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

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.

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.

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.

As a member of the queer community, and a volunteer at Hamilton Pride in 2018 and 2019, 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.