Fall 2021 | 19
Argo Corner Alumni Spotlight – Ashley Armstrong by Charlie Penrod
A
shley Armstrong, a 2017 UWF Legal Studies graduate, is
now a successful practicing attorney at the Watson Firm. In law school at Florida Coastal School of Law, Ashley excelled as a member of the number one appellate advocacy program in the nation. She also proudly served as the President of the Black Law Students Association (“BLSA”) and the Military Law Society, where she implemented numerous community programs assisting the underserved. While at the Watson Firm, Ashley has practiced corporate civil litigation, complex business litigation, construction law and tort defense. She also has experience working as counsel for several of the nation’s largest insurance companies in matters involving, Personal Injury Protection, bodily injury, worker’s compensation and longshore accidents.
Ashley was inspired to become an attorney by the women in her life who were dedicated to helping the community. Early on, Ashley recognized that one benefit of being a young lawyer is to show women and people of color that becoming a lawyer is attainable. She has made it a point to encourage others that they can accomplish what she has done. Ashley mentors young students, chairs community programs and engages with children as a way to connect with the community and to provide a model for others to follow. She has also established an initiative, Books 4 The Blocks, to provide children in marginalized Pensacola communities with books to dispel the school-toprison pipeline. Her dedication to her clients and the community at large is superb, and she is an example for others who wish to follow in her footsteps. Ashley strives to be a client-centered attorney, with an understanding that attorneys should attend to more than just the client’s legal rights. Specifically, Ashley’s mantra is that, “I work for clients who have suffered an injury through no fault of their own. Personal injury really is personal to the victim! Before I get justice for a client, I must provide hope, reassurance and calmness to my clients during one of the most stressful times for them. The most enjoyable part of my work is providing clients with help to continue medical care. In the end, my clients have closure and a healthy quality of life like before the accident occurred.” I asked Ashley why she likes the Watson Firm and the environment there. She
told me that, “The Watson Firm embodies a family-spirit that we extend to our clients. My past legal jobs had less client-interaction and I found them to be less fulfilling. Here, the Watson team is a big family, and our clients are the extended family.” Ashley had the opportunity to work in a variety of different areas of the law, but has found that working directly with clients is where her passion lies. Although Ashley is just starting her legal career, she has already impacted lives and made a difference. She is honored that she is able to provide support for each client, even regarding niches outside of her normal in-house practice. Being a counselor involves helping even those who are underserved, but equally as deserving, and Ashley lives that ideal in her daily practice. On a personal note, I recall the first class I had with Ashley. She immediately struck me as a student who was highly motivated, smart and willing to do whatever it took to achieve her dream of becoming an attorney. She never disappointed—she immediately became a star in the program and has proven me right. She explained to me that the Legal Studies program provided guidance and the fuel to continue in the profession by connecting her with lawyers who provided mentorship and guidance. I am so proud of Ashley and her accomplishments, and I am confident her exceptional talents in the law will establish her as a well-respected member of the local Bar.
