Building a Family Where Fertility Meets the Law with AshLeigh Dunham

Building a Family Where Fertility Meets the Law with AshLeigh Dunham

More Than A Lawyer with Christy Crow, Episode 30 In this episode of More Than A Lawyer, Christy Crow speaks with AshLeigh Dunham, Senior Trial Referee for Jefferson County Family Court and former Partner at Magic City Law, LLC, a boutique firm focused on family law matters including divorce, custody, adoption, and estate planning. AshLeigh has built her career advocating for families and children through some of their most complex and emotional legal challenges. With experience spanning family law, fertility law, and juvenile court, she brings a deeply personal perspective shaped by both her work on the bench and her own IVF journey. Known for her belief that clients are more than their case file, she approaches the law with compassion, clarity, and a strong commitment to helping others navigate difficult decisions with confidence. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * AshLeigh Dunham’s transition from 15 years in high-stress divorce litigation to building a practice helping families through fertility law * Her five-year IVF journey, including IUI, multiple cycles, and the moment she realized care limitations in Alabama * What fertility law actually involves, from donor agreements to surrogacy, and the legal frameworks required to “make families” * The growing demand for fertility law in Alabama, where only a handful of attorneys handle these cases daily * AshLeigh’s approach to managing stress through dance, yoga, journaling, and teaching other lawyers to prioritize mental health * Why she chose to run for the Alabama Supreme Court following the IVF ruling and her call for broader perspectives in the legal system Learn more about AshLeigh Dunham: * Connect with AshLeigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-meyer-dunham-12252114 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-meyer-dunham-12252114/] * Follow AshLeigh on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshLeighMeyerDunham [https://www.facebook.com/AshLeighMeyerDunham/] * Subscribe to AshLeigh Substack: https://substack.com/@ashleighdunham [https://substack.com/@ashleighdunham] * Visit AshLeigh’s website: https://www.ashleighdunhamforalabama.com [https://www.ashleighdunhamforalabama.com/] * Visit Magic City Fertility Law website: https://www.magiccityfertilitylaw.com [https://www.magiccityfertilitylaw.com/] *********************************** About More Than a Lawyer: The More Than a Lawyer podcast highlights amazing acts of service that lawyers perform all over the country. Your host, Christy Crow, is Managing Attorney at Jinks Crow, PC., a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Alabama, with offices in Union Springs and Montgomery. Jinks Crow is big enough to fight, small enough to care, representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, accidents, and product liability cases. Watch more episodes of More Than a Lawyer: https://www.jinkscrow.com [https://www.jinkscrow.com] Connect and learn more from your host, Christy Crow and Jinks Crow P.C.: * Email: christy.crow@jinkscrow.com [christy.crow@jinkscrow.com] * Follow Jinks Crow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow [https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam [https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam] * Follow Jinks Crow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc [https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc] * Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a] * Follow Christy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowchristy [https://twitter.com/crowchristy]

Prioritizing Humanity with Attorney and Community Activist Leslie Wright Rubio

More Than A Lawyer with Christy Crow, Episode 29 In this episode of More Than A Lawyer, Christy Crow speaks with Leslie Rubio, Managing Partner at Rubio Law Firm. Leslie focuses her practice on serious injury, wrongful death, Dram Shop and business litigation claims in addition to fighting for access to justice for the immigrant population of Alabama. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Leslie’s personal-injury practice, including 18-wheeler and motorcycle cases, and serving Alabama’s immigrant community * Guidance that injured people can access the courtroom regardless of immigration status * The importance of seeking knowledgeable legal counsel when undocumented-status issues arise * Leslie’s involvement with the Birmingham Bar Association, its CLE, networking, and community service, and why local bar membership helps build relationships and smoother case interactions * Birmingham Bar service projects for Law Day and MLK Day, including reading in classrooms, donating books to students, “books to prisons,” and lawyers returning to local schools to share career paths * Leslie’s leadership as Birmingham Bar president-elect and upcoming 2027 president * Community arts support through Sidewalk Film Festival fundraising, including Salsa Showdown, and how to attend via sidewalkfest.org * Support of Bare Hands, Inc. events like Taco Fest and Dia de los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces, emphasizing community arts and remembrance * Balancing a small-firm practice with service through exercise, travel, recharging, and a firm culture that supports staff involvement in CLE and community activities * Leslie’s definition of being “more than a lawyer” as prioritizing humanity and multiple roles in family, church, and community Learn more about Leslie Rubio: * Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-wright-rubio-8a8568a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-wright-rubio-8a8568a] * Follow Rubio Law Firm on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubioLawFirm [https://www.facebook.com/RubioLawFirm] * Follow Rubio Law Firm on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubio-law-firm-p-c [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rubio-law-firm-p-c] * Visit Rubio Law Firm’s website: https://rubiofirm.com [https://rubiofirm.com] *********************************** About More Than a Lawyer: The More Than a Lawyer podcast highlights amazing acts of service that lawyers perform all over the country. Your host, Christy Crow, is Managing Attorney at Jinks Crow, PC., a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Alabama, with offices in Union Springs and Montgomery. Jinks Crow is big enough to fight, small enough to care, representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, accidents, and product liability cases. Watch more episodes of More Than a Lawyer: https://www.jinkscrow.com [https://www.jinkscrow.com] Connect and learn more from your host, Christy Crow and Jinks Crow P.C.: * Email: christy.crow@jinkscrow.com [christy.crow@jinkscrow.com] * Follow Jinks Crow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow [https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam [https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam] * Follow Jinks Crow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/ [https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/] * Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/] * Follow Christy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowchristy [https://twitter.com/crowchristy]

Servicing the Community Inside & Outside the Courtroom with Courtney Leigh Winston, Esq.

More Than A Lawyer with Christy Crow, Episode 28 In this episode of More Than A Lawyer, Christy Crow speaks with Courtney Leigh Winston, Esq., a personal injury attorney at Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen in Richmond, Virginia. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Courtney’s background in personal injury, criminal defense, and volunteering with Legal Aid * Legal Aid’s role in providing civil legal services for low-income clients and its need for funding, donations, and legal professional volunteers (they offer training!) * Courtney’s experience mentoring and encouraging future lawyers through the American Association for Justice and the National Plaintiff’s Law Student Association * Courtney’s work with, and the importance of, Planned Parenthood of Virginia * How Courtney balances volunteering with family and practice, crediting mentors and upbringing for instilling the importance of giving back * Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen’s community initiatives, including an annual scholarship for high school seniors and a “Hometown Heroes” recognition program Learn more about Courtney Leigh Winston, Esq.: * Connect with Courtney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-winston-179b9a66 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-winston-179b9a66] * View Courtney’s profile on Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen’s website: https://www.allenandallen.com/attorneys/courtney-winston [https://www.allenandallen.com/attorneys/courtney-winston] * Email Courtney: courtney.winston@allenandallen.com [courtney.winston@allenandallen.com] *********************************** About More Than a Lawyer: The More Than a Lawyer podcast highlights amazing acts of service that lawyers perform all over the country. Your host, Christy Crow, is Managing Attorney at Jinks Crow, PC., a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Alabama, with offices in Union Springs and Montgomery. Jinks Crow is big enough to fight, small enough to care, representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, accidents, and product liability cases. Watch more episodes of More Than a Lawyer: https://www.jinkscrow.com [https://www.jinkscrow.com] Connect and learn more from your host, Christy Crow and Jinks Crow P.C.: * Email: christy.crow@jinkscrow.com [christy.crow@jinkscrow.com] * Follow Jinks Crow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson/] * Follow Jinks Crow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow [https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam [https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam] * Follow Jinks Crow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc [https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/] * Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/] * Follow Christy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowchristy [https://twitter.com/crowchristy]

Inspiring Change in Montgomery with Shawn Cole

More Than A Lawyer with Christy Crow, Episode 27 In this episode of More Than A Lawyer, Christy Crow speaks with Shawn Cole, managing partner at Hill Hill Carter Franco Cole & Black where she has worked for nearly 25 of her 32 years of practicing law. Shawn is based in Montgomery, Alabama. The firm has other offices in Birmingham, Fairhope, and Kentucky. Shawn practices law primarily in the workers' compensation area and is a mediator. While she loves the practice of law and mediating cases, she is passionate about her community and finding ways to serve those who are underserved, partnering with groups such as Flatline Community Coalition (on north side of town) or Strong Foundation (on the west side of town) to connect people who may have resources of time, talents, or money to support the boots on the ground ministries who are truly effective. Shawn loves that her family shares her passion for service and believes her children are so deeply moved to serve because of their involvement in local missions from early childhood. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * How Shawn Cole’s upbringing inspireD her lifelong commitment to community service * The unique approach Shawn’s law firm takes to encourage volunteerism among its staff * How organizations like Strong Foundation and Flatline Community Coalition are transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Montgomery * A powerful story that illustrates the impact of mentorship and support on a young person’s future * The ways Shawn Cole defines being “more than a lawyer” and how others can follow her example Learn more about Shawn Cole: * Visit Hill Hill Carter’s website: https://www.hillhillcarter.com [https://www.hillhillcarter.com] * Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-cole-29871b12 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-cole-29871b12] * Follow Hill Hill Carter on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hillhillcarter [https://www.facebook.com/hillhillcarter] *********************************** About More Than a Lawyer: The More Than a Lawyer podcast highlights amazing acts of service that lawyers perform all over the country. Your host, Christy Crow, is Managing Attorney at Jinks Crow, PC., a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Alabama, with offices in Union Springs and Montgomery. Jinks Crow is big enough to fight, small enough to care, representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, accidents, and product liability cases. Watch more episodes of More Than a Lawyer: https://www.jinkscrow.com [https://www.jinkscrow.com] Connect and learn more from your host, Christy Crow and Jinks Crow P.C.: * Email: christy.crow@jinkscrow.com [christy.crow@jinkscrow.com] * Follow Jinks Crow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson/] * Follow Jinks Crow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow [https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow] * Follow Jinks Crow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam [https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam] * Follow Jinks Crow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/ [https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/] * Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/] * Follow Christy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowchristy [https://twitter.com/crowchristy]

Mission to Give Back with Cowboy Lawyer Hunter Garnett

More Than A Lawyer with Christy Crow, Episode 26 In this episode of More Than A Lawyer, Christy Crow speaks with Hunter Garnett, cowboy lawyer & managing partner of Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers from Danville, Alabama.  Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * What inspired Hunter Garnett to pursue a career in personal injury law and how his background influenced his journey  * How Hunter’s family became involved with Grace Ministries and the impact the organization has had in Guatemala  * Ways Grace Ministries empowers Guatemalan youth through education and vocational training  * How listeners can support Grace Ministries and contribute to its mission from afar  * Why Hunter believes it is important for lawyers to be actively involved in their local communities and how he balances professional and personal life Learn more about Hunter Garnett:  * Visit Grace Ministries’ Website and consider donating: https://www.aglimpseofgrace.com [https://www.aglimpseofgrace.com]  * Follow Grace Ministries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aglimpseofgrace [https://www.facebook.com/aglimpseofgrace]  * Visit Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers’ website: https://huntsvilleinjurylawyers.com/team [https://huntsvilleinjurylawyers.com/team]  * Connect with Hunter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-garnett-56895876 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-garnett-56895876]  * Visit and subscribe to Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers’ YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@garnettpattersoninjurylawyers [https://youtube.com/@garnettpattersoninjurylawyers]  * Follow Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarnettPattersonLaw [https://www.facebook.com/GarnettPattersonLaw]  * Follow Hunter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cowboylawyer [https://www.tiktok.com/@cowboylawyer] *********************************** About More Than a Lawyer: The More Than a Lawyer podcast highlights amazing acts of service that lawyers perform all over the country. Your host, Christy Crow, is Managing Attorney at Jinks Crow, PC., a woman-owned personal injury law firm located in Alabama, with offices in Union Springs and Montgomery. Jinks Crow is big enough to fight, small enough to care, representing clients in personal injury, wrongful death, accidents, and product liability cases. Watch more episodes of More Than a Lawyer: https://www.jinkscrow.com [https://www.jinkscrow.com] Connect and learn more from your host, Christy Crow and Jinks Crow P.C.:  * Email: christy.crow@jinkscrow.com [christy.crow@jinkscrow.com]  * Follow Jinks Crow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jinks-crow-dickson/]  * Follow Jinks Crow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow [https://www.facebook.com/jinkscrow]  * Follow Jinks Crow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam [https://twitter.com/AlabamaLawTeam]  * Follow Jinks Crow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/ [https://www.instagram.com/jinkscrowpc/]  * Connect with Christy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-crow-1b6204a/]  * Follow Christy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/crowchristy [https://twitter.com/crowchristy]