsel to many regulated businesses, Anne Marie advises and guides on matters involving state and federal agencies including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, Attorney General investigations, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, product recalls, and a range of compliance issues. Her litigation-prevention guidance and advice addresses:

• Recalls and Investigations
• Supply Chain Issues
• Warranty Reviews
• Releases/Waivers
• Warnings and Labels
• User Manuals and Other Regulatory Obligations
• Implementing compliance and testing plans

Anne Marie has also helped clients fight back against Consumer Legal Remedies Act, false advertising, unfair business practices shakedown suits and similar claims. She also routinely defends lawsuits and claims involving Title III of the ADA, and corresponding California statutes including the Unruh Civil Rights Act, for brick-and-mortar stores and website accessibility.

Should a crisis arise, Anne Marie is familiar with the best practices to contain and control risks and works closely with company leadership to implement a powerful, early defense.

Advising Clients Across Industry Sectors

Anne Marie represents national and regional manufacturers, retailers, distributors, importers, franchisors, and direct selling companies, among others. Her additional experience across a variety of industries and issues includes:

• Amusement Park Venues
• Apparel and Textiles, Jewelry, and Accessories
• Arborists
• Automotive, including Autonomous Vehicles and Emerging Technologies
• Cannabis
• Chemicals (restricted and regulated) and Pesticides, PFAS, and Other Toxic Torts
• Children’s Products, Toys and Care Devices, and Clothing
• Consumer Appliances
• Cosmetics, Health and Wellness, and Dietary Supplements
• Food and Hospitality
• Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
• Restaurants
• Sporting Goods and Fitness Equipment, Recreational and Outdoor Products
• Trash and Recycling Haulers
• Wildland Fires

Professional Involvement

Anne Marie is a dynamic professional with a passion for driving excellence and inclusivity. She serves on various firm governance committees, including the partnership evaluation, Orange County women’s, marketing, and DEI committees. Her leadership shapes strategic decisions, fosters diversity, amplifies the firm’s brand, and advocates for inclusivity. Anne Marie’s dedication inspires positive change and drives impactful results.

Anne Marie brings her litigation and regulatory depth to a variety of industry groups, such as:

• Member, Association for Corporate Growth Orange County (ACG). The premier M&A deal-making community with a mission of driving middle-market growth.
• Member, International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) which is an international, neutral forum for product safety stakeholders to learn, network and share information.
• Sustaining member, Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), a prestigious trade association at the forefront of helping product manufacturers, retailers and suppliers stay abreast of legal and regulatory issues.
• Member, Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Legal Task Force.
• Executive Committee General Interest Representative, Hockey Equipment Certification Council Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks out, evaluates and selects standards and testing procedures for hockey equipment.
• Member, Society of Product Safety Professionals which provides product safety management education and certification.
• Member, Women in Manufacturing – national and global trade association dedicated to providing support to women in the manufacturing industry.