Ferne M. Ashford K.C.
Ms. Ashford began her career as a legal researcher incorporating a business that was geared towards providing professional legal research to lawyers and various institutions. She has been practicing for over 27 years in the areas of family law, real estate, and wills and estates.
On November 29th, 2021, Ferne Ashford received her designation as King's counsel. This is an honorary designation given to lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding practice, shown integrity and leadership, and made contributions to excellence in the profession.
Areas of Practice
- Mediation Services
- Family Law
- Real Estate
- Wills and Estates
- Collaborative Law
Qualifications
- LLB, University of New Brunswick,1997
- BA History, St. Thomas University, 1994
- Bar Admission: New Brunswick, 1998
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member of the New Brunswick Insurance Board
- Member of the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) Committee
Shealyn MacLaughlin
Shealyn MacLaughlin is a dynamic and accomplished lawyer with a passion for the law and a strong academic foundation. Born and raised in Fredericton, Shealyn's journey into the legal profession was driven by a deep sense of justice and a commitment to making a positive impact on her community.
Shealyn's academic journey began at the University of New Brunswick, where she obtained a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership in 2017. This unique educational background allowed her to develop a holistic perspective on leadership and problem-solving, which she carries into her legal career. Her dedication to learning and pursuit of knowledge led her to achieve a Juris Doctor (JD), also at the University of New Brunswick, which she completed in 2020.
Outside the courtroom, Shealyn is an advocate for community engagement and social justice. This is exemplified in her work with the Fredericton Legal Advice Clinic. Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond her legal practice, and she continuously strives to create positive change in her community.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Wills and Estates
- Collaborative Law and Family Dispute Resolution
Qualifications
- JD, University of New Brunswick, 2020
- B. Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership, 2017
- Bar Admission, 2021
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member of York-Sunbury Law Society
Riley J. Mitchell
Riley Mitchell is an associate lawyer whose practice focuses on family law and emphasizes non-adversarial methods of resolution. She is also experienced in wills and estate matters and enjoys meeting with clients to provide advice for their estate planning.
Riley’s academic journey began at St. Francis Xavier University where she obtained a Joint Major in Political Science and Philosophy with a formal concentration in Ethics, Politics and Law. Her time spent studying these areas provided her with a strong skillset geared toward complex problem-solving and strategy formation. She then went on to pursue her law degree at the University of New Brunswick where she dedicated herself to forming a broad base of legal knowledge.
Riley began her career with Ashford Law first as a summer student and then continued on to complete her articles with us. This dedicated time spent working in her areas of practice prior to her bar admission has afforded her a strong foundation and a deep understanding of the law that has set her ahead in her career and capability.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Wills and Estates
- Collaborative Law and Family Dispute Resolution
- Adoptions
Qualifications
- JD, University of New Brunswick, 2023
- BA, St. Francis Xavier University, 2020
- Bar Admission, 2024
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association
- Member of York-Sunbury Law Society
Katie MacDermaid
Katie was born and raised in Bathurst, New Brunswick. She is fluently bilingual and is happy to take on your legal matter in your language of choice. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, volunteer, and providing excellent customer service.
Katie currently lives with her husband and their two rescue dogs in Marysville, Fredericton. She attended St. Thomas University, where she played varsity soccer, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Great Books and a double-major in Communications and Public Policy. Katie then attended UNB Law in Fredericton and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 2022. She was called to the bar in June 2023.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Wills and Estates
- Collaborative Law and Family Dispute Resolution
- Real Estate
- Adoption
- Domestic Contracts
Qualifications
- JD, University of New Brunswick, 2022
- Bachelor or Arts, Honours, STU 2019
- Bar Admission, 2023
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick
- Member of the Canadian Bar Association
- Vice-President York Sunbury County Law Society