Matthew Van Horn is an experienced North Carolina attorney whose practice focuses on helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex legal matters with practical, strategic counsel. As the founder of Van Horn Law Firm, he is committed to providing personalized representation, thoughtful advocacy, and results-driven legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Matthew earned his Bachelor of Arts from Hampden-Sydney College before obtaining both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Tulsa, where he served as an editor of the Tulsa Journal of Comparative & International Law. Prior to returning to North Carolina, he practiced at a large law firm in Washington, D.C.'s historic Watergate Building, where he gained valuable experience representing clients in a broad range of legal matters.
Matthew is admitted to practice law in North Carolina and before multiple federal courts, including the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In 2026, he was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, joining a distinguished group of attorneys authorized to practice before the nation's highest court.
In addition to his legal practice, Matthew serves on the North Carolina Psychology Board through a gubernatorial appointment. He is also a court-appointed arbitrator and an active member of several professional legal organizations. His commitment to professional excellence, public service, and client-centered advocacy reflects the values that define Van Horn Law Firm.
Attorney Van Horn
Ashley Nicole Russell is a North Carolina attorney, entrepreneur, and community leader. She is the founder and CEO of AN|R Law, North Carolina’s first collaborative family law firm, and has grown the practice across Greenville, Raleigh, Beaufort, and Wilmington. Ashley-Nicole is a manager/owner of Michael and Russell, PLLC with her law partner Ashley Michael and the Chief Operations Officer of Van Horn Law firm. Today, Ashley and her team of lawyers serve families in all 100 North Carolina counties, bringing trusted counsel and practical solutions to families across the state.
Ashley’s leadership has been profiled nationally and locally, including mentions in The Washington Post and Forbes, as well as appearances across major networks including ABC, NBC, and CBS. She has used her experience to navigate Van Horn Law Firm to produce the most efficient and zealous representation for clients. Her professional accolades include honors such as “Leader in the Law” and North Carolina “Super Lawyers,” along with recognition as Small Business Leader of the Year from the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau's Spark Award, and Appalachian State University's Alumnus of the Year.
Ashley has helped advance family-law reforms that have strengthened outcomes for parents and children across seven states. She was also part of a collaborative-law team whose work received Nobel Peace Prize nomination recognition for promoting more peaceful, family-centered resolutions outside the courtroom. Beyond the courtroom, she has built a record of service and civic impact, leading training and mentorship for the next generation, supporting community initiatives, and consistently showing the discipline and executive capability donors look for in a candidate who can actually run and win.
In addition to her legal practice, Ashley owns a marketing firm that works across the country helping lawyers promote and advertise their businesses. She has also owned and operated numerous other businesses over her lifetime in retail, food services, and other fields, giving her a real-world understanding of the diverse challenges facing North Carolina’s small business community.
Attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell
Brianna Clarida is a Legal Intern at Van Horn Law Firm with a strong interest in family law and alternative dispute resolution. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brianna hopes to use her academic background to better understand and support clients while helping families navigate difficult legal matters through mediation and collaborative approaches.
Her passion for serving others is rooted in her experience as a Crisis Counselor, where she has worked with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and those affected by abusive relationships. These experiences have reinforced her commitment to advocating for clients with compassion, empathy, and professionalism.
Outside of her work at the firm, Brianna is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, serves as a discipleship group leader at The Summit Church, and volunteers at UNC Children's Hospital. She is also on track to become a Buckley Public Service Scholar, an honor recognizing students who complete more than 300 hours of community service.
Through her internship at Van Horn Law Firm, Brianna is gaining practical legal experience while developing the skills necessary to become a thoughtful and effective advocate for clients. She is committed to serving others with integrity and looks forward to a career dedicated to helping individuals and families through challenging transitions.
Brianna Clarida
Joshua Bas is a legal intern at Van Horn Law Firm. He earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Campbell Law School, where he will serve on the Campbell Law Review.
At Van Horn Law Firm, Joshua has gained hands-on experience in the firm's business law practice, working alongside experienced attorneys on a variety of legal matters. Through this experience, he has developed an appreciation for providing thoughtful, practical legal guidance tailored to each client's unique needs.
Outside of the office, Joshua is passionate about serving his community. He volunteers with his church's youth group and mentors a group of young men, reflecting his commitment to leadership, service, and investing in others. Joshua looks forward to continuing to grow as an advocate while helping clients navigate complex legal issues with professionalism and integrity.
Joshua Bas
Clayton is a Paralegal at Van Horn Law Firm. He went to the University of California, Santa Cruz where he received his bachelor's degree in Politics, with a minor in Legal Studies. Professionally, Clayton has years of experience drafting legal documents, organizing sensitive case files, and preparing exhibits. He is interested in complex business litigation and the evolution of legal theory. Clayton hopes to attend law school and continue serving clients.
Clayton Lange
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