The law first interested Ashley M. Washington, ’10, when she was a member of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Memorizing the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law is part of the gig for any scout, but simply reciting these honor codes wasn’t enough for Washington—she needed to understand the implications of the words she was being asked to say and stand by.
“Laws were appealing to me even then, and I remember pestering my parents to help me dissect the meaning of the Girl Scout Law,” she says. “I also understood lawyers helped people, and that was the only thing I knew for certain I wanted to do.”
Finding her calling
Washington grew up in Wisconsin, New Jersey, and New York and earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Having experienced all four seasons in each place, she sought a legal education somewhere that remains warm all year round. This meant Michigan Law didn’t make the cut—that is, until she visited campus.
“Visiting the Law School changed everything for me,” she says. “Not only were the people on my tour great, but everyone I spoke with on campus was friendly and welcoming. I wanted that kind of environment for my law school experience, especially knowing the curriculum can make for a challenging three years. I decided I could tolerate the winters for Michigan Law because it checked all my boxes.”
After her 1L year, Washington worked as a student intern in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.
“I walked out of that internship thinking it wasn’t for me,” says Washington. “But Michigan Law’s Juvenile Justice Clinic gave me a different perspective during my 2L year that helped direct me where I am today.”
Washington clerked on the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for two years after graduation, then worked at two different law firms in California. While at one of the firms, she worked as plaintiff’s counsel on a case involving child abuse.
“My legal assistant said she had never seen me as passionate as when I was working on that case,” says Washington. “That’s when I took a US attorney’s position in Florida, where I primarily worked on juvenile exploitation cases.”
She recently joined the California-based public interest firm Clarkson Law Firm, where she works remotely as counsel, focusing on issues involving sexual violence and fertility negligence claims related to assisted reproductive technologies.
Ashley M. Washington, ’10Michigan Law has made such an incredible mark in my life, and I want others to have the same experience.
Bolstering connections
Staying connected to Michigan Law is important to Washington, and her involvement with her alma mater comes in many forms.
The Class of 2010 recently celebrated its 15th Reunion, bringing Washington’s cohort back to the Law Quad for a weekend of camaraderie. It was also the third time she served on her class’s Reunion planning committee.
“There’s something to be said for having an experience from beginning to end with the same group of people—it unites you,” says Washington. “I wasn’t into football before I attended Michigan Law, but being in a college town where everyone enjoys it together, especially in the Big House, is a special experience. I’m grateful to have a multilayered connection that remains unbroken.”
Washington has also remained a loyal donor to the Law School Fund, Michigan Law’s primary discretionary fund.
“I give to the Law School Fund because I want to help however I can, wherever the funds might be directed,” she says. “Michigan Law has made such an incredible mark in my life, and I want others to have the same experience.”
