Ashley is an associate in our Human Rights and Labour & Employment groups. Through her practice, Ashley is committed to advancing social justice, enhancing access to justice, and providing legal support through a feminist and anti-oppressive framework that prioritizes her client’s needs.

In addition to representing individuals who have been discriminated against or wrongly terminated, Ashley regularly works with labour unions and with non-profits and small organizations who need employment support.

Ashley treats all her clients with compassion, taking care to ensure they understand the legal system as it relates to their case and the options that are available to them. She understands that litigation can be stressful for clients experiencing emotionally charged situations and uses her strong collaboration and negotiating skills to achieve desirable settlements whenever possible. When litigation is necessary, Ashley is firm in fighting for the best outcomes for her clients.

Ashley’s unique background and educational experience help her bring a nuanced understanding of intersectionality, power dynamics and discrimination to her current practice.

Prior to law school, Ashley completed her Masters in Anthropology at the University of Guelph, where she wrote her thesis on the consultative process following R. v. Bedford and was critical of the ways in which sex workers’ expertise and experience was undermined throughout this process, leading to legislation that does not protect sex workers and is not responsive to their needs. During that period Ashley also worked as the President of a labour union representing academic workers. In that position she worked with members to file grievances, negotiate settlements, and led the union in bargaining for a new collective agreement that addressed the needs of part-time, precarious workers.

While completing her Juris Doctor at the University of New Brunswick, Ashley volunteered at the Fredericton Legal Advice Clinic, providing pro bono support and legal information to clients on a range of legal matters. She was also the Treasurer of Adult Literacy Fredericton, a not-for-profit that provided one-on-one supports to adults wanting to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

Before joining Ross & McBride, Ashley clerked at the Ontario Court of Appeal for Justices Doherty, Juriansz, MacPherson, and Benotto. In this position she worked in all areas of the law and refined her legal research and writing skills.

Ashley is a passionate volunteer who is involved with a range of causes and local organizations. As a member of the queer community, Ashley is aware of the need for social change in Hamilton, and is inspired by the amazing advocacy work being led by community activists. Ashley is currently a member of the Management Committee for SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area), which provides support to people who have experienced sexualized violence, and is on the Executive Committee of LEAF Hamilton, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through law.