Varnum is proud to announce that Ashleigh E. Draft has been promoted to partner.
“We are pleased to welcome Ashleigh to the partnership,” said Varnum Chair Jon Bylsma. “Her contributions reflect the high standards of excellence we expect in serving our clients, and her promotion recognizes the significant impact she has made within the firm.”
Based in the firm’s Grand Rapids office, Draft is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Team and has experience in corporate and education matters. She handles workplace investigations, represents clients in collective bargaining negotiations, and resolves employment-related disputes. In addition, she advises clients on compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws, covering a range of workplace matters, including employee handbooks and policies, discrimination, disability accommodations, and wage-hour issues.
In addition to her labor and employment practice, Draft works with school districts and higher education institutions. She assists with student affairs, school discipline issues, and specialized matters of compliance, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).
Varnum Executive Partner Adam Brody noted, “Ashleigh exemplifies the leadership, professionalism, and collaborative approach we value at the firm. Her promotion as the 24th partner added in the past five years reflects our continued momentum of growth.”
Draft’s professional accomplishments include recognition in Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch in Labor and Employment Law – Management and the Michigan State University College of Law Jurisprudence Award for Professional Responsibility. She also serves on the boards of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys, the Literacy Center of West Michigan, and the Grand Rapids Ballet, and is a member of Leadership Grand Rapids, Class of 2026.
