Ashley Brantley

Ashley Brantley is a 7th generation Texan.  Her family roots date back to the early 1800s when Texas was still a Mexican territory. Before residing in Texas, Ashley’s family occupied the present-day Virginia/D.C. area. Her Virginia/D.C roots date back to the 1600's when it was an English Territory.  Her ancestors include some of the first lawyers and judges in the U.S. She stands on the shoulders of non-traditional lawyers and judges who tested the norms of society.  

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At age 3, Ashley  commenced her formal education in Catholic School where she was introduced to the Montessori method and Spanish. By 5, she tested into the gifted and talented program with a focus on the sciences. For middle school she enrolled in the Magnet program for Spanish and Technology. She traveled to Spain as part of a summer travel program with the Spanish department. For high school, Ashley was accepted to the Magnet Program for Business. She graduated at the top on her class. Before college, she participated in Genomic and Genetics research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Although she loved the research, she found her true calling, advocacy. For undergraduate school, Ashley attended the University of Houston. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in English and Psychology. For law school, she attended the historic Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she obtained her J.D.

 

Ashley began her legal career with historic property research. Her family owns property that has been in her family for over 130 years. As she began researching historic deeds, she noticed a trend. The  historic properties in Texas only told a fragmented story of who lived there and what they did. Ashley was amazed to discover a will that dates back over 100+ years introducing her to her first African American Texan ancestor. She later learned that the land was part of a freedman community. With this awareness, Ashley founded a  Heritage Foundation. The purpose of her non-profit is: 1) to document and preserve history; and 2) bridge the gap between the wisdom of our forefathers and the knowledge needed by the younger generations to carry on the legacy. She respects that our lives and experiences tell an invaluable story. 

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As a new lawyer, Ashley followed the advice given to all new lawyers... obtain traditional legal experience. Mariam Wright Edelman was especially influential on her as a young lawyer. She read Mrs. Wright-Edelman’s book “Lanterns.” In Wright-Edelman's book she offered, “to know what the people want and need, you have to get out in the trenches where they are.” So, Ashley got out there as a wide-eyed young lawyer, hungry to gain the experience needed to sharpen her skills. Very soon after starting traditional law, Ashley felt a huge disconnect with the traditional practice of law.  She observed traditional law lacked the possibility to truly help clients improve their various life situations. Everything was merely transactional and did not factor in the unique needs of the clients. Clients were just another case number. What was worses witnessing the emotional toll civil litigation can take on individuals and families. And she witnessed the many ways assets are lost: 1) during divorce;  2) as a result of family conflict; 3) as a result of a court judgement;  4) the lack of estate planning; and  5) when seniors plan for long term care and housing. Ashley knew there were ways to avoid these pitfalls. 

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Ashley's experience with traditional law was not all bad. She met some of the most remarkable people who taught her a lot about life, people, and interconnectedness. She owes so much to her clients for their vulnerability, and the skills she developed while trying her best to serve their interests. Ashley has over a decade of family litigation experience with additional experience in Probate and Real Property Tax Law.  

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Ashley founded Homage Law because there was so much synergy between her interests, skills, and the practice of estate planning. All of the roads led to her being prepared to advise clients effectively in estate planning. As a bonus, Ashley has the opportunity to preserve history, legacy, and heritage, one client at a time. Everyone has a story to tell, protect, and pass on. Ashley wants to pay homage to everyone who allows her and her team to assist them along their estate planning journey. 

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Ashley loves exploring the visual and performing arts. She loves jazz music, the symphony, Alvin Ailey dance, modern dance, and Latin dance. With her non-profit, she enjoys researching the history of race in America and beyond. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family, and traveling. She loves cooking and entertaining. She loves game night. She has cooked gluten free for over 16 years.  

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Ashley is a life member with the University of Houston.  

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In the past fiscal year, Ashley served as Co-Vice Chair for the American Bar Association’s Committee on Senior Housing and Assisted Living. Ashley will serve again as Vice Chair for the American Bar Association’s Committee on Senior Housing and Assisted Living in the fall. 

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