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Ksenia’s Journey: From the Urals to NYC, Building a Law Firm with Heart
An exclusive interview with Ksenia, a family law attorney who turned determination and empathy into a thriving legal practice.
A Humble Beginning in the Southern Urals
Ksenia’s story begins in a small town near the Kazakh border, where she was raised in a modest, book-loving family. Her mother was a schoolteacher, her father a steelworker, and their home overflowed with music, literature, and a deep love of learning.
“My parents encouraged me to explore, make mistakes, and keep moving forward,” she recalls. That mindset carried her through law school in Russia—and eventually to New York City at just 19.
Starting from Scratch in America
Arriving in the U.S. with $50 and no connections, Ksenia walked into law firms offering to work for minimum wage—anything for a start. One attorney gave her a chance, and she began handling paperwork and drafting legal documents.
“I was completely on my own,” she says. “But I was determined.”
Discovering a Passion for Family Law
Ksenia didn’t initially intend to specialize in family law. But after joining a firm focused on matrimonial cases, she found herself drawn to the human side of the work.
“It’s not just about the law—it’s about psychology and empathy,” she explains. “You’re guiding people through emotional, life-changing decisions. You have to be both a strong advocate and a compassionate listener.”
Lessons in Resilience and Asking for Help
Raised in a culture that prized self-reliance, Ksenia had to unlearn the idea that asking for help was a weakness.
“In America, I learned it’s a strength,” she says. “So many people are willing to share knowledge. Now I teach my son: ‘Just ask. The worst someone can say is no.’”
Proudest Achievements: Firm, Family, and Community
Today, Ksenia leads a respected NYC law firm with a seven-person team. She prioritizes mentorship and a supportive work environment where her employees grow professionally and personally.
But her proudest accomplishments go beyond business. “Bringing my parents to the U.S. and supporting them has been incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “And being a mother and a partner is just as important to me as my career.”
Balance, Integrity, and the Future
Balancing work and family isn’t easy, but Ksenia makes it work: early mornings for focused work, evenings for her husband and son. She also carves out time for skiing, surfing, and reading—her way of staying centered.
Her guiding values? Honesty, balance, and integrity. “If everyone acted with integrity, the world would be a better place,” she says.
Looking ahead, Ksenia plans to mentor the next generation of lawyers and push for updates to family law that reflect modern, diverse families. Growth, for her, isn’t about getting bigger—it’s about staying true to her mission.
Final Advice: Be Fearless
To young professionals, her message is clear: dream boldly, embrace mistakes, and never stop moving forward.
“If you fall, pick something up while you’re down there,” she laughs. “Every problem has a solution. Just trust that things will work out.”
Ksenia’s journey—from a small Russian town to building a boutique NYC law firm—shows that with grit, empathy, and the courage to ask for help, you can build not just a successful career, but a meaningful life.
