How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does William offer a free consultation?

William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in Virginia typically take?

Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can William take my case if I'm outside Warrenton?

William is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with William?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?

William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

William Davis Ashwell, Appellate Attorney in Warrenton

Quick answer

William Davis Ashwell is a founding member based in Warrenton, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. Currently practicing at Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

Based in: Warrenton, VA
Experience: attorney
Known for: Appellate · Business · Criminal Defense

Handles Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense matters from Warrenton, VA.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters William takes on

William concentrates on appellate, business, criminal defense, dui/dwi, and estate litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Warrenton, Virginia

William takes appellate matters in Warrenton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Warrenton, Virginia

William takes business matters in Warrenton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Warrenton, Virginia

William takes criminal defense matters in Warrenton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Warrenton, Virginia

William takes dui/dwi matters in Warrenton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Warrenton, Virginia

William takes estate litigation matters in Warrenton, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet William Davis Ashwell — appellate lawyer in Warrenton

William Davis Ashwell is a founding member based in Warrenton, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. Currently practicing at Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

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

How William handles appellate matters

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…

The kind of cases William takes

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and criminal defense matters in Warrenton and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Dayton School of Law
J.D. · 2012
Hampden-Sydney College
B.A. · 2008

William studied at J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and B.A. in Hampden-Sydney College.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in University of Dayton School of Law and B.A. in Hampden-Sydney College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

William Davis Ashwell's office in Warrenton

William's primary office is at 21 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA, 20186. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC

21 Culpeper Street

Warrenton, VA 20186

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of William Davis Ashwell — 5.0/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Warrenton.

5.0

19 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Davis Ashwell claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire William Davis Ashwell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Warrenton, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William

William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William Davis Ashwell

How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Warrenton?
William is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Virginia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like William Davis Ashwell. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Is it possible to appeal a child custody ruling in Virginia?
I lost a child custody case in Richmond last month and want to appeal because I believe the judge didn’t fully consider my evidence. What are the grounds for appeal in Virginia, an
1 verified answer · Appellate · Virginia
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Warrenton, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

William handles appellate matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

William Davis Ashwell, Appellate Attorney in Warrenton, Virginia

Quick answer