Stata
Ashley Houlihan
Attorney; M.A. Candidate, Global Economic Affairs & Corporate Governance
Denver,CO
Summary
Persuasive expert analyzes complex legal issues, formulates legal arguments and provides sound advice on wide range of topics. Adept at navigating legal systems, leveraging resources and communicating with clients. Thorough understanding of precedents and regulations.
Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Florida Election Law and Public Records Consultant
Ashley Houlihan, Esq., LLC
Denver, Co, Colorado
08.2024 - Current
- Assisting clients in understanding complex public records and election laws, identifying relevant regulatory changes, and ensuring accurate interpretation of findings.
- Advising elections officials on complex legal issues, providing accurate and up-to-date information to support decision-making.
Graduate Research Assistant
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Denver, Colorado
12.2023 - 7 2024
- Performed research for Professor George DeMartino about Ethics in field of economics
- Collected data on inclusion of ethical considerations in economics curricula and textbooks
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
Teaching Assistant
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Denver, Co, CO
12.2023 - 06.2024
- Assisted Professor Kevin Archer throughout Crime and International Politics course.
- Graded student exams and weekly written submissions, providing constructive feedback to students based on results for approximately 35 students.
- Attended lectures and contributed insight/experience upon request.
- Mentored undergraduate students.
- Searched for potential new or updated class readings.
General Counsel & Director of Operations
Supervisor of Elections, Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach, Florida
10.2019 - 6 2023
- Created the first in-house legal department in Florida for a Supervisor of Elections Office, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and ability to recognize the deep need for dedicated legal expertise and research functions within the organization.
- Managed legal department, outside counsel, and essential election operations.
- Actively participated in state and federal litigation, drafted, and submitted requests for advisory opinions from the Florida Attorney General and Secretary of State regarding changing and conflicting provisions in Florida and Federal Law, and provided counsel regarding implementation of new and existing law.
- Drafted memoranda to advance office’s position in front of legislature throughout ongoing debates to Florida Election Code changes.
- Oversaw litigation involving Florida public record laws, candidate qualifications, and election contests.
- Earned statewide recognition as an expert in Florida election law.
- Developed legal and operational strategies for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office, which have subsequently been emulated by other Elections offices in Florida and throughout the country.
- Maintained integrity of election process by managing legal, logistical, and operational aspects of 2020 election cycle amidst a global pandemic.
- Conducted research on Florida and federal election law.
- Provided advice and recommendations regarding practical implementation of changes in election law.
- Provided recommendations to relevant governing bodies to develop more effective legislation.
- Collaborated with other elections attorneys and officials to enhance expertise in the election law and administration community.
- Gathered, analyzed, and disseminated data on legislative changes to facilitate budget analysis and strategy.
- Facilitated training sessions on relevant legal topics for employees at all levels of the organization, promoting awareness of applicable laws and regulations.
- Mitigated employment-related risks by crafting clear policies addressing workplace conduct and performance expectations.
- Enhanced company compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive legal policies and procedures.
- Monitored new legislation and regulatory changes that impacted Elections and Public Records to advise management accordingly.
- Led complex and pivotal legal work in fast-paced environment.
- Streamlined legal operations by integrating technology solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement.
- Contributed to talent acquisition efforts by participating in recruitment activities, identifying top candidates and facilitating smooth onboarding processes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
Assistant State Attorney
State Attorney's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit
West Palm Beach, Florida
8 2016 - 10.2019
- Successfully managed average caseload of 150 felony and 600 misdemeanor cases.
- Set the record at the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida for the longest win streak for jury trials by effectively and strategically managing large caseloads and ensuring that the cases tried were meritorious and served community interests.
- Researched and wrote 35+ appellate briefs on behalf of the State of Florida and tried 40+ criminal cases
- Meticulously drafted and reviewed various legal documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal standards
- Presented compelling arguments, examined witnesses, and prepared and entered evidence into the trial record
- Mentored and supervised up to 25 junior attorneys to improve their litigation skills and enhance overall team performance.
- Participated in community outreach programs to foster positive relations between the prosecutor''s office and local residents.
- Developed strong working relationships with judicial personnel and fellow prosecutors for a collaborative legal environment.
- Negotiated plea agreements with defense counsel, balancing justice requirements with resource conservation.
- Reduced backlog of cases by effectively prioritizing caseload and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Managed high-profile cases with sensitivity and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality throughout proceedings.
- Upheld victims' rights by advocating for their interests during pretrial negotiations and courtroom proceedings.
- Conducted witness and victim interviews and prepared them for trial testimony, ensuring credibility and reliability of statements.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies for seamless case management and timely prosecution.
- Presented training seminars for law enforcement officers to ensure proper procedures were followed during investigations.
Certified Legal Intern
State Attorney's Office, 2nd Judicial Circuit
Tallahassee, Florida
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Independently managed full attorney caseload, including trying 6 criminal cases and filing/arguing dispositive motions.
- Interviewed and selected jurors to verify competency and lack of biases, presenting challenges for cause to dismiss unfit candidates, up to 4 times each week.
- Interviewed victims and coordinated with expert witnesses for testimonies that strengthened the prosecution's case during trials.
Legal Intern
Human Rights First
New York, New York
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Supported legal representation of approximately 10-15 Asylum applicants, primarily women fleeing violence in Central America.
- Attended immigration court hearings, developing a deeper understanding of trial procedures and advocacy strategies.
- Performed legal and general research, drafting memoranda, and correspondence.
- Examined and drafted legal memoranda regarding weaknesses in South and Central American government structures by conducting research on rampant gang violence.
- Conducted or participated in weekly client consultations, helping to address their concerns and provide valuable information regarding their cases.
Legal Intern
INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION
Washington, DC
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Conducted research on global Rule of Law development focused on Africa and drafted guiding memorandum to facilitate discussions in preparation for 2014 African Leadership Summit hosted by President Obama.
- Performed emphasized research activities on independence of judiciaries in developing nations and on effectiveness/legitimacy of elections in developing and conflict-ridden nations.
Education
Master of Arts - Global Economic Affairs, Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver
Denver, CO 09.2023 - 06.2025
J.D. -
Florida State University College of Law
Tallahassee, FL 08.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 08.2008 - 05.2012
Skills
Legal Research
Case analysis
Client Counseling
Legal writing
Strategic Thinking
Compliance Management
Litigation Management
Strategic planning and execution
Process Improvements
Operations Oversight
Process Improvement
Performance Analysis
Certification
Florida Bar
Accomplishments
Two-time recipient of Florida Trend Legal Elite Award.
Software
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Excel
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
French
Elementary
German
Elementary
Timeline
Florida Election Law and Public Records Consultant
Ashley Houlihan, Esq., LLC
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
12.2023 - 7 2024
Teaching Assistant
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
12.2023 - 06.2024
Master of Arts - Global Economic Affairs, Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver
09.2023 - 06.2025
General Counsel & Director of Operations
Supervisor of Elections, Palm Beach County
10.2019 - 6 2023
Florida Bar
10-2016
Certified Legal Intern
State Attorney's Office, 2nd Judicial Circuit
01.2016 - 05.2016
Legal Intern
Human Rights First
05.2015 - 08.2015
Legal Intern
INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION
05.2014 - 08.2014
J.D. -
Florida State University College of Law
08.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Florida
08.2008 - 05.2012
Assistant State Attorney
State Attorney's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit
8 2016 - 10.2019
Southern District of Florida
Northern District of Florida
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