PARTNER
Allison Russell
Allison Russell’s legal journey began in Lexington, Kentucky, where she spent her formative years before pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre at DePaul University in Chicago. Her passion for advocacy led her back to Kentucky, where she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 2006. During law school, Allison honed her litigation skills as a competitor on both state and national mock trial teams.
Licensed to practice in Kentucky since 2006, Allison has built an impressive legal career spanning various roles. She served as a Staff Attorney for a Circuit Court Judge, worked at a prominent firm on the Domestic Relations Team, and now leads as a Managing Partner at Derby City Family Law.
A Leader in Family Law and Appeals
Exclusively practicing in family law, Allison is particularly passionate about appellate work, where she has developed a robust and respected practice. She has served as counsel of record in four published cases and numerous unpublished ones, shaping critical areas of Kentucky family law. Most notably, she successfully argued the leading Supreme Court case on grandparent visitation rights and co-counseled a landmark case on attorney’s fees in custody and divorce proceedings.
Education
University of Louisville School of Law
- 2006
Experience
Staff Attorney for a Circuit Court Judge
Notable Cases
- Walker v. Blair, 382 S.W.3d 862 (Ky. 2012): Successfully argued before the Supreme Court of Kentucky to overturn an award of grandparent visitation that infringed on her client’s constitutional parental rights.
- Doane v. Gordon, 421 S.W.3d 407 (Ky. App. 2014): Secured a ruling from the Court of Appeals that a parent who has lost physical custody does not have standing in grandparent visitation matters.
- Smith v. McGill, 556 S.W.3d 552 (Ky. 2018): Persuaded the Supreme Court of Kentucky to overturn precedent, ruling that trial courts are not required to find a discrepancy in income before awarding attorney’s fees.
- Greene v. Boyd, 603 S.W.3d 231 (Ky. 2020): Helped clarify the distinct roles of a Guardian ad Litem and a Friend of Court, ensuring compliance with the Kentucky Rules of Evidence.
Allison’s extensive experience and appellate success make her a powerful advocate for clients navigating complex family law matters. Whether in trial court or on appeal, she is committed to protecting her clients’ rights and shaping the future of Kentucky family law.
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