Ashleigh Merchant

Ashleigh B. Merchant is a top criminal defense attorney known for her dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. She is also a trial and appellate advocate known for her relentless fight for justice. She earned a bachelor’s in political science and a J.D. from the University of Florida law school. There, she excelled in moot court, winning the Herbert Weschler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition.

In law school, Ashleigh clerked for a criminal defense attorney. She gained invaluable experience in high-stakes cases, including a capital murder case. She successfully argued that case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her work, in that case, set a precedent. It helps defendants seeking to reverse convictions due to poor trial representation.

Ashleigh’s career reflects her passion for human rights and criminal defense. She began her postgraduate work with the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. She represented death-row inmates in state and federal habeas cases and fought for better prison conditions through litigation.

Next, Ashleigh joined the Metro Conflict Defender and the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office. There, she handled criminal cases, including serious felonies like murder, vehicular homicide, and armed robbery.

Her roles in the complex trial and appellate divisions honed her skills as a trial attorney and negotiator. She also successfully overturned criminal convictions, safeguarding her clients from judicial errors.

Ashleigh has been a strong advocate for the accused. She is committed to a fair legal process. She is an active member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has been recognized in the Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys statewide. Admitted to all state courts in Georgia, Ashleigh excels at defense work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Merchant Law Firm
• Member, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Cobb County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Georgia

Education

• University of Florida Levin College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Florida
  BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges