Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley-Nicole Russell.
Hi Ashley-Nicole , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really begins with my own experience as a child of divorce. When my parents separated, I witnessed firsthand the hardship, confusion, and conflict that can come from the traditional litigation system, especially in the absence of shared parenting laws. Those years left a deep impression on me. Later, when I went through my own divorce, I experienced it all over again. Both experiences gave me a unique perspective on just how much families and children can be impacted when the system focuses on fighting instead of healing.
That’s what inspired me to become a family law attorney and to find a better way forward. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University, I went on to earn my law degree and a certificate in Dispute Resolution from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Early in my career, I discovered collaborative law, and it completely aligned with my values. I knew this was the path I was meant to take.
In 2011, I opened AN|R Law Offices, the first collaborative law firm in Eastern North Carolina. It started small, but the mission was big: to change the culture of divorce by empowering families to resolve conflict outside the courtroom. Today, my firm has grown to four offices across Greenville, Raleigh, Beaufort, and Wilmington, and I have had the privilege of helping countless families navigate divorce in a healthier, more respectful way.
Along the way, I wrote a book, The Cure for Divorce Culture, launched the Divorce, Healthy! podcast, co-founded collaborative attorney networks, and spoken on national stages to advocate for better options for families. But at the heart of it all, my story comes back to the same driving force: taking painful personal experiences and using them to create change, so others don’t have to go through what I did.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. In fact, I think most entrepreneurs and trailblazers would say the same. When I first started AN|R Law, collaborative divorce wasn’t something people really understood in Eastern North Carolina. People were skeptical because litigation was the only model they knew. There were times I had to work twice as hard just to explain why collaboration mattered, and to prove that this approach truly works. Personally, it was also challenging to carry the weight of my own story while building a practice that stood in opposition to the traditional system. As a young woman starting a law firm, I experienced moments of doubt, both from others and sometimes from within myself. But I learned resilience through those experiences. Each hurdle reinforced why I was doing this work: because families deserve better. Over the years, I have also come to realize that leadership encompasses more than just practicing law. It means running a business, building a team, and being willing to step into advocacy on a larger scale. None of that is easy, but the struggles have shaped me into a stronger attorney, leader, and person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At AN|R Law, we specialize in Collaborative Divorce, and that’s what truly sets us apart. We were the very first collaborative law firm in Eastern North Carolina, and our mission from day one has been to keep families out of the courtroom and help them resolve conflict in a healthier, more respectful way. Traditional divorce often fuels animosity, but through collaboration, families are empowered to make their own decisions, protect their children, and move forward with dignity. We now serve clients across four offices in Greenville, Raleigh, Beaufort, and Wilmington, and we are known for creating a supportive environment that focuses on the whole family, not just the legal process. We also work closely with financial neutrals, child specialists, and other professionals to provide a genuinely holistic approach. Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is our commitment to Delivering Divorce Differently™. This is not just a tagline it is a promise that everything we do is rooted in compassion, integrity, and a belief that families deserve peace during one of the hardest times of their lives. Beyond legal representation, I have written The Cure for Divorce Culture, launched the Divorce, Healthy! podcast, and partnered with organizations like the National Parents Organization and Fayr to spread awareness about healthier divorce options nationwide. For readers, I want them to know this Divorce does not have to mean destruction. It can be a turning point, a chance to rebuild, and a pathway to healthier futures. That’s the heart of our brand and the reason I wake up every day excited to do this work.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for those just starting out is to stay true to your values and trust the process, even when the road feels uncertain. When I opened my law firm, collaborative divorce was still unfamiliar to most people in Eastern North Carolina. There were moments of doubt, both my own and from others, but leaning into my passion and remembering why I was doing this work carried me through.
I wish I had known earlier that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Growth takes time, and setbacks don’t mean failure; they’re often the foundation for resilience and creativity. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a supportive community, because no one succeeds alone. Most importantly, give yourself permission to lead in your own way. Your perspective, even if it’s different, is exactly what makes you valuable.
That’s also why I’m passionate about offering internship programs through my firm. Mentorship played such an important role in my own journey, and now I have the opportunity to help guide and encourage the next generation of professionals as they find their path forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anrlaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anr.coparent/?igsh=enpwd3p3bWdhNjFs#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANRLaw?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=4nxF355Zn8tcoB9R&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16kU954xsg%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anrlaw/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashley-nicolerussell
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-healthy/id1499736936
