What Our Clients Say

General Family Law

Shannon Tucker is one of those rare attorneys who’s warm and friendly as a best friend but whip smart and fierce when it comes to protecting and fighting for you. You’ll feel better every time you talk with her, and when your case is over you’ll actually miss having her.
—David Ball

I highly recommend Shannon! I’ve worked with her in a volunteer capacity for over 18 years and have been impressed with her leadership skills along with her love of serving the community. Shannon is a stellar attorney who is dedicated to making sure her clients receive favorable outcomes.
—Raina Shiffer

I’m writing this recommendation to share what kind of person you will find when working with Shannon Tucker. Her most valuable attributes would be a very long list indeed. Here are some key ones. Shannon has a clever and analytical mind and is a talented courtroom lawyer. She is able to actively listen and respond kindly. She has an ability to look realistically at issues. This is all backed by 30 plus years practicing law locally with some very challenging cases. Her persistence is shown in the ability to get the utmost for her clients and the many thank you letters she has received from them over her career proves that. As well, Shannon approaches all things in her life with a huge heart and tremendous understanding. Beneath her professional demeanor is someone who makes a huge effort to reach the best outcome available. That is a rarely found staying power. I wholeheartedly give my highest recommendation for Shannon Tucker.
—Kimberley Caulfeild

I love the process this firm uses to match you with the right attorney for your needs.
—Geoff Bowen

Everyone at Ellis was wonderful before, during, and after my divorce. But my biggest kudos go to Autumn Osborne, who supported me legally and helped me navigate some tricky situations with grace, ease, and experience. She’s down to earth but professional, very busy but always responsive, and I just felt like she got me -and my situation – from the very beginning. I cannot recommend her more highly!!
—Cathy Clark

Thank you so much for helping me through this process. Your firm has been professional, helpful, personable and logical through this ordeal. My parents and I were really impressed in how you carried yourself in court. You also helped me regain my composure and focus on compromise when I started to come apart in the end. It was crystal clear to me that you had my family’s best interest in mind as opposed to billable hours. As you know, I work with attorneys all day and I have done so for the last year. I have come across many that I believe would have advised me to continue to fight over minor points only to serve their own interest. Your entire staff has been very helpful and I truly appreciate all the support. I do not feel like “just another client.” As I told you in the beginning, I didn’t want some guy with a picture on a bus bench. I wanted the best. So far, I feel like I have received exactly that.
— John*

We highly recommend the legal services of attorney Ellis. Attorney Ellis has represented us in a very difficult family issue and we have been more than satisfied. The firm is extremely knowledgeable about family law and has consistently conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism. We would not think of going into a courtroom without them.
— David and Pam*

Gray Ellis is extremely loyal and honest with clients. I’ve had the opportunity of working with him for many years and highly recommend them for legal matters. Thank you Ellis Family Law for all your hard work!!
— Russell

Ellis Family Law took over our case from a previous attorney who had been dragging their feet for six months. They resolved everything within a week! They are amazing and will accomplish your goals for you.
— Anonymous

Divorce & High-Conflict Divorce

Kathleen Murphy understands high conflict divorces. She’s passionate and she’ll work for you because she knows how hard divorce is. She’ll push you to do the right thing, and she’s got your back when you don’t even know it. She’ll push you to be organized and she’s no-nonsense.
—Susan Marie

Kathleen was accessible during a very difficult time and was able to turn a situation upside down on its head for my benefit. She is very smart and knowledgeable of the system and what steps to take if you are having difficulty with your spouse.
—Carolyn Walker

Autumn Osbourne offered top-notch counsel and legal support during a difficult, high-conflict divorce. My family wouldn’t be where we are today without her. The entire Ellis Family Law team — from Autumn to paralegals to office staff — consistently goes above and beyond for their clients. I can’t recommend Autumn and Ellis Family Law enough. Thank you!
— Mary

Child Custody

Top notch Divorce Lawyer who helped me through one of the darkest times of my life and enabled me to come out on the smiling side of the divorce. Kathleen’s has a very low tolerance for the bullshit that always surrounds a divorce and focuses like a laser on what is most important, child custody and asset division IAW North Carolina 50-50 law. She is a professional and gives good advice and is the perfect person to have at the helm through the hurricane that will be your divorce! Choose her to represent you and you too will be on the smiling side of the divorce on your way to a brighter future.
—Raja Seshadri

Kathleen went above and beyond to help me in an extremely difficult situation. She listened, gave advice, along with providing legal advice and knowledge. Kathleen went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. She listened to what I had to say, and gave the best possible approach to handle each situation. Her experiences helped guide me in a great direction. Her team is wonderful. I will definitely not be letting her go. Kathleen Murphy IS the diamond in the rough. She is not your average attorney. She is here for the children, and it truly cares about placement and scheduling. She wants the best possible outcome for all children involved. If you are looking for someone that will put your childs interest as number one, opposed to earning an hourly rate or pushing you through the system she is your next phone call.
—Sara Bostic

Kathleen Murphy is a smartest most resourceful attorney I’ve ever had; If you have a narc ex or a crazy divorce, call Kathleen. She always has kids best interest in mind, and will help you weather through craziest divorce and custody. She has reduced so much stress; and always has excellent judgment; a great friend with sound advice. Oh, I’m not sure if she wants others to know, but you can text her anytime, especially when you have to make a decision quickly and you’re dealing with a crazy situation, she’ll respond!! Love you, Kathleen Thank you for being there for us.
—Dr Alexis Shrager Champion Orthodontics

I came to Kathleen Murphy with my children needing protection during a very serious crisis. Against the odds, she safeguarded my children by winning four consecutive court hearings against a defendant who retained two legal teams to represent her. For that, I will always be grateful.
— B.R.

I just want to thank all of you. This was an extremely difficult situation for me and to have such a wonderful team standing behind me made something that seemed impossible; possible. I want you to know how grateful I am to have had all of you help me get through this portion of it so I can continue moving forward in life and preparing for the next chapter (this little guy who’s going to be here before I know it!!) I will reach out to you when he arrives to discuss custody.
Thank you again—Best wishes to you all!!
— Anonymous

Ellis Family Law has represented me in child custody and child support issues for the last three years. Hiring an attorney is a difficult and expensive decision. The firm was highly recommended to me by many well-respected business professionals in the Durham community. The firm has lived up to their reputation and produced 100 percent favorable outcomes in court for my child and me. Their work is detailed, thorough, logical and timely. The rates charged are fair and competitive. When I enter court with Ellis Family Law attorneys, I have total confidence that they will lead the court toward the outcomes I have requested. Unfortunately, child custody and child support issues can be ongoing. I continue to seek the advice and services of the Ellis Family Law team, and they always exceed my expectations. You never want to be in court on the opposing side of them, so you better hire them before your spouse does.
— Kelly*

I have been working with Autumn for a little over two years now, and I must say at every turn she has been the one person who has eased my nerves. We have been going through a rather nasty child support ordeal and Autumn has been there to quickly answer my emails or calls whenever I needed. She always has an abundance of knowledge to guide me through whatever curve ball comes my way with my ex, and EVERY time we have gone to court I feel calm knowing she is at my side. I’m truly blessed to have her representing my family and would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone having a family issue that they need representation for.
— Christin

Mrs. Osbourne has represented me on two occasions, both for child custody cases. She is very intelligent and she goes above and beyond in my opinion. She has worked very hard to make sure she had all of the pertinent information regarding my case and was always very quick in getting back to me and addressing my concerns. On both occasions, she has gotten me a desirable result, and she has worked very hard to ensure I was not only comfortable, but also knew what was going on regarding my case. I would recommend Mrs. Osbourne to all of my family and friends who were in need of legal assistance regarding family law. If I am ever in need of legal assistance again, Mrs. Osbourne will be the only person I go to!
— Donna

Estate Planning

Having recently moved to North Carolina, we wanted to be sure that our Wills and Trusts met North Carolina standards. Gray answered all of our questions in a friendly, professional and low key manner. We highly recommend Ellis Family Law.
— Leon Krals

Domestic Violence

Kathleen saved my sanity by defending me against the most manipulative person I’ve ever met. It’s very hard to convince anyone that a man has been subjected to domestic violence because of implicit bias but Kathleen articulated this very effectively, and prevented my abuser from steamrolling me in court like she’s done in the past. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Kathleen being such a strong advocate for me, but I’m so glad to have her on my side.
—Mike*

I worked with Kathleen Murphy on a custody case involving domestic violence, and she was an incredible source of support during a very stressful time. She helped me obtain a DVPO so I could leave safely with my daughter, and then guided us through securing a custody agreement that prioritized her safety above all else. I highly recommend her, especially if your case involves DV.
—J*

I am a survivor of spousal abuse and domestic violence, and finding an attorney who truly understands what victims go through is rare. Having someone in your court to help you navigate standing up to and leaving your abuser is imperative especially because abusers will use the legal system to continue to abuse their victims. Kathleen was a blessing in what has been hands down the most tormenting and traumatizing moments of my life. She stepped in when I felt powerless and terrified, and she became my voice and protector in court. She not only knew the law, she understood the fear, the pressure, and the emotional toll that comes with surviving abuse. She saw and acknowledged the ongoing abuse taking place during the legal process. She advocated fiercely to keep me safe and to make sure I was not punished for the harm caused by my abuser. Her compassion and strength gave me hope when I thought I had none left. I am deeply grateful for her dedication to victims of domestic violence. If you need someone who will stand by you and fight for your rights, I cannot recommend Kathleen enough.
—Robin*

* Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.