JWLA Honors Ashlea Edwards and Chief Judge Lance Day

News Summary

The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) recognized Ashlea Edwards with the 2025 Woman Lawyer of the Year Award and Chief Judge Lance Day with the JWLA Ally Award, honoring their contributions to gender equality and the legal community. Edwards is praised for her impactful work and mentorship for young lawyers, while Judge Day is acknowledged for his dedication to promoting women’s rights in the legal system. The event, held at The River Club, highlighted their significant roles in fostering an inclusive environment within the legal profession.

Jacksonville – The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association (JWLA) honored Ashlea Edwards and Chief Judge Lance Day during a ceremony held on May 8 at The River Club. Edwards received the prestigious 2025 Woman Lawyer of the Year Award while Judge Day was awarded the JWLA Ally Award for their respective contributions to the legal community and efforts to further gender equality.

Edwards is a shareholder at GrayRobinson and currently serves as the president of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for the 2024-25 term. She was recognized for her significant contributions to the legal profession as well as her community engagement through various volunteer activities. The Woman Lawyer of the Year Award is granted to an attorney who embodies the qualities of a positive role model, earns the respect of peers, and supports the betterment of women in the community. Edwards’ achievements in these areas were a determining factor in her selection for this honor.

Graduating from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2015, Edwards initially focused on commercial litigation, handling contract disputes, general liability defense, and bankruptcy. Eventually, she transitioned her practice to employment litigation and corporate governance. In addition to her legal work, Edwards has been deeply involved in organizations aimed at empowering young and female lawyers, serving on the board of governors for the Jacksonville Bar Association and as a past president of its Young Lawyers Section. Her participation in Leadership Florida, the Florida Coastal Alumni Board, and the Chester Bedell Inn of Courts further demonstrates her commitment to the legal community and the advancement of women in law.

Chief Judge Lance Day of the Fourth Circuit was also recognized for his exceptional support of the JWLA’s mission. The JWLA Ally Award was presented to Judge Day under extraordinary circumstances, emphasizing his dedication to promoting women’s rights and gender equality within the legal system. His actions as chief judge, particularly in actively seeking ways to support organizations focused on these issues, have made a significant impact on the legal community. Judge Day’s professionalism and unwavering commitment to equality earned him this prestigious recognition.

JWLA President Brittany Ford highlighted both recipients’ achievements and contributions, noting that their efforts are instrumental in shaping a more inclusive environment within the legal profession. Ford’s acknowledgment of Edwards as a “tireless supporter” of female lawyers and young professionals underlines the importance of mentorship and advocacy in the field.

Additionally, the JWLA announced that Sarah Morris, the director of operations for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, has been honored as the 2024 Leader in the Law by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Morris was also selected by JWLA for this recognition, further establishing her influence in the legal community. With her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law and admission to The Florida Bar in 2015, Morris has previously worked as a public defender within the 7th Judicial Circuit. Her involvement as a board member and program director at JWLA highlights her dedication to advancing women’s rights in the legal field.

Looking ahead, the JWLA will host a lunch meeting on October 10, featuring attorney and author Kristine Cherek, who will share her career experiences and insights on gender equality in the legal profession. This event promises to provide valuable discussions on the challenges and progress being made in the pursuit of equality in law.

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Additional Resources

• Jax Daily Record: JWLA Names Edwards 2025 Woman Lawyer of the Year
• Wikipedia: Gender Equality
• Jax Daily Record: Sarah Morris Named Leader in the Law
• Google Search: Women in Law
• Jacksonville.com: Career Track of Woman Lawyer Year
• Google Scholar: Gender Equality in Law
• Jax Daily Record: Kristine Cherek to Address JWLA
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Women and Law