Working hard to make Cattaraugus county safer

Ashley Smith took office as Cattaraugus County District Attorney on January 1, 2026, following her election in November 2025.

From 2020 to 2025, Ashley served as Cattaraugus County Attorney following her unanimous appointment by the County Legislature. In this role, she prosecuted serious cases involving neglect and abuse, family offenses, juvenile delinquency and more. She also prosecuted civil cases on behalf of the County, served as legal counsel to the County Legislature and 24 county departments, supervised a staff of 14, and managed a $1.5 million office budget.

She previously served as First Assistant Social Services Attorney, where she handled serious cases involving child protective services, abuse and neglect, custody, child support, adult protection, and more. 

Earlier in her career, Ashley worked in private legal practice at Bly, Sheffield, Bargar & Pillittieri in Jamestown, was elected as Leon Town Justice, and served as Municipal Attorney for the City of Salamanca, Towns of Napoli and New Albion, and Village of Cattaraugus. She also served on the New York State Attorney for the Children Panel and is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Jamestown Bar Association, and Cattaraugus County Bar Association.

As a lifelong resident of Cattaraugus County, Ashley has made giving back to our community a priority throughout her life and career. She has volunteered as a member of the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Jamestown, as a Mock Trial Coach at Panama High School, and assisted indigent community members at Southern Tier Legal Services.

Ashley lives in Allegany and is the proud mom of four. She is a graduate of Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School, Gannon University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.