Soni, Brendle, Essick, Melton

08/24/2026

We’re proud to share that both Ketan and Lillie have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law.

This distinction is based on a rigorous peer-review process, with only about 5% of practicing attorneys recognized.
Ketan has been recognized since 2018, and Lillie since 2024. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication to their clients and the families they serve throughout North Carolina. 💙

08/21/2026

More Than Legal Guidance: Helping Clients Find Their Voice.
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Family law matters are rarely just about the law. They can involve difficult communication, complicated co-parenting dynamics, and emotions that make it challenging to know what to say, what to do, or how to move forward.  Our lawyers strive to make the challenges a more approachable.

For anyone facing a family law matter, having an advocate like Andrew who listens, communicates honestly, and understands both the legal and emotional realities of the situation can make a meaningful difference.

At Soni Brendle Essick Melton, we’re here to help you navigate the difficult moments—and find your confidence along the way.💙

08/20/2026

We are proud to congratulate Jonathan Lambert-Melton on his recognition in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law.

Best Lawyers recognition is determined entirely through peer review, making this honor a reflection of the confidence and respect of fellow attorneys in the profession.

Jonathan is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and a partner in our Raleigh office. We are proud to have his experience, leadership, and commitment to clients as part of the Soni Brendle Essick Melton team.

Congratulations, Jonathan, on this well-deserved recognition!

08/14/2026

Moving day in Raleigh! We’re excited to welcome you into our new downtown office soon. Stay tuned for the full reveal!

08/01/2026

Amazing news for our "old" firm "Soni Brendle"! Ketan and Andrew have joined forces with Melissa Essick and Jonathan Lambert-Melton in Raleigh to become a state-wide service provider. Melissa and Jonathan bring decades of experience, reputation, skill, and compassion in creating the Raleigh office for the newly minted "Soni Brendle Essick Melton!"

07/30/2026

We’re incredibly grateful for these kind words and honored to have supported our client through such an important transition.
Thank you for trusting the Soni Brendle team—and for your recommendation! 💙

Separation

07/17/2026

We're grateful for the opportunity to help our clients through life's most challenging moments and appreciate the trust they place in our team.

Providing compassionate guidance, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy for families across North Carolina is at the heart of everything we do.

If you're looking for a family law team that will stand by your side every step of the way, we're here to help! 💙

04/12/2026

We are proud to announce that three of our attorneys— Soni, Brendle, and Ashworth—have once again been recognized by Super Lawyers for their outstanding professional achievement and peer recognition.

This honor reflects not only their dedication to the practice of law, but also their commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.

We are proud to announce that three of our attorneys—Ketan Soni, Andrew Brendle, and Lillie Ashworth—have once again been recognized by Super Lawyers for their outstanding professional achievement and peer recognition.

03/18/2026

Six years ago, Ketan and Andrew left the comfort of an established firm to build a new law firm. Six years later — countless trials, mediations, and hard-fought battles — we wouldn't change a thing. To every client who trusted us during the hardest season of their life: thank you. You're why we do this.

Here's to what comes next!

03/04/2026

We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful review of our team. 🤍
Strategic, thorough, and compassionate representation — that’s what we strive to provide every client.