Ashleah Howard's journey in the legal profession is driven by a
deep-rooted belief in standing up for those who have been overlooked
or discarded by society's systems and processes. Growing up in
Austin, Texas, Ashleah witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by
marginalized communities, instilling in her a sense of compassion and
a desire to make a difference.
Raised by
hardworking parents who navigated the challenges of the segregation
era, Ashleah learned the value of caring for others from her mother,
a psychiatric nurse. Accompanying her mother on home healthcare
visits as a child, Ashleah experienced the importance of providing
support to those in need.
During her
undergraduate years at Texas State University, Ashleah volunteered as
a Court Visitor, advocating for the physically and mentally disabled
living in state-owned group homes. This experience left a lasting
impression on her, shaping her commitment to fighting for the rights
of the vulnerable.
After earning her
law degree from UNT Dallas College of Law, Ashleah moved to Oregon to
continue her community-focused work. Joining the Metropolitan Public
Defender Community Law Division, she took on a variety of cases,
representing individuals striving to rebuild their lives after
encountering the criminal justice system.
In her legal
practice, Ashleah approaches each client as a valued member of the
team, prioritizing their needs above all else. She understands the
challenges of navigating personal injury cases, and she works
tirelessly to provide peace of mind to her clients, advocating
zealously on their behalf and guiding them through every step of the
process.
Outside of her
legal work, Ashleah embraces the diverse offerings of Portland, from
its vibrant culinary scene to its exhilarating winter sports
opportunities. She has recently taken up snowboarding, adding to her
passions for painting and cooking her favorite southern and Tex-Mex
dishes.
For Ashleah
Howard, the practice of law is not just a profession; it's a calling
to make a positive impact in the lives of others, to stand alongside
them in their struggles, and to help bring about meaningful
resolutions that alleviate their suffering and restore their dignity.