McGuireWoods Richmond partner Erin Ashwell has been selected as one of Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential Women of Law” for 2022. The recognition is reserved for outstanding women lawyers and judges who are making a difference in the profession and in their communities. Recipients will be celebrated at an awards program May 25 in Richmond.
Ashwell joined McGuireWoods’ Government Investigations & White Collar Litigation Department after serving as Virginia’s chief deputy attorney general from 2020 to 2022. In that role, she set legal strategy for more than 500 employees tasked with representing state executive agencies as well as the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Ashwell was instrumental in major consumer protection initiatives, including the bipartisan, multistate action against opioid manufacturers. She also coordinated legal strategy and advice for Virginia’s COVID-19 response, including reviewing and defending Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive orders. The National Association of Attorneys General honored her with the organization’s meritorious service award.
“I am honored to be included with these distinguished women lawyers who have made important contributions to the law and our profession in Virginia,” Ashwell said.
Ashwell began her career as a trial lawyer at the U.S. Department of Justice and has significant litigation and appellate experience in private practice. She is a co-founder of Turn the Page, a volunteer organization providing books and food in coordination with Roanoke City Public Schools and the Roanoke Bar Association.
“Erin’s leadership in public service and in her community will have a lasting impact, and we are fortunate our clients now benefit from her sound judgment and legal insight,” said Dion Hayes, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation. “We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”