A Message from Ashley Smith, L ’18
It is an honor to serve my fellow alumni as this year’s President of the Marquette University Law School Alumni Association Board. Marquette Law has had a profound impact on my life—personally, professionally, and spiritually—and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the institution and community that shaped me. I write to introduce myself and to share a theme I hope will guide my time as President: Be an alumnus for others.
I currently serve as an Associate in Michael Best’s Corporate practice, where I assist clients with a variety of business and transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, corporate restructurings, and governance. While at Marquette Law, I was proud to serve as President of the Black Law Student Association and as Regional Secretary for the Midwest Black Law Student Association. I was also inducted into the Pro Bono Honor Society after completing more than 50 hours of service at the Milwaukee Volunteer Legal Clinic. Staying involved through the Alumni Board has been a natural and fulfilling extension of that commitment to leadership and service.
As President, I invite you to reflect on how we can each “be for others,” a central tenet of our Jesuit education. Whether through mentoring current students, attending alumni events, supporting the Annual Fund, or offering legal aid in your communities, there are many ways to embody the mission of Marquette Law. Our shared experience as alumni gives us a powerful platform to serve—our neighbors, our peers, future Marquette lawyers, and the Law School itself.
The Law Alumni Association Board exists to support and engage you, and I encourage you to take full advantage of all it offers. I’m inspired by the work ahead and the opportunities this next year holds. I hope to see many of you at upcoming events, but please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to strengthen the legacy of Marquette Law.