David Ellis’s New High Profile Day Job
The mystery and thriller world knows David Ellis for writing five novels, including the Edgar-winning LINE OF VISION, the retrograde narrative IN THE COMPANY OF LIARS and EYE OF THE BEHOLDER. But he never actually gave up his day job as a lawyer and currently serves as legal counsel for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Among his duties? Writing the brief that recommended embattled Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich be impeached and prosecuting the trial:
Ellis, 41, a Chicago attorney since 1993 who moved to Springfield and
joined Madigan's staff in November 2003, has never been a prosecutor or
practiced criminal defense law. Though he said the Senate deliberations
would have elements of a trial, it will not be conducted as a criminal
trial.
Ellis has written five novels, including one involving a character named Tony Rezko,though it bore no relation to Blagojevich's top fundraiser and adviser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who was convicted on federal corruption charges. Ellis said there was "no significance" to the use of the name.
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<a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6602394">When ABCNews asked Ellis</a> if this meant the history he now becomes part of find its way into future literary efforts, he said "If you're asking me if there's fodder here, I'm not sure anyone would believe it if I put it into a book." No kidding…and I wish the man luck with this heightened level of spotlight. 
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