Headshot of Ellen A. Deaver

Ellen A. Deaver

Partner


Location: Lincoln and Omaha. Also serving Greater Nebraska.
Contact Me: 402-476-4400
America's Top 100 Attorneys
AV preeminent 2021 Martindale-Hubbell
America's Top 100 Attorneys
AV preeminent 2021 Martindale-Hubbell

Biography

Ellen A. Deaver is a trial lawyer and partner with Atwood Law, P.C., L.L.O. Born in Cozad, Nebraska and raised in Webster, South Dakota, Ellen returned to her birth state to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in English. Ellen later obtained her law degree at the University of Nebraska College of Law. A member of the firm since 2002, Ellen focuses her practice on litigation and trial work, representing injured individuals and select employers and insurance carriers in the areas workers' compensation, personal injury and wrongful death. She practices out of both the firm's Lincoln and Omaha offices.

Within her first decade of practice, Ellen earned and continues to retain an AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for her legal ability and professional ethics, the highest possible rating available and awarded to only 10 percent of all lawyers. Ellen's AV rating is determined by the confidential opinions of practicing attorneys and judges. In 2017, Ellen was selected to America's Top 100 Attorneys® based on her professional experience, achievements, case results, peer reputation, and community impact. This is an honor bestowed on less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States.

Ellen is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys. She currently serves as the Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section for the Nebraska State Bar Association. She is licensed in the state and federal courts in Nebraska as well as the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ellen is experienced in both trial level and appellate case work, including successfully representing her clients before the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Ellen and her husband, who is also an attorney, reside in Omaha with their daughter and son.

Testimonials

We had a very good experience working with Ellen Deaver and her team. She is very professional and caring. She answered all my questions and helped me understand each step of the process. We appreciated how Ellen and her team put in many hours to give my children and I the best possible outcome. They kept on it for several years, even when others would have most likely given up and we are very thankful for that. I would definitely recommend this law firm for any worker compensation related case.

- Dorothy W. 

Dear Ellen, From the first day I met you, up until my mediation, you have helped to ease all of my fears and frustrations. Thank you for your compassion, dedication and professionalism throughout this journey. I am forever grateful for you taking my case and ensuring the best possible outcome. We are truly blessed to be able to call you our lawyer and friend. - D.M.

Things I expect from a good lawyer: knowledge and seasoned experience, professionalism, integrity, strategic thinking, enthusiasm, and responsiveness. Ellen Deaver provides all of the above with a high level of personal attention and responsiveness her clients appreciate. She can foresee, understand and solve problems in an efficient and effective manner with the highest level of understanding of the law. Ms. Deaver believes in being there for her clients. She always returns phone calls and e-mails as quickly as possible - the same business day. She listens and understands requests and strives to produce positive outcomes.

- S.R.

The staff at Atwood Law is a pleasure to deal with and I would recommend the firm for your business needs, specifically Ms. Ellen Deaver who I have found to be a pleasure to work with. Ms. Deaver is easy to connect with and is knowledgeable about Nebraska law and its application. She endeavors to maintain a high degree of professionalism. It is my observation that Ms. Deaver is respected by opposing counsel and the Nebraska Judges. We have had good case outcomes with her pursuit of case resolution, including the timely file "wrap up" of paperwork and the billing to close a file.

- J.B.

Ellen, you went above and beyond my expectations. When I called with what I thought was a silly question, you told me what my rights were and how we could pursue my case. I could have never dreamed that you would be able to help me get the kind compensation you did. I am so happy I found you to be my lawyer. - D.P.

When we first came to meet Ellen, we had no experience of what we would do. Ellen was like talking to someone you've known your whole life. She listened well to our story and asked many questions about the pros and cons of our case. Through this case, Ellen worked hard for us and kept updating us and explaining things so to be sure we understood what was going on. We have great respect for Ellen's professional abilities and friendship. We already have recommended others to contact her for her services and will continue to do so in the future. All the way through this case, she had our interests in mind. We are thankful for everything. Thank you so much Ellen. - M.C.

Ellen Deaver and the support staff at Atwood Law were willing to fight for what I deserved. I was treated with compassion and care while Ellen answered my many questions and concerns, often having to go over things more than once with me. Ellen is a lawyer I would recommend, she will go above and beyond to get you what you deserve. At the time you make that first phone call, you immediately feel welcomed by all of the staff. My sincere gratitude, M.A.

When no one would help me after my accident, I was fortunate enough to be referred to Ellen Deaver and her paralegal Clare. They were willing not only willing to take on my case from the day we first met, they have held my hand for almost 8 years.

During all those years they have always been professional and compassionate under very trying circumstances. From the beginning it was apparent that my frequent questions and concerns would be answered quickly and patiently explained. It wasn't easy. I called often, asked many questions, needed lots of slow step-by-step explanations. When phone calls weren't enough Ellen would meet me and even came to my home to complete paperwork.

To say that Ellen's legal expertise brought my case to a conclusion is unquestionably true. It is also true that Ellen and her team have become family. They have my sincere gratitude for all they have done. I wholeheartedly recommend Ellen Deaver to anyone.

- M.O.

Ellen Deaver came highly recommended, so my choice to retain her to represent me in my workers' compensation claim was an easy decision. She was very prompt, courteous, and dependable in her diligent work on my claim. Ms. Deaver kept things moving along in a positive direction, kept me informed along the way, and obtained a final outcome that was fair to all parties connected with my claim. I would recommend Ms. Deaver to anyone seeking professional assistance in a workers' compensation matter.

- K.H.

Ellen was outstanding, helped explain what I didn't understand, and returned phone calls promptly. She was willing to fight for what I deserved and was always pleasant. Everyone at the firm was always at my service. - A.B.

I came to Ellen Deaver for my work related injury. Quick to respond to solves issues, which was important to me. She got the right settlement for me to protect my future needs and got me what I deserved from my injury. Everyone was polite, courteous and professional. You cannot find a better place to go. I know this from experience.

- T.N. 

Education

  • University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska

Professional Associations

  • Nebraska State Bar Association, Member
  • Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys, Member
  • Executive Committee of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Nebraska State Bar Association, Chair (2021-Present)
  • Executive Committee of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Nebraska State Bar Association, Executive Committee (2019-Present)

Practice Areas

  • Workers' Compensation
  • Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death

Honors

  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
  • Selected to America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
Rated by Super Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rated 2024
Award1 Old
Award2
Badge3
NATA
Rated by Super Lawyers
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rated 2024
Award1 Old
Award2
Badge3
NATA

What Our Clients Say

The lawyers and support staff at Atwood Law Firm showed me sincere interest and caring on a very personal level, and I knew at all times my interests were front and center in all aspects of my workers' compensation case. This office is staffed by a great group of people. You can relax and be assured that your welfare comes first and foremost in their decisions and actions with respect to your legal case. You are kept aware of the process and progress in your case at all times, and your input is welcomed. I highly recommend the Atwood Law Firm to anyone needing legal assistance.

- WN

I cannot thank you enough for the peace of mind you have brought to my family! Both of my parents are extremely grateful for your work. I knew we were in good hands from the first meeting and you have exceeded all my expectations! It may feel straightforward to you, but to us, you have moved mountains. This settlement will allow my parents, particularly my Dad, to enjoy the rest of their lives to the fullest of their abilities. We all agree that we would give every cent back and more for my Dad to walk again, but that is not going to happen...

- DW

"...He didn't treat me like I was one of 100 clients. He treated me like I was his only client. He acted professionally but with empathy, dignity and friendliness. It didn't matter if it was something small or large, he was always there for me, be it by phone, fax, email, cellphone or meeting me personally at his office or elsewhere. He never rushed me when I didn't understand something, he'd take as much time as needed to explain things to me, especially when it came time for my deposition and in preparation for trial. He was there for me when I truly needed his help..."

- CG

"...My husband and I felt his kindness immediately and were both very impressed with his knowledge of what to expect in a wrongful death case. He pursued our claim in an aggressive manner while at the same time being very protective of our rights and privacy and sheltered us from any unnecessary contact with insurance agents, or any other adverse parties. My husband and I cannot say enough about the kindness, professionalism and legal ability demonstrated by Atwood Law"

- RD

"...If it were not for this law firm all I would have received from this injury would have been a loss of income check and a pat on the back, goodbye. Which only would have been a fraction of what I actually received. He was always professional but more importantly he cared about me and my family as people not just a client. He went beyond his role as my lawyer. He even spoke with my bank and explained why I was behind on my car payment. And this saved me getting my car repossessed..."

- HR

Get Help Today. Call Us At 800-655-9606

Office Location Atwood Law in NE
Lincoln Office

575 Fallbrook Boulevard Suite 206
Lincoln, NE 68521

Toll Free: 800-655-9606
Phone: 402-817-2717
Fax: 402-476-4410

DES MOINES OFFICE

699 Walnut Street
Suite 415
Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone:515-513-4008

Omaha Office

14301 First National Bank Parkway
Suite 100
Omaha, NE 68154

Toll Free: 800-655-9606
Phone: 402-817-2717
Fax: 402-476-4410