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5 quick facts about Jenna Ellis, former pro-Trump attorney who pleaded guilty

By CM Chaney · October 24, 2023

In brief…

  • Jenna Ellis, a pro-Trump lawyer, recently pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting false statements in a Georgia case.
  • Ellis, born in 1984, is a constitutional law attorney and former Senior Fellow at the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty.
  • She gained national recognition as a legal advisor and spokesperson for the Trump 2020 re-election campaign, which included legal challenges to the 2020 election results, although many were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
Jenna Ellis (above) speaking with attendees at the 2022 Young Women's Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.  Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Jenna Ellis, a pro-Trump lawyer who played a central role in the campaign’s legal efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results, pleaded guilty Tuesday as part of a deal with prosecutors in Georgia.

Ellis pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting false statements and writings, a felony. She agreed to be sentenced to five years of probation, pay $5,000 in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service.

Here are five quick facts about her.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 9, 1984, Jenna Ellis hails from Colorado. She attended Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Journalism and graduating with honors. She went on to pursue a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond School of Law, specializing in constitutional law.

Legal Career

Ellis’ legal career has been marked by her passion for constitutional law and conservative principles. She has worked in various capacities, including as a law clerk for the Colorado Supreme Court, where she gained valuable experience in the intricacies of the legal system.

One of her most notable roles was as a Senior Fellow at the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty. In this position, she focused on the intersection of faith, freedom, and the Constitution, reflecting her strong Christian faith and her commitment to preserving individual liberties. Ellis also served as a constitutional law attorney for the Thomas More Society, where she passionately defended religious freedom.

Political Commentator

In addition to her legal career, Ellis has emerged as a prominent political commentator, particularly within conservative circles. Her appearances on television programs and her active presence on social media platforms have garnered her a substantial following. As a commentator, she consistently champions conservative values, the Constitution, and religious freedom.

Advocacy for Constitutional Principles

Ellis is known for her unwavering commitment to the U.S. Constitution and the principles it upholds. Her legal work and commentary often focus on the importance of constitutional originalism and the protection of individual rights. Ellis is a vocal proponent of the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Relationship with Donald Trump

One of the most significant highlights of her legal career was her role as a legal advisor and spokesperson for the Trump 2020 re-election campaign. Her vocal support for the Trump administration’s legal battles related to the 2020 presidential election earned her national recognition. Ellis was often seen on major news networks providing legal analysis and advocating for the campaign’s position.

She played a central role in the campaign’s legal efforts to challenge the election results in key states, alleging irregularities and voter fraud. However, many of these legal challenges were dismissed due to a lack of substantial evidence. Ellis also became a prominent spokesperson for the Trump campaign, solidifying her status as a conservative commentator.