In Memory of Arnold C. Ellis

December 29, 2011

Today we mourn the loss of Arnold Christopher Ellis, known to many as “ACE”.  Arnold passed away last night, December 28, 2011, after battling cancer.

A graduate of Harvard Law School (class of ’74), Arnold dedicated his entire legal career to poverty law. He began his 36 year career in 1975 as a staff attorney at San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation (now Bay Area Legal Aid). In less than one year he became the Managing Attorney of the firm’s Western Addition office, while continuing to focus on representing clients facing housing issues ranging from: defending against illegal evictions; combating housing discrimination; to ensuring families living in subsidized housing were treated equally and fairly under the law. Arnold’s commitment to the residents of San Francisco was unparalleled, helping thousands of families throughout his career.

In a message to BayLegal’s staff and Board on Thursday morning, Ramón Arias said “Arnold, he was a good man who always enjoyed life and motivated everyone around him to do the same. Arnold played a pivotal role in helping to shape SFNLAF, and BayLegal after that. He helped all of us to “keep it real“. We will miss him dearly.”

For information on the memorial service planned by Arnold’s family, please visit SFGate.com.

To make a donation in Arnold’s memory in lieu of flowers, please click here or call Jennifer Cesario at 510-250-5242. Please indicate in the “comments” section of the online donation form that the gift is being made in memory of Arnold Ellis; a letter will be sent to Arnold’s family notifying them of your contribution.