Ashley completed a Bachelor of Computer Science from Adelaide University in 2001 and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of New England in 2004. He completed his Master of Laws and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice the following year and was admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Supreme Court of South Australia on 5 December 2005.

Ashley joined Johnson Lawyers in August 2007 and has been dealing with contractual disputes and bankruptcy.