Ashley J. Moore honored with YLS JoEllen Engelbart Award

Ashley J. Moore was presented with the Young Lawyers’ Section JoEllen Engelbart Award at the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar in September. 

The award honors the late JoEllen Engelbart, who was chair-elect of the council when she died in 2021. Engelbart dedicated her career to public service. She was a fierce advocate for special victims through her job as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County. YLS members at the time described her as an invaluable member of the council who was always willing to help and mentor new members.   

Moore, a St. Louis native, earned her bachelor’s degree from Pace University and her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. Prior to founding her firm, Moore Legal, she served as a child advocacy attorney for Voices of Children and as an assistant city counselor for St. Louis. She recently completed her term on the Young Lawyers’ Section Council and was elected to the Board of Governors. 

Moore said she was deeply humbled to be chosen for the award. To her, the award is a reminder of the importance of serving others with passion, integrity, and empathy.  

“While I am saddened that my time on the Young Lawyers' Section Council has come to an end, this award symbolizes a call to continue uplifting those around me, serving The Missouri Bar and my community, and helping young attorneys grow — just as JoEllen did,” she said. 

Cort VanOstran, 2023-2024 YLS Council chair, said he chose Moore to receive the award because of her work with the screening of “The Milly Project” in St. Louis and her willingness to help others.  

“She is always willing to help in any way she is asked,” he said. “Her proactivity, sense of humor, and ability to get along with everyone make her a terrific representation of our profession and of the council.” 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, The Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2024 award winners here.