Kelly Collins Ashby ’97 chose Shenandoah University because she was drawn to the size and location, as well as the energy she felt on campus. “Shenandoah is a welcoming school, with a thriving, diverse community,” said Ashby.
Ashby is an attorney at her own practice, the Law Office of Kelly C. Ashby, P.C. in Winchester, Virginia. In her position, she represents clients involved in all types of family law matters, including contested divorces, asset and debt divisions, support actions, traditional and third party custody and visitation disputes, and adoptions. She is also a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and served on the Board of Governors of the Young Lawyers Conference of the Virginia State Bar from 2004 to 2008.
Prior to opening her own firm, Ashby practiced with the law firm of Buchbauer & McGuire, P.C. for eight years. She also was an attorney with the law firm of Richards, Layton & Finger in Wilmington, Delaware, from 2000 to 2003, where she litigated corporate matters relating to fiduciary duty, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.
The most rewarding experiences Ashby has had in her career were being able to help her clients obtain custody of or even adopt a child in a contested situation. She also loves receiving updates from her clients’ families and seeing those children thrive.
Bulow believes her education from Shenandoah tremendously helped prepare her for her career in law. Her professors helped her craft her critical thinking and writing skills, both of which have been invaluable in her career.
Ashby’s advice to students is: “Explore your interests and passions before becoming too specialized. Take every opportunity you can to speak publicly and think creatively.”