Passing the Bar Twice for the Ashwells

Passing the Bar Twice for the Ashwells

Attorneys Greg and Will Ashwell at their Warrenton office.

Photo by Anita L. Sherman

By Anita L. Sherman

For the 14 years J. Gregory Ashwell served as a Virginia judicial district 20 judge, he garnered a reputation for a keen knowledge of the law and administering it fairly.

In the meantime, his son, William D. Ashwell (Will), was making his own headlines winning precedent-setting cases in Virginia’s Supreme Court in Richmond. He is recognized among Virginia’s top young lawyers, and together with his father, the two have combined their decades of legal expertise and opened their own law firm, Ashwell and Ashwell.

“I like to think of it as Warrenton’s K Street,” said 35-year-old Will, who enjoys historic district location at 21 Culpeper Street in Warrenton. The two are now comfortably ensconced in the 4,000-square foot office space that provides plenty of room for growth. There is an obvious collegial and professional relationship between this formidable father-son legal partnering. Photo by Anita L. Sherman

“We’ve hit the ground running,” said Attorneys Greg and Will Ashwell at Will, who earned his law degree from the their Warrenton office. University of Dayton in 2012. Greg Ashwell, 64, retired in January, 2021 to join his son and couldn’t be happier. Ashwell and Ashwell The elder Ashwell brings more than 40 21 Culpeper Street years of legal expertise from his years in Warrenton, Virginia 20186 private practice as a defense lawyer to his (540) 991-9100 job as a prosecutor in the Fauquier County info@ashwell.law Commonwealth’s Attorney Office. www.ashwell.law

He was the deputy commonwealth’s attorney when he received his judgeship in 2007. The Virginia General Assembly appointed him to Fauquier’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Serving both Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties he served the 20th Judicial District Court.

“We’re looking to hire another attorney soon,” Will said. “It’s a good problem to have.” As a full-service law firm, the Ashwells' combined law experience gives them an unparalleled edge in a competitive market.

“We’ve talked about this for years,” said Greg Ashwell.

“There is so much more to do.”

Will Ashwell said his decision to study law “wasn’t overly influenced by my father. I had thought about it…and writing.”

“It was a pleasant surprise,” said Greg Ashwell. “We’ve always gotten along very well…Will is an old soul.”

Will is a board member of the Fauquier SPCA and currently chairs Experience Old Town Warrenton in addition to being a member of the Fauquier Chamber.

“We’re pretty busy,” said Greg. But, in their free time, the two enjoy playing a round of golf or, for Greg, a walk in the woods. “I’ve hiked every trail in the Shenandoah Park.”

While work consumes the majority of their time, their hearts belong to the children in their lives.

“Most of our off-duty time is kid centered,” continued Greg who is proud of their rumpus room within the office complex where his grandchildren can visit and play.

“As you can see, I’m a full-time lawyer and a full-time Dad,” said Will laughing as he pointed to a leather corner chair in his office complete with dolls. He and his wife, Lucy, have two young daughters, Betsy and Langley, with a third child on the way.

The Ashwells obviously share a personal and a professional bond as father and son. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Ashwell and Ashwell

21 Culpeper Street

Warrenton, Virginia 20186

(540) 991-9100

info@ashwell.law www.ashwell.law