Houston Reed law firm opens in downtown Canton with focus on family law
CANTON − Nikki Reed and Denise Houston each have more than a decade of experience in family law. Together, they founded Houston Reed LLC to focus on domestic matters and mentor other attorneys in the practice.
"What you'll see with a lot of other firms locally and even statewide is that family law is kind of an afterthought," Reed said. "They might have one or two attorneys that deal with it, but here that is our one and only focus."
Reed, 43, of Plain Township, began her career in 2006 as an attorney for the Stark County Department of Job & Family Services and then began her private practice in 2010. Houston, 53, of North Canton, began as a personal injury litigator for a local law firm in 1996 and has primarily dealt with family law for the past 18 years.
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Their new law firm is on the second floor of 401 Tuscarawas St. W, where Reed's office has been located. The entrance is under a black and white awning off Dewalt Avenue NE.
The firm opened in late September with existing clients and also accepts new clients in cases of divorce, dissolution and child custody, support and visitation.
"With respect to why we formed Houston Reed, it's that we felt that ― as a firm focusing primarily on domestic relations law ― we would be able to provide a very logical path to reconciliation for our clients," Houston said.
Their shared vision includes mentoring young attorneys.
"From my perspective, what drew me to family law is it overlaps with so many other areas of practice," Houston said. "And I think as a young attorney, you don't realize how intricate it can be."
Reed said the firm has one associate from her previous practice and plans to hire more in the coming years. Houston said they'll also be looking for law clerks and paralegals.
Neither had a number they hoped to employ by a certain date but both said they're committed to hiring more attorneys at Houston Reed.
"When it comes to growing the firm, I think we're gonna try to let it happen organically more than aiming for a specific number," Reed said.
Their decision to stay in downtown Canton also was intentional.
"We wanted to stay downtown," Houston said. "We wanted to have a strong presence here. We're both very excited at the revitalization that we see going around town. You cannot miss it, and we're very excited to be a part of that."
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Houston Reed LLC opens in downtown Canton with focus on family law
