Craig Fontaine Ashton’s approach to law was shaped long before his first courtroom victory—by a legacy rooted in service, not status. A direct descendant of George Washington—his 6th generation great uncle—Craig grew up with a deep sense of duty tied to truth, fairness, and public responsibility. From those early lessons, he built a legal career that blends heritage with hard-earned skill.
Today, after decades of legal work and a strong commitment to his clients, Craig is recognized as one of California’s most respected personal injury attorneys. To him, a case is more than paperwork or legal procedure—it represents someone’s future. His promise is clear: show up fully, fight with focus, and always stay grounded in the truth.
With a lineage that includes Richard Henry Lee and George Washington, Craig grew up aware of the historic names in his family tree. Yet what inspires him goes beyond recognition—it’s the steady expectation to serve with honor.
Though he’s achieved much, Craig always points out that his reputation came from the ground up. It was earned through experience, not entitlement. He built his path through discipline, excellence, and years of advocacy. To him, honoring his legacy means living its values: fairness, courage, and service. He brings these principles to life not through words alone, but through consistent action in the courtroom and community.
UC Berkeley offered Craig more than education—it gave him perspective. Through studying history, he gained insight into how legal systems change and adapt. It also revealed the powerful role they play in shaping everyday life and collective justice.
At Pepperdine Law, he was elected to lead the Environmental Law Society and later the Student Body. These experiences taught him how to lead with both clarity and conviction. His performance in the Vincent S. Dalsimer Moot Court Competition earned him top honors. Having U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh preside over the competition made the recognition especially meaningful.
Craig’s first legal role was as an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Arnold Laub on Montgomery Street in San Francisco. Just steps away, legal icon Melvin Belli practiced law at full force. Training with accomplished litigators, he gained the clarity, control, and strategic edge required to thrive in challenging courtroom situations.
In 1996, Craig and his Pepperdine Law roommate, Christopher Alan Price, reunited and revisited their shared ambitions. Together, they founded Ashton & Price, LLP. Built on shared values and mutual respect, the firm quickly gained a reputation for results. The firm has achieved more than $250 million in jury verdicts, settlements, and awards. Today, it stands proudly among California’s Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms.
At Ashton & Price, clients are treated like people—not case numbers. From the moment someone picks up the phone, they are speaking to someone who can help. As Craig puts it, “There is no ‘push 1 for accounting’ at Ashton & Price. Supported by state of the art technology and a courteous, highly trained, dedicated support staff, from 1st meeting through final case closing or jury trial, all important decisions are always made directly between our clients and their attorney. No exceptions.”
That personal touch extends to all parts of the process. “Whether or not it is a slip and fall, bicycle, pedestrian, auto, Uber, big rig, or falling debris injury claim, once a client retains Ashton & Price, we introduce them to the best medical care providers in the region. They focus on their health, and Ashton & Price takes over EVERYTHING ELSE.”
The legal world has taken note of Craig’s outstanding contributions. Being named “North America Attorney of the Year – 2024” and “California Attorney of the Year” by Who’s Who Publishing places him among the most trusted names in law. His recognition by the “President’s Circle” and as a “Top 100 Lawyers” illustrates more than just courtroom success. It speaks to the trust and credibility he has earned across the legal community.
Craig brings his legal expertise to the airwaves as well. In creating Law-ly-wood, he found a fresh way to connect with the public on legal issues. He also co-hosts The All Things Legal Show, a popular program among residents of Northern California. Moreover, major American television broadcast networks, including ABC, CBS, and FOX, frequently invite him to share his legal expertise with the audience.
Training for endurance events requires commitment over weeks and months—not just for race day, but for every step along the way. Craig has completed full Ironman triathlons in several international cities, including Cozumel and Barcelona. He’s also a five-time finisher of the Alcatraz to San Francisco swim and has completed the California International Marathon. These experiences mirror the long, focused effort required in serious litigation.
His approach to both athletics and law reflects the same mindset: prepare fully, remain steady under pressure, and finish strong.
