Ashlea Edwards, center left, the new president of the Young Lawyers Division, is passed the gavel by the division’s immediate past president, Anisha Patel, while former YLD presidents look on. Edwards says the division will strive to “instill kindness, compassion, and service” among young lawyers throughout Florida this year.
Ashlea Edwards of Jacksonville, inspired by her parents’ lessons in kindness, compassion, and hard work, has been sworn in as president of the Young Lawyers Division after eight years of service on the board.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Edwards, an associate with Akerman, expressed gratitude for her parents’ example during challenging times, which fueled her desire to improve the world through law.
Addressing the Bar’s General Assembly on June 21 in Orlando, Edwards extended her thanks to the YLD board for entrusting her with the opportunity to serve and pledged to work every day to provide the state’s young lawyers with the resources they need to “succeed in your practice and grow to become the best lawyers you can be.”
Edwards, who has served on the YLD Board of Governors since 2017, said the YLD was taken to new heights this past year under the direction of outgoing President Anisha Patel and “we plan to continue this momentum in our work this year.”
Arti Ajit Hirani was sworn in as the YLD’s new president-elect next to her mother Meenakshi Hirani, who she practices with in Orlando. Hirani will also serve as president of the Orange County Bar Association this year and is the youngest OCBA president since its establishment in 1933.
Edwards, who focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling, also introduced YLD President-elect Arti Ajit Hirani of Meenakshi A. Hirani, P.A., in Orlando.
“Arti is always a source of endless energy and optimism,” Edwards said. “I look forward to working with her as my president-elect in the coming year and seeing all that we accomplish.”
Edwards also noted Hirani’s mother, Meenakshi, was at the General Assembly. “Anyone who knows Arti knows how much admiration she has for her mom,” Edwards said.
Former Board of Governors member Grier Wells, who introduced Edwards, said she is originally from Texas and went to LSU on a music scholarship, majored in psychology, aspired to be a social worker, “and then realized she could combine psychology and social work by becoming a lawyer.”
Wells met Edwards when she worked as a summer associate at his firm and was later hired as an associate after graduating from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2015.
“But during the brief period of time I worked with Ashlea on that GrayRobinson floor, a little over five years, it became very obvious to me that she was destined to become an outstanding lawyer, member of the Bar, and member of her community.”
Edwards emphasized that the division is actively striving to “instill kindness, compassion, and service” among young lawyers throughout Florida this year. She highlighted several ongoing initiatives of the YLD, including:
- Professionalism showcase. Chaired by Valeen Hyde and Ashley Wright, the Professionalism Showcase will be a first of its kind showcase focusing on all things professionalism through CLE speakers, resources, and a specific focus on professional attire. The showcase will take place at the YLD’s Annual Affiliate Outreach Conference and highlight what it means to be professional. This committee will be supported by the AOC committee led by Reno Pierre and Saray Ravelo as well as the affiliates committee led by Warren Chin and Michael Kranz.
- Transition to Practice. As a first-generation attorney, Edwards said she understands the need for guidance when you don’t always have someone there to help. “While the YLD board will continue the Practice Series webinars to provide free basic substantive information, we will also create a Navigating Series, which will focus on the providing young lawyers information on navigating the business of practicing law, whether they work in government, solo or small firms, big law, or elsewhere.”
- Law Student Affiliates. Chaired by Yineth Sanchez Aslan and Selina Patel, the Law Student Affiliates Committee will continue to strengthen the division’s relationships with law students and Florida’s law schools. In addition to visiting each law school, the board will host a Law Student Symposium to offer answers to practical questions law students may have, including subjects relating to the economics of practicing law, the importance of experiential learning, bar exam considerations, the rules regulating The Florida Bar, and more.
- Pro Bono Legal Services. This year, the YLD will also focus on pro bono legal services and its benefit to young lawyers and the community. As reflected in the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar and by the Oath of Admission, Edwards says assuring access to justice “is a centuries-old tradition” of the profession. Each member of The Florida Bar has a professional responsibility to render pro bono legal services and participate, to the extent possible, in other pro bono service activities. “With that in mind, the YLD will lead the charge to identify ways for young lawyers to gain experiential and skills-based learning through providing pro bono legal services in their respective communities.”
Edwards said the YLD board will also continue to produce both the Practicing with Professionalism course to ensure young lawyers have the most up-to-date information regarding professionalism and ethics to avoid discipline; and the Basic Skills courses that span over 13 areas of law.
“We would be here all day if I told you all the YLD was working on, so stay tuned to see all we have in store from our 18 committees,” she said.
In thanking her family, friends and colleagues that made the trip to Orlando for her installation, Edwards singled out her husband and “my first dude,” Paul.
“You are my rock and my everything,” she said. “I would not be able to do all of this without you and your support. I fell in love with you over seafood boils and a good heart about 10 years ago and continue to fall in love with you every day.”
To her fellow YLD board members, Edwards said: “I am in awe of each of you. You juggle jobs, families, and responsibilities and somehow you still find the time to not just volunteer but excel in your work for this board. You make our profession better every day and me a better person. I look up to each of you and am absolutely honored to lead you this year.”