Ellen Smith Yost

Associate Attorney

Ellen Smith Yost is an associate in Gibson Dunn's Dallas office.  She is a member of the firm’s Litigation, Global Trial, and Labor and Employment Groups. 

Ellen has represented employers in litigation matters related to administrative and regulatory proceedings, breaches of employee covenants and trade secret disputes, complex contract disputes, and responses to government investigations.  Her practice also includes advising companies and non-profit organizations on employment-related issues and litigation risks.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, Ellen clerked for Judge Jane J. Boyle in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. 

Ellen earned her Juris Doctor summa cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif, served as Lead Articles Editor for the SMU Law Review, practiced as a student attorney in the First Amendment Clinic, and externed for Magistrate Judge Kimberly Priest Johnson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Texas.  Her writing has been published in the Santa Clara High Technology Law Review, SMU Law Review, and the Journal of Air Law and Commerce.

Ellen is also a cum laude graduate of Duke University, and earned a Masters of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management from the University of North Texas, with highest honors.  Prior to practicing law, Ellen led membership, marketing, public outreach, and communications efforts for nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations in North Texas.  

Ellen maintains an active pro-bono practice and is also active in the Dallas community.  She serves on the Board of Directors of Shakespeare Dallas, is a member of Attorneys Serving the Community, and volunteers in Richardson I.S.D.

Ellen is admitted to practice in Texas and before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Capabilities

Credentials

Education:
  • SMU Dedman School of Law - 2021 Juris Doctor
  • University of North Texas - 2007 Masters
  • Duke University - 1998 Bachelor of Arts
Admissions:
  • Texas Bar
Clerkships:
  • USDC, Northern District of Texas, Hon. Jayne J. Boyle, 2021 - 2022