Dr. Shane Ellison

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Shane Ellison joined the Duke Law faculty in 2020 as a Clinical Professor, where he serves as Supervising Attorney for the Immigrant Rights Clinic. He teaches courses on the intersection of race and immigration policy. Prior to this, he directed the Immigrant and Refugee Clinic at Creighton Law School, a collaborative partnership with the Immigrant Legal Center (ILC). During his tenure at ILC, he served as legal director and lead attorney for over nine years, contributing significantly to the growth of what became one of the largest nonprofit immigration law firms in the Midwest. Ellison's advocacy efforts have notably influenced the passage of important legislative initiatives in Nebraska, which advanced the rights of immigrants, including laws that help eligible youth under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program obtain driver's licenses and access to professional licenses. He has also managed impact litigation efforts, representing immigrant rights organizations before U.S. Courts of Appeals. In addition to his practical work, Ellison is a leading scholar in asylum and refugee law, having published numerous scholarly articles in prestigious law reviews. He holds a BA in philosophy from Trinity College and a JD from Hofstra Law School.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Professor

— Present

Duke University School of Law • Durham, NC

Supervising Attorney for the Immigrant Rights Clinic, teaching courses on intersection of race and immigration policy.

Legal Director

— Present

Immigrant Legal Center • Midwest US

Oversaw operations and advocacy work, leading litigation efforts to advance immigrant rights.

Director

— Present

Creighton Law School’s Immigrant Refugee Clinic • Omaha, NE

Founded and directed the clinic focusing on legal representation for immigrants.

Awards

#

Jack Wasserman Award

Courses

Immigrant Rights Clinic Advanced Immigrant Rights Clinic Race & Immigration Policy

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)