Feb. 13, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ashley Brost, a litigation attorney at Davenport Evans Lawyers.

Name: Ashley Brost

Age: 38

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is where I grew up, but after undergrad I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill. D.C. is a great city, but after living there a couple of years, I decided it was not where I wanted to be long term, so when a congressional job opened up in one of the Sioux Falls offices, I decided to take it and move home.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I have always loved the people and community of Sioux Falls, but in recent years, it has really boomed into a vibrant, fun city with a lot to offer for education, culture, entertainment and opportunities. It’s a great place to now raise a family of my own.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Not to sound too cliche, but I really enjoy helping people. People – and businesses – tend to seek litigation attorneys when they are facing incredibly difficult and stressful situations – sometimes some of the most difficult situations of their lives. It’s rewarding to be able to assist people with whatever issues they may be facing, problem-solve and hopefully ease some of their burden while we reach a resolution. I love when former clients reach out years later and share their success stories – always makes my day.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Initially, it was during law school. The Sioux Falls legal community – and the Davenport Evans law firm in particular – is very involved with the University of South Dakota Knutson School of Law. I met a Davenport Evans lawyer as a first-year law student when that lawyer served as a judge during a mock law school tournament I was participating in. Through that lawyer and others, I learned about the work Davenport Evans does and decided to apply there to be a summer intern. Long story short, I got the internship, became an associate at Davenport Evans after graduating and – full circle –  now volunteer to serve as a judge for law school tournaments. Also fun fact: That lawyer I met during my first year of law school has been one of my greatest mentors since starting private practice.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Dedicated. Collaborative. Dependable.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I love to travel. In the last fiveish years, I have visited six U.S. national parks, 22 states and 10 countries. I also collect coffee mugs from the places I have traveled.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Volunteering. I serve on the board of directors for Feeding South Dakota, the McCrossan Boys Ranch and the Family Visitation Center. I also enjoy volunteering at The Banquet, East River Legal Services and Sioux Empire Teen Court.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Trader Joe’s.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

Coffee shop/bakery – someplace warm and inviting where people would enjoy spending chunks of their day working, studying, gathering or relaxing. I would also incorporate a mobile shop that would deliver drinks and treats around town.