Ashley Hart Named Executive Director of JLAP
10/20/2025
Ashley Hart, J.D. ’18, has been named executive director of the Indiana Supreme Court’s Judge’s and Lawyer’s Assistance Program, known as JLAP. Hart takes over from Terry Harrell, who is retiring. Harrell joined the agency in 2000 and became its executive director two years later.
Hart was a dual degree student and earned a Master of Social Work from IU alongside her J.D. Prior to joining JLAP in 2024, Hart worked as a staff attorney for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana and in private practice. She is also a certified grief educator and a graduate of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Leadership Development Academy.
What made you want to become a lawyer?
“My grandmother introduced me to two influential people in my life: the first, Elvis Presley and his music. I developed a love for performing and spent more than 30 years working as a professional musician taking me to stages across the country. I am still passionate about music, and a performer will always be part of who I am. But dreamers often have many dreams, and I was no different.
“Grandma also introduced me to the fictional criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Matlock. We’d watch his show together every day in the summer. Ben was a quick-witted advocate for others who made time to play the banjo in his office and was known to sing a few tunes.
“I was drawn to the idea of entertainment law as an avenue to support artists and aid them in navigating their careers and the music business. I didn’t end up doing that exactly, but I did go to law school. In my opinion, law students, lawyers, and judges are all rockstars, and today, I get to help them integrate well-being into their work and life.”
And add a Master of Social Work to your studies?
“My mother used to tell me that my law degree was to help others by leading with my head, and the social work degree was necessary to make sure that I never forgot about using my heart in the process.
“Pain often leads us to some of our greatest senses of purpose. Twenty-two years ago, I lost my sibling to death by suicide. This experience shaped me in ways that I could never have expected. Attaining my Master’s in Social Work allowed me to use my lived experience and my education to help others struggling with mental health, addiction, trauma, and life. The intersection of law and social work is valuable across many practice areas.”
How did you end up working at JLAP?
“JLAP therapy dogs would often visit IU McKinney, and I wanted to know more about JLAP’s mission and how they supported the legal community. Additionally, I was required to complete practicums under the supervision of licensed clinical social workers as part of my Master’s program. I was placed with JLAP in 2018 as a practicum intern, and I never left! After the semester-long internship, I continued to be a JLAP volunteer and served as a member of the JLAP Committee until officially joining in 2024.”
What is the most challenging thing about your job? And what do you enjoy the most about working at JLAP?
“The legal profession faces great challenges at high risks when it comes to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and problematic drinking. Lawyers are part of a helping profession—but we need some help too sometimes. The most challenging part is to combat mental health and addiction issues—two things that often don’t play fair and are surrounded by stigma. Breaking that stigma to educate others that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but takes great strength is an ongoing challenge.
“In June 2025, I received my Grief Educator Certification, and one of the things I find most rewarding about the work I do at JLAP is having the honor and privilege of helping someone walk their journey of grief and loss. It affects us all at some point in life, and it is a journey that does not have to be walked alone.”
The Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program provides compassionate support to judges, lawyers, and law students. By promoting well-being and fostering connection, it serves to elevate the competence of the profession. All interactions with JLAP are confidential, including those that are court-ordered and those that are voluntary. Learn more about JLAP at courts.in.gov/jlaphelps.
