As we look back on a decade of The Button Law Firm, one thing is clear: Every lesson learned and every challenge faced has molded us into the firm we are today. Both of us — Ashley and Russell — have gained unique insights from this journey. Together, these lessons define BLF’s purpose, culture, and relentless pursuit of justice. Here are our 10 takeaways from the past 10 years.
Building with Heart and Purpose
1. Passion drives purpose.
When we first shifted our focus to daycare and child injury cases, it wasn’t just a business decision but a mission rooted in a need for change. I’ll never forget the first case we worked on
involving a child. It was deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. Those moments solidified our direction, aligning our passion for advocacy with a purpose that fuels us to this day. Helping children and families isn’t just part of what we do; it’s the heartbeat of BLF.
2. Success comes from a strong team.
One of Russell’s and my greatest joys has been building a team that excels and is all-in on everything we do. At BLF, each team member plays a vital role in every case, bringing their unique strengths and passion to the table. The heart, drive, and shared alignment with our mission within our team have become the foundation of everything we achieve together. Their energy and dedication inspire us every day and are the true cornerstone of our success.
3. Learning never stops.
At BLF, growth is essential. We prioritize continuous learning, whether reading a new book or attending a webinar. By staying sharp, we stay ahead of the curve and bring fresh perspectives to every case. We support our team’s growth, both professionally and personally, to help them thrive in and out of the office.
4. Relationships are everything.
The connections we’ve built — whether with clients, mentors, or our community — are priceless. These relationships have given us strength, insight, and motivation. I’m incredibly
proud of the community impact we’ve been able to create. And the community has undeniably impacted us. Helping others and being helped in return has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
5. Core values never change.
For over 10 years, we’ve stayed true to the core values that define who we are and guide everything we do: Family And Team, Make A Difference, Education, Keep It Simple, and Believe In Better. These values are more than just words—they’re the foundation of every decision, every case, and every interaction. They remind us to prioritize the people around us, strive for meaningful change, share knowledge, and approach challenges with clarity and optimism. By staying rooted in these principles, we’ve built a team that not only helps others but continually inspires us to grow, evolve, and be better every day.
Innovating and Driving Forward
6. No two cases are the same.
From day one, I’ve treated every case as if it’s our most important. There’s no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach here. Every client has a unique story, and every case deserves a tailored strategy. Even when we first started, we treated our “small” cases as if they were our most important, because that’s what they are for our clients. This mindset has allowed us to deliver life-changing results time and time again.
7. Experience isn’t about age.
I’ve always disliked the idea that experience is solely tied to years. It’s about passion, preparation, and perspective. BLF has never let age define us. Instead, we focus on mastery, creativity, and finding innovative solutions. Younger lawyers can excel by mastering case details, consulting experienced peers, and using their unique backgrounds to approach challenges differently, showing that passion and preparation trump age. This approach has set us apart and allowed us to challenge expectations at every turn.
8. Adaptation is key to survival.
The legal landscape — and the world — is constantly shifting. Laws change, demographics shift, and technology transforms the way we work. The only way to thrive is to adapt. At BLF, we embrace change with open arms, seeing it not as a hurdle but an opportunity to grow stronger and smarter. If there’s one mantra I live by, it’s this: don’t settle for “how things have always been done.” I firmly believe in this personally and professionally: When we adapt and evolve, it sets our whole team apart from the rest.
9. Giving back is a privilege.
For me, giving back is personal. Whether it’s speaking at seminars, creating free resources, or supporting local causes, I believe in making an impact beyond the courtroom. Helping others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and support. That’s why we will always spend the time and effort creating resources and participating in community outreach.
10. Resilience is built through experience.
The early years weren’t easy, but they were formative. Each challenge taught us something valuable, shaping the team’s resilience today. From economic crises to the pandemic, we’ve faced difficulties head-on, emerging stronger each time. These experiences remind
us that no obstacle is insurmountable. We’ve done hard things before; we can do it again.
BLF Continues to Look Ahead
These lessons weren’t learned overnight. They came through challenges, triumphs, and years of relentless dedication. As we step into the future, we’re grateful for the experiences that have shaped us, the people who’ve supported us, and the opportunities to make a difference.
To our team, friends, and community: thank you for being part of this incredible 10-year-long journey. Here’s to the next decade of growth, impact, and innovation!
