Ashlea A. Edwards Attorney At Law

A powerful combination of skilled labor and employment law and litigation experience. Guiding clients through complex legal challenges with precision and care.

Ashlea Edwards concentrates her practice on labor and employment litigation as well as compliance counseling. She represents employers in a wide range of matters, including claims involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower allegations, wrongful termination, employee leave and accommodation issues, wage and hour violations, and labor matters. Ashlea also defends clients in proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other administrative bodies. As part of her advisory practice, she provides day-to-day guidance on corporate governance, internal investigations, policy development and enforcement, and drafting and reviewing employment handbooks and agreements.

In addition to her employment practice, Ashlea represents clients in complex commercial litigation, with experience in matters involving contract disputes, construction defects, and fraudulent transfers. She has litigated cases across Florida in state, federal, and appellate courts, and advises clients in a broad array of industries, including healthcare and financial services.

Ashlea’s practice is grounded in a diverse legal foundation shaped by both domestic and international experience. Her early legal career includes serving as a judicial intern for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and completing an internship at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on internal employment matters. Prior to law school, she worked as a senior paralegal in complex litigation. Ashlea’s clients, ranging from local businesses to national corporations, benefit from her rigorous preparation, practical counsel, and consistent communication. She approaches every case with a deep sense of responsibility and a belief that professionalism and kindness are not mutually exclusive, but essential to strong advocacy and lasting impact.
 

• Notable Work
  • On behalf of a cybersecurity company employer, obtained summary judgment for breach of employment contract, and fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation.
  • On behalf of an individual, obtained summary judgment for breach of business contract, upheld by the 5th District Court of Appeal.
• Recognition
  • Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch, 2021-2025
    • Labor and Employment Law - Management
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2019-2025
    • Labor and Employment
  • Florida Trend, Legal Elite Up & Comers, 2018-2021
  • Jacksonville Business Journal, 40 Under 40, 2023
  • Jacksonville Magazine, Ones to Watch, 2021-2025
    • Labor and Employment Law - Management
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, Woman of the Year, 2025
  • News Service of Florida, 40 Under 40, 2024
• Insights
  • “From Hiring to Separation: The Latest Trends in Human Resources Laws and Regulations,” The Association of Legal Administrators, October 8, 2024
  • “Labor and Employment Law Hot Topics for 2024,” D.W. Perkins Bar Association, September 5, 2024
  • “Baby on the Way!...And So Are Accommodations for Pregnant Workers,” FAWL Journal, Fall/Winter 2023
  • “Remote workers: Guidance on break, leave,” Jacksonville Daily Record Bar Bulletin, April 2023
• Media
  • "JWLA names Ashlea Edwards 2025 Woman Lawyer of the Year," Jacksonville Daily Record, May 19, 2025
  • “YLD expands basic skills courses with focus on legal interpretation and pro bono services,” The Florida Bar News, February 28, 2025
  • “YLD’s 2025 Affiliate Outreach Conference Embraces Professionalism and Networking,” The Florida Bar News, February 26, 2025
  • “Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division launches disaster relief hotline,” The Florida Bar News, October 4, 2024
  • “Ashlea Edwards Takes the Helm of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division,” Attorney at Law Magazine, September 12, 2024
  • “Ashlea Edwards becomes Young Lawyers Division President,” The Florida Bar News, June 24, 2024
  • “2023's Class of 40 Under 40: Ashlea A. Edwards,” Jacksonville Business Journal, April 20, 2023
  • “Edwards elected Young Lawyers Division president-elect designate,” Jacksonville Daily Record, March 3, 2023
  • “Jacksonville’s Ashlea Edwards in line to lead the Young Lawyers Division,” The Florida Bar News, February 28, 2023
  • “JBA members recognized at The Florida Bar annual meeting,” Jacksonville Daily Record, July 1, 2021
  • “Young Lawyers… Improve your skills, young lawyers: Join us at the Bar,” Jacksonville Daily Record, March 7, 2019
  • “In the Law … GrayRobinson associate attorney Ashlea Edwards,” Attorney at Law Magazine, January 8, 2018
  • “Ashlea Edwards: On Preparation and Balanced Practices,” Attorney at Law Magazine, August 18, 2017
• Affiliations
  • American Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar
    • Young Lawyers Division, President, 2024-2025
    • Young Lawyers Division, President-Elect, 2023-2024
    • Young Lawyers Division, Fourth Circuit Representative, 2017-2023
    • Board of Governors, YLD President, 2023-2025
      • Served on the following committees at the discretion of The Florida Bar President: Budget, Disciplinary Procedures, Communications, Disciplinary Review, Program Evaluation, Special Committee on Boudreaux, and FLA Compensation
  • Leadership Florida Connect Class 9, 2018-2019
  • TedxJacksonville
    • Engagement Director, 2017-2021
  • Jacksonville Bar Association, Member, 2015-present
    • Young Lawyers Section, President, 2020-2021
    • Young Lawyers Section, Board Member 2016-2020
• Credentials
  • J.D., Florida Coastal School of Law, 2015, cum laude
  • B.S., Louisiana State University, 2010
  • Paralegal Certificate, Louisiana State University Continuing Education, 2010
  • B.A., Louisiana State University, 2009
• Admissions
  • Florida
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida
• Languages
  • Spanish