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Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLCFounding Member
William Davis Ashwell
Pro

William Davis Ashwell

4.8
73 reviews

21 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA 20186

Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and DUI, Family Law and 7 more

About William Davis Ashwell

William D. Ashwell is a career litigator and advocate who has built a regional and statewide reputation for assisting clients in the most serious of situations and in high profile matters. A native of Warrenton, Mr. Ashwell has solidified himself as a leader in the field of civil and criminal litigation and beyond. A steadfast believer in giving back to the community, Mr. Ashwell balances his time between his family and giving back to the community that he calls home. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Dayton School of Law, Mr. Ashwell serves Northern Virginia, Piedmont region, central Virginia, and clients statewide, continuing to be a staple of the courtroom. Mr. Ashwell has also represented clients in criminal and civil matters internationally, including in England and the United Kingdom.

Education

• University of Dayton School of Law, Dayton, Ohio

• Juris Doctor

• Honors: Moot Court – Team Member, 2010-2011

• Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia

• Bachelor of Arts

• Major: English

• Oxford University, St. Anne's College, Oxford, UK

• Virginia Program at Oxford University

Bar Admissions

• Virginia

• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia

• U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia

• U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Virginia

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Virginia

• Supreme Court of the United States of America

Professional Associations

• Virginia State Bar

• Virginia State Bar, Former Member of the 7th District Disciplinary Committee

• Fauquier Bar Association

Reported Cases

• Chacey v. Garvey, 781 S.E.2d 357, (2015).

• Shepherd v. Conde, 797 S.E.2d 750 (2017)

• United States v. Bosyk, 933 F.3d 319 (4th Cir. 2019), cert denied, 140 S. Ct. 1124 (U.S. Feb. 24, 2020)(No. 19-860), 2019.

• Weatherholt v. Commonwealth, 839 S.E.2d 492 (2020).

• Spell v. Commonwealth, 851 S.E.2d 83 (2020)

• St. John v. Thompson, 854 S.E.2d 648 (2021)

• Stafford Cnty. Bd. of Zoning Appeals v. Grove, 905 S.E.2d 140 (2024).

Unpublished Cases

• Bd. of Supervisors v. Long, 2023 Va. App. LEXIS 547 * | 2023 WL 5207304 (2023)

• Kamga v. Commonwealth, 2024 Va. App. LEXIS 11 * | 2024 WL 157539 (2024)

• Ahmed v Imperial Auto, LLC, 2024 Va. App. LEXIS 181 * | 2024 WL 1381766 (2024)

• Renberg v. Renberg, 2024 Va. App. LEXIS 234 * | 2024 WL 1724034 (2024)

Representative Cases

• Successfully represented corporate and individual defendants in a $63 million municipal fraud lawsuit through litigation to settlement on appeal.

• Represented members of the Foxfield Racing Association, Inc., in resolving a dispute over the future of the races and development of the properties held by the association.

• Represented the oldest Virginia equine association related to corporate sale of assets.

• Successfully represented landowners in the seeking injunctive and declaratory relief to protect their use of deeded easements.

• Represented a nonprofit in a multimillion-dollar land acquisition and negotiated with the municipality to ensure that affordable housing remained in place for hundreds of families.

• Obtained a defense verdict on a $1 million personal injury claim after the conclusion of the plaintiff’s evidence during a motion to strike.

• Obtained a dismissal of an injunction and complaint for damages of a trade secrets matter.

• Successfully overturned erroneous financial awards from the trial court as to Federal retirement benefits in a domestic relations matter.

• Litigated multiple homicide and serious felony cases to verdict.

• Represented countless clients on criminal matters to jury trial resulting in acquittal.

• Represented countless civil plaintiffs and defendants from the inception of litigation to trial.

• Represented as corporate counsel local and regional financial institutions.

Honors

• Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2017-2022

• National Business Institute Outstanding Faculty Award 2022, 2023

Classes & Seminars

• Land Use and Zoning: Navigate Land Use/Zoning Regulations, Permitting Issues, Disputes and More; National Business Institute, July 20, 2017.

• How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted (and Keep Theirs Out), National Business Institute, October 31, 2017.

• Protecting Your Business, Family and Future, Greater Piedmont REALTORS, February 21, 2018.

• Local Government Law – Start to Finish; Government Attorney Ethics – Protect Your Client and Yourself, National Business Institute, February 23, 2018.

• Road and Easement Law A to Z: Establishing Easements; National Business Institute, April 9, 2018.

• Take a Comprehensive Look at Land Use Law; National Business Institute, July 10. 2018.

• Ethics in Land Use Law; National Business Institute, July 10, 2018.

• How to Lay a Foundation to Get Your Evidence Introduced; Applying Ethics Rules to Evidence; National Business Institute, October 30, 2018

• Defining Easements and Ethics in Boundary Law; National Business Institute, April 15, 2019

• Real Estate Boot Camp and Ethics, National Business Institute, 04/19/2019 to Present

• Land Use and Zoning from Start to Finish: Ethics in Land Use and Zoning Law, National Business Institute, September 10, 2019

• Handling Email, Social Media and Other ESI; The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Toolkit, National Business Institute, 10/31/2019 to 10/31/2019

• Annual Probate and Estate Administration Conference in Virginia, National Business Institute, September 23, 2020.

• Legal Descriptions, Title Insurance & Surveys in Real Estate Transactions, National Business Institute, December 17, 2020.

• Challenging or Appealing Administrative Zoning Decisions: What You Need to Know. National Business Institute; July 15, 2021.

• Virginia Estate Administration From Start to Finish, National Business Institute; August 25, 2021.

• Land Surveys and Legal Descriptions: Everything Paralegals Need to Know; National Business Institute;

• Virginia Real Estate Closings from Start to Finish; National Business Institute; July 29, 2021.·

• How to Lay a Foundations to Get Your Evidence Introduced; National Business Institute; August 31, 2021.

• Virginia Land and Water Law: Ownership and Access; Halfmoon Education, Inc.; July 30, 2021.

• Litigating Civil Cases in Virginia From Start to Finish; National Business Institute; May 20, 2022.

• Virginia Real Property Law: Understanding Title, Transfers, and Encumbrances; National Business Institute; May 17, 2022.

• Virginia Probate Process from Start to Finish; National Business Institute; June 16, 2022.

• Land Surveys and Legal Descriptions: Everything Paralegals Need to Know; National Business Institute; August 17, 2022.

• Resolving Boundary Disputes in Virginia; National Business Institute; September 28, 2022.

• Civil Trial Guide; Authenticating and Admitting ESI as Evidence and Utilizing Technology in Your Presentation; February 22, 2023.

• Forensic Accounting and Money Laundering Detection/Disruption Conferences; Florida Atlantic University; March 6, 2023.

• Reviewing the Chain of Title, Legal Descriptions, Land Surveys, and More; National Business Institute; March 29, 2023.

• Legal Descriptions, Title Insurance, and Surveys in Virginia Real Estate Transactions; National Business Institute; May 10, 2023.

• Virginia Land and Water Law: Ownership and Access; Halfmoon Education; July 28, 2023.

• Trial and Error: 50 Mistakes Even Experienced Trial Attorneys Make; National Business Institute; August 21, 2023.

• Title Law Boot Camp; National Business Institute; September 21, 2023.

• Virginia Civil Trial Skills; National Business Institute; October 12, 2023.

• Voire Dire and Jury Selection; The Complete Guide; National Business Institute; November 9, 2023.

• Probate Process From Start to Finish; National Business Institute; November 21, 2023.

• How Jurors Think: What Every Trial Attorney Needs to Know; December 20, 2023.

• Advanced Litigation Techniques, National Business Institute; January 24, 2024

• Easements: Everything You Need to Know; National Business Institute; February 28, 2024.

• Attorney’s Complete Guide to Experts in Virginia Civil Litigation; National Business Institute; May 21, 2024.

• The Rules of Evidence: Creative Insights From Top Trial Lawyers; National Business Institute; May 21, 2024.

• Trial and Error: 50 Mistakes Even Experiences Trial Attorneys Make; National Business Institute; May 29, 2024.

• Virginia Probate Process From Start to Finish; National Business Institute; June 27, 2024.

• Virginia Real Estate Law 2024; National Business Institute; October 7, 2024.

• Resolving Boundary Disputes in Virginia; National Business Institute; October 9, 2024.

• Student Bullying Lawsuits: 50 Mistakes Even Experienced School Law Attorneys Make; National Business Institute; October 17, 2024.

Pro-Bono Activities

• Fauquier SPCA, Board Member

• Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, Board Member

• Mental Health Association of Fauquier County, Board Member

• St. James Episcopal School Board, Board Member

• Partnership for Warrenton, Past Board Member

• Ducks Unlimited, Blue Ridge Chapter, Chairman

• Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member

• Experience Old Town Warrenton, Past Board Member

 

William Davis Ashwell (Warrenton, Virginia) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
Peer Reviewed Rated
This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by another attorney.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer PR
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

William Davis Ashwell got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

William Davis Ashwell got this award in 2021

Reviews for William

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Overall Rating
4.8
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73
5.0
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19
4.7
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27
4.9
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Showing 1-10 of 19 client reviews from Lawyers.com
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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
5.0
Wills and Probate
Posted by Alex
December 01, 2025
Hired Attorney

Big or small, when I work with Will I know that my legal matters are receiving the care and attention they deserve. My family has turned to Will for all legal matters for the better part of a decade because we know we'll get professional help with a family touch. I highly recommend him and his firm for all matters.

General Practice
Posted by Katherine
April 28, 2025
Hired Attorney

This firm was organized and professional. The attorney specifically Ross Bartel was responsive, knowledgeable and thorough. They were prompt and always kept us informed and offered clear, strategic advice. Highly recommended this firm for any business legal matters.

Family Law
Posted by Chelsey
April 08, 2025
Hired Attorney

After years of exhausting legal battles with my ex, I was beginning to lose hope that I’d ever find an attorney who truly understood what I was going through. As a single mother, the stakes were incredibly high for me and my child. Will Ashwell was my third custody attorney - and truly, third time’s the charm. From the very beginning, Will and his paralegal team made me feel heard, supported, and respected. They were transparent, compassionate, and incredibly responsive throughout a process that often felt overwhelming. Will brought not only deep knowledge and professionalism to my case, but also genuine empathy… something that’s so rare to find in family law. For the first time, I felt like I had someone in my corner who truly cared. I will always be grateful for his guidance, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone navigating a difficult custody situation!

 
Family Law
Posted by Kaitlyn
May 14, 2024
Hired Attorney

Will Ashwell and his support staff exceeded my expectations. He is the consummate professional, a step ahead of opposing counsels , & willing to battle for you. He listens &really cares for his clients.

Family Law
Posted by Carrie
February 14, 2024
Hired Attorney

If you are facing a family law matter, I would ONLY suggest Mr. Ashwell. He is an amazing attorney who truly gets the in’s and out’s of custody issues. Mr. Ashwell is thorough, professional and patient. My daughter and I are grateful for everything that he has done for us.

Criminal Law
Posted by Francis
November 08, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr. Ashwell is a most knowledgeable and professional attorney. He is adept and skillful at his trade. He is calm and confident, organized and efficient, thorough and comprehensive in his attention to detail. Most importantly, he is an absolute pleasure with whom to work.

Family Law
Posted by Courtney
October 10, 2023
Hired Attorney

Working with Will through my divorce case was such a wonderful experience. He was attentive, has great response times, very professional, courteous, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable. I could go on and on about how great he is, but bottom line, I wouldn’t hire anyone else but Ashwell & Ashwell.

General Practice
Posted by anonymous
July 05, 2023
Hired Attorney

Will has been my attorney for various matters both professionally and personally. I value his professionalism, expertise, versatility of the varaious aspects of the law and guidance that have rendered postive outcomes.

Family Law
Posted by jaime
July 05, 2023
Hired Attorney

Ha, there is to much good things to list for this Lawyer. William's memory is very sharp, and he remember key details about a case I mentioned to him years ago, he remembered everything and you can see he actually cares about his clients and being serious about his work. I felt like i had someone in my corner finally.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
June 23, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr. Ashwell was knowledgeable and it was obvious he is very experienced in the court room. Mr. Ashwell’s staff, Sarah in particular, were all knowledgeable and always got back to me in the timeframe in which they said they would. I highly recommend working with Mr. Ashwell for your legal needs.

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Services

Areas of Law

  • Litigation 1
    • Civil Litigation
  • Family Law
  • Criminal Law 1
    • Traffic Violations
  • Personal Injury
  • Other 6
    • Criminal Law and DUI
    • Business & Commercial Law
    • Land Use & Zoning
    • Real Estate Disputes
    • Wills and Trusts
    • Appeals

Practice Details

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    Virginia
    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
    U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
    U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
    U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia
    U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Virginia
    United States Supreme Court
    Memberships
    Virginia Trial Lawyer's Association
    Virginia Bar Association
    Fauquier County Bar
    Virginia State Bar
    U.S. District Court Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Dayton School of Law
    Class of 2012
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Hampden-Sydney College
    Class of 2008
    B.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, William Davis Ashwell has a professional profile on facebook and LinkedIn.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, William Davis Ashwell has a 4.7 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC has 4 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    William Davis Ashwell attended University of Dayton School of Law.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC was established in 2020.

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