Ashley is a partner and practice group leader of the Regulatory Compliance and Government Litigation practice group and a member of the firm's Executive Committee and Partner Compensation Committee. He devotes his practice to representing companies in: (i) investigations initiated by state Attorneys General and other governmental agencies; and (ii) business related litigation and administrative law matters. Ashley previously served as a Commissioner on the United States Commission on Civil Rights, appointed by President Bush from 2006-2010.
Ashley's current experience involves the defense of a mortgage corporation against approximately thirty-five separate state enforcement actions and investigations alleging origination and servicing violations. Appointed by Governor McDonnell to serve as member to the Independent Bipartisan Advisory Commission on Redistricting.
Representative Experience
Multi-state State Attorneys General Investigations
Representation of data broker regarding 44-state investigation into data breach.
Representation of a leading pharmacy benefit manager in a 33-state investigation involving "undisclosed" rebates.
Representation of national trade association in connection with NAAG "model" legislation.
Representation of national pharmaceutical company in multi-state investigation involving off-label marketing.
Litigation
Counsel to manufacturer challenging Tax and Trade Bureau regulation.
Counsel to distributor in RICO action (R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company v. Market Basket Food Stores, Inc., Civil Action No. 05-253).
Counsel to national ministry in defense of action alleging various Constitutional challenges (Americans United for Separation of Church and State, et al., Appellees v. Prison Fellowship Ministries, Inc., et al., 509 F.3d 406 (8th Cir. 2007); 2007 U.S. App. LEXIS 27928).
Counsel to real estate developer in land acquisition dispute (Ventures Development, LLC and Lakeside Commons, LLC v. B.D. Ashe, Case No. 025CL06000137-00).
Publications and Speaking Engagements
"Federalism's Continuing Evolution - The Relationship Between the Federal and State Enforcement Actions as it Pertains to the FTC and State Attorneys General", American Bar Association State and Local Government Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, August 2010.
"Emerging State Enforcement Activities and Investigations and the Growing Authority of the State Attorneys General", American Conference Institute's National Advanced Forum on Litigation and Enforcement Preparedness for Data Privacy & Information Security, Dallas, TX, June 2010.
"Working With AGs to Maneuver Your Way Through the Investigation Process", American Conference Institute's 9th Annual Conference on Consumer Finance Class Actions & Litigation, January 2010.
"State Attorneys General: Responding to Multi-State Regulatory Compliance Investigations", American Bar Association Panel Seminar, July 2009.
"Troutman Sanders' Ashley Taylor on the Rise of the State Attorneys General", Corporate Crime Reporter, July 2009.
"From Cradle to Grave: Regulatory Investigations Which Beget Complex Business Litigation," Washington Metropolitan (WMACCA) Chapter of Association of Corporate Counsel, May 2009.
"Multi-State Investigations and Suits: How to Address the Expanding Authority and Ambition of State Attorneys General," Washington Legal Foundation's Web Seminar Series, March 2009.
"State Attorneys Investigation," American Legislative Exchange Council, November 2008.
"State Attorneys General: The Robust Use of Previously Ignored States Powers," Co-Author, The Urban Lawyer, The National Journal on State and Local Government Law, Summer 2008.
"ChoicePoint Official: Experienced Counsel Key for Multi-State AG Probes," The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., July 2007.
"Cases Involving Government Agencies Present Unique Discovery Issues," Co-Author, Atlantic Coast In-House Counsel, July 2005.
"Effectively Responding When the State Attorneys General Are Arrayed Against Your Company," Atlantic Coast In-House, March 2004.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," 2012 UNC Banking Institute, Friday, March 30, 2012.
"-The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The New World Order Enforcement by State Attorneys General and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau," American Conference Institute, September 20, 2011.
"State Attorneys General: Responding Successfully to Regulatory Compliance Matters and Investigations," Credit and Collection News Conference - Collection Agency Consortium, August 18, 2011.
"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the State Attorneys General: A Force Multiplier in Consumer Protection Matters," Bloomberg Law Reports, May 25, 2011.
Firm Management Responsibilities
Member, Executive Committee
Member, Partner Compensation Committee
Other Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Corporate Law (2011-2012).
Recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer in Civil Litigation Defense (2006-2011); Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition for Civil Litigation Defense (2009-2011).
Named to Virginia Business magazine's Legal Elite in Legislative and Regulatory Law (2004, 2010), Civil Litigation (2005, 2007, 2009), and Young Lawyer (2006, 2008).
Recognized as one of "The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America" by the National Law Journal (2008)
Named as Style Weekly's Top 40 under 40 (2007).
Named by the American Bar Association State and Local Government Section as the "Up and Comer" of the Year (1999).
Work Experience
Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP (2003-present)
Commissioner, United States Commission on Civil Rights, Appointed by President George W. Bush (December 2004-2010)
Associate, Troutman Sanders LLP (2001-2002)
Deputy Virginia Attorney General (1998-2001)
Associate, Kaufman & Canoles, Norfolk, VA (1995-1998)
Law Clerk, United States District Court (1993-1995)
Memberships
· Chair of State Attorneys General Sub-committee, American Bar Association
· Member, Virginia Bar Association's Committee on Federal Judgeships, Eastern District
· Member, Commission on Virginia Courts in the 21st Century, appointed by Chief Justice Hassell
· Former Member, Executive Counsel, American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
· Former Member, Executive Committee, Virginia Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
· Former Director, Virginia Military Institute Athletic Association (The Keydet Club)
(Also at Washington, District of Columbia Office)