W. Ashley Burgess

W. Ashley Burgess is a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors at Sands Anderson PC. Based in the firm’s Richmond and Fredericksburg offices, he represents business owners, management teams, and executives in corporate transactions and strategic legal matters. Ashley often serves as outside general counsel, helping clients connect legal decisions with operational priorities, growth plans, and long-term business objectives.

Ashley earned his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law in 2004 and received his B.S., magna cum laude, from James Madison University in 1999. His academic background provided a strong foundation in business law, legal analysis, and practical problem solving. This training supports his ability to evaluate complex commercial issues, identify legal and financial risks, and provide clear guidance to business leaders.

Ashley’s practice includes business and corporate transactions, business bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, financial restructuring, and commercial collections. He advises companies on both day-to-day concerns and significant business events, including contracts, financing issues, debt recovery, and matters involving financially distressed businesses. His experience allows him to guide clients through negotiations, transactions, disputes, and restructuring matters while keeping their broader commercial goals in focus.

W. Ashley Burgess has held important leadership roles at Sands Anderson, including eight years as leader of the firm’s Business Group, and he continues to help shape the firm’s growth and client service as a board member. He has been recognized by Virginia Business magazine’s Legal Elite for business law and by Virginia Super Lawyers for business and corporate work. Ashley also presents to trade groups and conducts in-house seminars for corporate clients, reflecting his practical and relationship-focused approach.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Sands Anderson PC
• Chair, Richmond Bar Association, Business Section
• Former Director, Virginia Creditors Bar Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar, Business and Bankruptcy sections
• Member, American Bankruptcy Institute

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• George Mason University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• James Madison University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges