Ashleigh Merchant (Lawyer) Age, Wiki, Husband, Net Worth, Parents, Height, BIO, and more

Ashleigh Merchant is a Georgia criminal defense attorney who has been making headlines for her role in challenging the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants. Merchant, who represents GOP political operative Mike Roman, has filed a motion to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case, alleging that Willis had an improper and clandestine relationship with Nathan Wade, whom Willis appointed as a special prosecutor.

Merchant claims that Wade, a married man, used some of the legal fees he received from Willis’ office to take Willis on lavish vacations. She also argues that Wade, a personal injury lawyer, lacks the experience and qualifications to handle such a complex and high-stakes case.

Ashleigh Merchant (Lawyer) Wiki/Bio

NameAshleigh B. Merchant
OccupationCriminal defense attorney
Age48
EducationBachelor’s degree in political science and law degree from the University of Florida
CareerFounder and partner of The Merchant Law Firm, P.C. in Marietta, Georgia; President of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Frequent media commentator and analyst
FamilyMarried to John Merchant III, a fellow lawyer and partner at her firm; Has two daughters
HobbiesRunning; Has completed several marathons, including the Boston Marathon
Awards and recognitionsNamed to the 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising StarsSM list; Selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association
LinksLinkeidn- @ashleigh-bartkus-merchant-40685a8

Homepage- Newsunzip

Birthday, College, Early Life

Ashleigh Merchant was born in 1976 (age: 47 years, as of 2023) in Florida. She was born and raised in Florida, where she developed a passion for justice and politics at an early age. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and then went on to earn her law degree from the same institution.

She moved to Georgia in 2003, and joined the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office, where she gained valuable experience in handling criminal cases. She later became a conflict defender, representing clients who had a conflict of interest with the public defender’s office.

In 2009, she founded her own law firm, The Merchant Law Firm, P.C., in Marietta, Georgia, where she specializes in criminal defense, civil rights, and personal injury cases. She has represented clients in a wide range of cases, from DUIs and drug offenses to murder and sex crimes. 

She has also handled several high-profile cases, such as the defense of Justin Ross Harris, who was convicted of killing his 22-month-old son by leaving him in a hot car in 2014, and the defense of Claud “Tex” McIver, who was convicted of murdering his wife in 2016.

Merchant is known for her aggressive and fearless style of advocacy, as well as her compassion and empathy for her clients. She has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and opponents alike, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work. 

She was named to the 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising StarsSM list and was selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. She is also a frequent commentator and analyst on various media outlets, such as CNN, Fox News, and HLN.

A Leader and a Mentor

Ashleigh Merchant is not only a successful lawyer, but also a leader and a mentor in the legal community. She is the president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a professional organization that promotes the rights and interests of criminal defense lawyers and their clients. She is also a member of the Cobb County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.

Merchant is passionate about educating and empowering the next generation of lawyers, especially women and minorities. She is a frequent speaker and instructor at various seminars and workshops, where she shares her knowledge and experience with aspiring and practicing lawyers. She is also a mentor to many young lawyers, especially women, who look up to her as a role model and a source of inspiration.

She is married to John Merchant III, a fellow lawyer and a partner at her firm. They have two daughters, who are also interested in pursuing careers in law. She balances her busy and demanding career with her family life and enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is also an avid runner and has completed several marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Body Measurements & More

  • Height: 5 ft 4 in or 163 cm
  • Weight: 115 lb or 52 kg
  • Eye color: Brown
  • Body measurements: 31-22-33 in or 79-56-84 cm
  • Shoe Size: 6.5 inches

A Game-Changer in the Trump Case

Ashleigh Merchant’s latest challenge is perhaps her biggest one yet. She is representing Mike Roman, one of the 18 co-defendants in the Trump case, who is accused of being part of a criminal conspiracy to interfere with the 2020 election in Georgia. Roman, a former Trump campaign staffer, allegedly coordinated with other defendants to pressure and threaten state officials, such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Governor Brian Kemp, to overturn the election results in favor of Trump.

The case, which is being led by Fulton County DA Fani Willis, is the first of its kind in the nation and has drawn national and international attention. Willis, who was elected in 2020, has vowed to hold Trump and his associates accountable for their actions and has hired several special prosecutors, including Nathan Wade, to assist her in the investigation and prosecution.

However, Merchant’s motion has cast a shadow of doubt over Willis’ credibility and integrity and has raised serious questions about her relationship with Wade, and how it may have influenced the case. 

Merchant has presented evidence, such as photos, emails, and text messages, that suggest that Willis and Wade have been romantically involved since at least 2019 and that they have traveled together to various destinations using Wade’s legal fees. She has also alleged that Willis has given Wade preferential treatment and access to the case and that Wade has used his position to benefit his personal injury practice.

Willis has admitted to having a “relationship” with Wade but has denied any wrongdoing or conflict of interest. She has dismissed her motion as a “smear campaign” and a “distraction” from the merits of the case. She has also accused Merchant of being a “Trump loyalist” and a “political operative” who is trying to undermine the case and protect her client.

On February 17 and 18, 2024, a hearing will be held to determine whether Willis and Wade have a conflict of interest that warrants their disqualification from the case and whether the charges against Roman and the other defendants should be dismissed.

The hearing will be presided by Judge Scott McAfee, who has ordered Willis and Wade to be deposed under oath and to produce any relevant documents and records. The hearing is expected to be tense and dramatic and could have major implications for the fate of the case and the defendants.

Ashleigh Merchant has said that she is confident that her motion will prevail and that she is prepared to cross-examine Willis and Wade on the stand. She has also said that she is not intimidated by Willis or the case and that she is doing her job as a criminal defense lawyer. She has said that she is not a Trump supporter and that her motion is not motivated by politics, but by justice.

Husband Profession, Daughter Name

Ashleigh Merchant is married to John Merchant III, a fellow attorney and partner at The Merchant Law Firm. They have two daughters, who are 12 and 10 years old. They live in Marietta, Georgia, where they are active members of their community. She is also an avid runner, who has completed several marathons and half-marathons. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Income Stats & Net Worth

YearNet Worth
2022$1 million
2023$1.5 million
2024$2 million

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