Ashley Shambley is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Shambley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. She has over 14 years of experience as a public defender, handling complex homicide cases. Ms. Shambley is actively involved in her community and various charities and has a deep level of commitment to public service. She is respected for her integrity, knowledge of the law, and excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.

 

Legal Experience

•Qualified by the Chicago Bar Association

•15 years of legal experience dedicated to advocacy, fairness, and justice

•Criminal Defense Attorney in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, assigned to the Multiple Defendant Unit

•Represents individuals facing serious felony charges

•Advocates for fair treatment and due process in the justice system

•Extensive Trial Experience

•Tried over 100 cases to verdict, including complex felony cases

•Argued and litigated hundreds of motions, including suppression motions, bond hearings, and post-trial motions

•Experienced Litigator with a deep understanding of courtroom procedure and legal strategy

•Passionate about rehabilitation and restorative justice, ensuring equitable legal outcomes for all

•Instructor for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses, training attorneys on legal strategy, trial advocacy, and criminal defense

•Instructor for Know Your Rights courses at the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), educating communities on their legal rights and interactions with law enforcement  

 

Leadership & Advocacy

•General Counsel for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

• Provides legal guidance on policies that promote equity and justice

• Board Member of AFSCME Local 3315, advocating for the rights of union members

• Board Member of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (IACDL), working to uphold the integrity of criminal defense practice and protect constitutional rights

• Board Member of Imagine Englewood If, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of Englewood residents

• Member of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) Review Board, overseeing matters related to attorney ethics and professional conduct

• Active Member of Legal & Community Organizations

• Black Women Lawyers’ Association

• Cook County Bar Association

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated  

 

Education & Professional Development

• Howard University Graduate (Undergraduate Degree)

• DePaul University College of Law Graduate (Juris Doctor)

• Civic Leadership Academy Fellow at the University of Chicago, gaining advanced training in public service leadership  

 

Commitment to Justice & Community

• Dedicated to ensuring fairness, dignity, and access to justice for all

• Advocates for rehabilitative and community-based solutions in the legal system

• Committed to strengthening and restoring communities through fair judicial practices