- Peaceful Law
The People Behind the Practice
Shaunis Mercer
Practicing since 2005—wow, that’s 21 years of experience! Shaunis Mercer, cofounder of Peaceful Law in North Carolina, draws from nearly two decades of managing law firms and guiding clients through the twists and turns of family law and estate planning. She’s all about helping others master effective communication, develop solid co-parenting skills, and find peaceful solutions without unnecessary conflict.
Shaunis’s approach is rooted in her commitment to education and empowerment. With a focus on collaborative law and reaching peaceful settlements, she ensures her clients make informed decisions that support their well-being and future success. Her work extends to estate planning, where she helps clients navigate complex legal landscapes to secure their legacy.
Beyond lawyering, Shaunis is a sought-after consultant for other law firm owners, sharing strategies for building successful, client-centered practices. She’s also a dedicated mom to two boys, ages 8 and 11, who keep her busy and inspired.
Her measure of success? Helping others learn effective communication, develop solid co-parenting skills, and find peaceful solutions without unnecessary conflict. At Peaceful Law, it’s all about fostering growth, learning, and creating harmony in the midst of life’s complexities. And yes, she’s a proud Swiftie, proving that even lawyers have a soft spot for great music!
Chris Autry
Chris Autry began practicing law right around the time he and Shaunis bought their first house together back in 2009, bringing 17 years of diverse legal experience to Peaceful Law in North Carolina. Chris’s background spans high-stakes litigation and negotiations, having served as a murder and felony prosecutor, family law attorney, and personal injury attorney. Most recently, he has dedicated his career to negotiating multimillion-dollar corporate contracts.
Chris’s approach is rooted in his commitment to achieving fair and just outcomes for his clients. With his extensive experience in both criminal and civil law, he offers a unique perspective that helps clients navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Beyond lawyering, Chris is passionate about mentoring younger attorneys, helping them develop their skills and navigate the legal profession. He’s also a dedicated dad to two boys, ages 8 and 11, who keep him motivated and engaged.
His measure of success? Helping clients secure fair agreements, navigate legal complexities, and achieve their goals without unnecessary conflict. At Peaceful Law, Chris is all about fostering a balanced and harmonious approach to legal challenges. And yes, he’s a skilled mixologist, even crafting his own drams and syrups for cocktail making, proving that even lawyers can have a fun and creative side!
Mariah Nelson
As both a lawyer and a military spouse, Mariah understands the unique challenges that military families face during transition. Her goal is to provide compassionate, thoughtful, and effective support, helping families resolve legal matters without the pain often caused by traditional litigation.
Having litigated her fair share of contested divorces, she has seen the emotional toll—the broken trust, financial strain, and impact on children. This experience, combined with her own background as the child of divorced parents, has shaped her commitment to collaborative family law. Mariah strives to give her clients the opportunity to move forward with dignity and respect, mirroring the path her own parents took by avoiding court battles.
Outside of work, Mariah is married to a Marine, and together they are raising two children, three dogs, and two cats. This grounding home life reinforces the daily importance of her work: ensuring families achieve peace, stability, and hope for the future.
Mariah graduated Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2020, where she received both the Law Presidential Scholarship and the Law Community Service Scholarship. While in law school, she served as Communications Director of the Student Bar Association and as an Editor of the Seattle Journal of Technology, Environmental & Innovation Law (SJTEIL).
Kinsey Hanson
Kinsey Hanson has built a career in caring for the people and community around her. Whether working in non-profits, or supporting attorneys and clients as they navigate complex legal cases, she understands that every matter should be handled with diligence and care. She has been working in the legal field for more than four years, and over half of that time has been spent in family law.
Kinsey’s passion for helping people guides her work, and is rooted in the belief that we are all better when we lead with empathy and patience. She is committed to making sure each client feels supported, informed, and truly heard every step of the way, offering a steady presence and guidance that helps make even the most difficult situation feel more manageable.
Outside of work, Kinsey enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs, baking for family and friends, and getting lost in a good book.
Christian Soriano
Christian Soriano supports the Peaceful Law team as a Customer Support and Marketing Administrator, helping ensure that client communication, scheduling, and day to day operations run smoothly. His work helps create a steady and organized experience for both the team and the families the firm serves.
With over five years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small teams, Christian brings a background in digital marketing, operations support, and project coordination. He assists with managing client inquiries, coordinating meetings, supporting marketing efforts, and keeping internal processes organized so the team can focus on serving clients well.
His goal is simple: make things easier for the people he supports so they can focus on the work that matters most.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys spending time outdoors and going on camping trips. He’s also a big dog lover and currently has six dogs at home.