Attorneys Scott W. Ellison

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shareholder | Manchester, NH

Scott was a member of the firm Cook Little before joining Sheehan Phinney’s Corporate Group. His clients rely on his advice and experience for business, commercial and corporate law matters, and merger and acquisition activity. Typical clients include small and medium sized privately held companies. He strives to understand the details of his clients’ business operations, so he can produce legal solutions that are practical and aligned with the clients’ concerns. The respected legal directory Chambers USA quotes clients who have said about Scott that he “is always prompt in his responses and creative in his solutions.” He strives to provide his clients with “win-win” solutions to help them achieve their business goals in a practical and cost-efficient manner. He takes a practical approach, and does not let legal principles eclipse the client’s business realties.

Almost every business strategy and transaction has tax implications. Scott advises clients on such implications to help them make the best decisions for their business. Scott’s expertise in the tax area was gained by obtaining a Masters of Law degree in taxation.

When he is not helping clients, Scott enjoys taking advantage of all the outdoor activities New Hampshire offers, mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, and hiking year round.  Scott is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club 4000 Footer Club, working on his Winter 4000 Footers.

Key Cases

  • Represented the acquirers of Environmental Resource Return Corp., the ninth largest processor of construction and demolition waste in the United States, in the merger and in the related commercial and venture capital mezzanine financing, and later represented them in connection with the sale of such entity.
  • Sale of small, closely held software company with outside passive investors in a stock deal to publicly traded software company for $7,000,000.
  • Regularly represent purchasers and sellers of automobile dealerships and related franchises and real estate.

Admissions

  • State of New Hampshire

Civic Involvement

  • Families in Transition: Board of Directors, 2016 - present; Chairman of the Board, January 2020 – December 2021
  • Business and Industry Association of NH: Board of Directors, 2013 – present; Secretary, May 2014 – present
  • Granite YMCA: Board of Directors, 2002 - 2010; Chairman of the Board, January 2007 - December 2009; Volunteer of the Year, December 2010
  • Chester College: Board of Trustees, 2008 - 2014
  • Manchester Development Corporation: Board of Directors, 2000 – 2006; Vice Chairman of the Board, 2005 – 2006
  • Manchester Public Library: Board of Trustees, 2001 - 2003
  • Messer Pond Protective Association: Board of Directors, 2013 – Present
  • New London Outing Club/Recreation Department: Track Coach, Summers of 2018, 2019 and 2021; Assistant Coach, Summers of 2016 and 2017

Awards

  • Chambers USA, Corporate Law
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Transactions/UCC Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses (2015, 2017, and 2023), Corporate Law (2019), Mergers and Acquisitions (2020), Commercial Transactions/UCC Law (2021, 2024), Tax Law (2022), Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2025)
  • New Hampshire Magazine Top Attorneys in New Hampshire, Corporate Law
  • NH Union Leader 40 Under Forty Award
  • New Hampshire Business and Industry Association “Above and Beyond” Award, 2008
  • New Hampshire Editions Magazine, New Hampshire’s Legal Leaders: the Next Generation

Publications

  • “Census Data May Trigger Attempts to Change Dealer Territory,” Dateline: NH (publication of the NH Automobile Dealers Association), May 2012

  • “Noncompetition Covenants in the Brave New World of Social Media,” NH Bar News, December 16, 2011

  • “The Devil is in the Details (Leasing is more than Just How Much Rent You Pay),” Business NH Magazine, October 2011

  • “Getting Back to Business Basics,” NH Business Review, July 29-August 11, 2011

  • “Managing the Risks of Using Independent Contractors,” Dateline: NH, June 2011

  • “Preparing for the Death of a Business Owner,” NH Business Review, April 23-May 6, 2010

  • “Dealer Plates, Dictionaries, and Domiciles,” Dateline: NH, April 2010