Ashley N. Sybesma focuses her practice in the areas of commercial litigation, immigration, land use, construction defect, product liability, and all phases of complex civil litigation. She has served as counsel for retailers, multinational corporations, general contractors, and health care providers. Prior to joining The Smith Law Firm, Sybesma was a litigation associate with a national law firm primarily handling tort matters.
While in law school, Sybesma participated in the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education, Semester at Sea, where she studied international copyright law and international contract law. She has received the Law Alumni Association Achievement Award and the Center for Ethics and Public Service Fellowship Prize.
What aspects or opportunities at the law school had the most significant influence on your legal education and career trajectory?
One of the most formative experiences of my time at the University of Miami School of Law was joining the Center for Ethics and Public Service as a 1L. What began as a resume-building opportunity quickly became something far more impactful—it instilled in me a lasting commitment to public service and community-centered lawyering. CEPS helped me understand the why behind becoming a lawyer: to use our training not just for clients, but for the greater good.
Today, my practice focuses on commercial litigation, transactional work, and immigration, but I continue to stay grounded in service. I remain actively involved with Funding Florida Legal Aid and The Florida Bar, and I serve on several nonprofit boards to give back to my community. CEPS is still with me—a reminder that lawyers can be changemakers when we lead with purpose, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to those we serve.
What is one lesson you learned in law school that you still apply today?
One lesson I took from law school—and still rely on constantly—is the importance of showing up, even when you don’t feel entirely ready. There were plenty of moments in law school where I didn’t have all the answers (and knew it), but I learned that you don’t need to know everything to be effective—you just need to be willing to learn, ask smart questions, and stay engaged.
That mindset has carried over into every part of my practice. Whether I’m navigating a complicated legal issue, jumping into a new leadership role, or representing a client in an area that evolves constantly, I’ve learned to lean into the challenge. You show up, figure it out, and keep moving. Being present, resourceful, and open to learning in real time has served me far more than waiting until I felt 100% ready ever could.
What draws you to stay connected to the law school?
I stay connected to Miami Law because it helped shape how I approach the profession—how to lead with purpose, think critically, and serve with intention. That influence continues to guide my work today, especially through The Florida Bar and in my role as president of Funding Florida Legal Aid.
While I don’t frequently attend alumni events—being based in Key West makes that a challenge—I still feel a strong connection to the Miami Law community. I see it in the shared sense of purpose among alumni and in the school’s ongoing commitment to public interest work statewide. My connection isn’t about formal involvement as much as it is about carrying forward the mindset the school helped instill—that practicing law means more than handling cases and clients; it’s about showing up, making space for others, and leaving the profession better than you found it.
