Fort Smith, AR (April 8, 2025) – Local attorney and longtime public servant Ashleigh Buckley has officially announced her candidacy for Circuit Court Judge of Division 5 in Sebastian County. The election will be held on March 3, 2026.

With a legal career spanning 15 years of litigation across civil, criminal, state, and federal courts, Buckley brings an experienced, well-rounded legal background and a deep commitment to justice and community engagement.

“I’m running for Circuit Court Judge to serve the people of Sebastian County with fairness, diligence, and a fresh new perspective,” said Buckley. “Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases, and worked as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, I understand the importance of a balanced perspective and impartial leadership on the bench.”

Buckley began her legal career with Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC, where she represented Fortune 500 companies in complex civil litigation. She later returned home to the River Valley to serve as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Sebastian County, where she focused on cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. Her dedication to protecting children led her to a federal role as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Arkansas, prosecuting cases under the Project Safe Childhood initiative and working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Child Abduction Response Team.

During her tenure as a federal prosecutor, Buckley collaborated with federal and local law enforcement to track and prosecute child predators and unregistered sex offenders. She also argued cases before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, including United States v. John Hill, a landmark case strengthening federal regulations on convicted sex offenders.

In 2017, Buckley joined her husband, William, at The Buckley Firm, LLC. In private practice, she has represented clients in civil matters including real estate, probate, construction, contracts, and personal injury. She also has experience defending individuals charged with federal financial crimes. In addition, Buckley has served as interim prosecuting attorney for the City of Fort Smith, handling city misdemeanor cases and Sebastian County’s DWI Court andAshleigh Buckley for Circuit Court Judge, Division 5 RISE Court programs, which offer alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with substance use or mental health challenges.

Beyond her legal career, Buckley has been a committed advocate for community development and nonprofit work in the River Valley. She served as President of the Junior League of Fort Smith in 2018, where she founded a college scholarship for teens in foster care. She is a co-founder of Fort Kids Children’s Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization working to bring a children’s museum to Fort Smith’s riverfront. Buckley also serves with Girls Inc., the Mercy Health Foundation, and Grace’s Toy Closet, a nonprofit supporting children undergoing cancer treatment.

Buckley is a proud honors graduate of Southside High School and earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas Honors College. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law where she was a member of the school’s mock trial team. In 2009, she and her partner became the first all-female team to win the William H. Sutton Trial Competition and she was recognized as Best Oralist in appellate advocacy in 2008.

Buckley and her husband have dedicated time to coaching the Southside High School mock trial team and she was elected to serve as President of the Sebastian County Bar Association in 2025 by her peers in the legal community. She was also selected for the 2025 Citizen Merit Award by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association for her efforts to protect car wreck victims from fraudulent solicitations.

Ashleigh lives in Bonanza with her husband, William, and their two sons, Will (8) and Ben (3). They attend Immaculate Conception Church where Ashleigh is a lector and eucharistic minister.

Raised in the River Valley, she credits her upbringing—including time spent riding horses with the Greenwood Round-Up Club and Old Fort Days Dandies and playing AAU basketball —for shaping her strong sense of community and commitment to service.

“The best thing about Sebastian County is the people who live here and I would be honored to serve them as Circuit Court Judge.” Buckley said. “I believe in the value of hard work and will dedicate my time and best efforts to thoroughly reviewing every case to ensure the most fair and just outcome. The people of Sebastian County deserve nothing less.”

Learn more about Ashleigh Buckley at buckleyforjudge.com. To contact Ashleigh, please email ashleigh@buckleyforjudge.com.