Ashley Hernandez-Schlagel joined the firm as a partner in 2025 after nearly 15 years with a respected Denver litigation firm, including almost 10 years as a shareholder. In her previous role, Ashley represented governmental entities in a wide range of legal matters, including employment issues, civil rights claims, land use disputes, and matters arising under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

Ashley currently represents special districts and authorities of all kinds, including fire districts, hospital districts, metropolitan districts, water and sanitation districts, the Unified Forensic Laboratory, and municipalities. She specializes in complex personnel matters and works closely with public entity clients to proactively address employment issues and implement strategies designed to avoid litigation whenever possible.

In addition, Ashley has extensive experience litigating and advising on matters involving the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and the Colorado Open Meetings Law (OML), including defending related claims and challenges. She is known for her ability to deftly navigate complex legal issues, develop strategic and practical solutions, and craft effective defense strategies both in and out of the courtroom. She now brings that extensive experience to bear for the benefit of CCWU’s governmental clients.

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she served as a Staff Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy and as treasurer for the Latino Law Student Association. She also earned a master’s degree in political science and a Bachelor of Science, both with honors, from Utah State University.

  • You, Me Too, and Your Employees: Employment Issues, Laws, and Employer and Employee Rights in Today’s Changing World (2018 with Kathryn Winn)
  • At-Will Employment: The Myth, the Truth, and Everything in Between (September 2019, SDA Conference with Kathryn Winn)
  • Employment Gone Awry: How to Navigate Employee Complaints, Grievances, and Investigations (September 2022, SDA Conference with Kathryn Winn)
  • How to Successfully Navigate Workplace Investigations Involving Discrimination, Harassment, and Other Reported Illegal Conduct (September 2023, SDA Conference with Kathryn Winn and Deanna Heyn)
  • Navigating the Employment Claim Journey: From Complaint to Courtroom (2024 with Marni Nathan Kloster)
  • Fighting for an Easement: What to Do When Your Infrastructure is Located on Private Property and There is No Recorded Easement (2025, with Bill Ellinwood and Allison Ulmer)

When not practicing law, Ashley is dedicated to her two daughters, who keep her busy with their many sports and activities. She enjoys staying active through yoga and running, but also appreciates relaxing with a good book. While earning her degrees at Utah State, Ashley also competed as a Division I gymnast.