Anthony Ashton practices in the area of securities and business litigation.

Mr. Ashton represents individuals and local, national and multinational corporations in actions involving contract disputes, shareholders' rights and fiduciary duties of officers and directors. Although Mr. Ashton is located in Baltimore, his practice regularly spans the Eastern seaboard.

Mr. Ashton has been elected to the board of directors of the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. MVLS provides free (and in some cases low-cost) legal representation to Marylanders with limited income. It also provides free legal help for community-based nonprofits that are working to strengthen low-income communities in Maryland. Mr. Ashton also serves as the chair of DLA Piper's African American/Black Affinity Group.

Examples of Mr. Ashton's practice include the following:

• Representation of a large defense contractor in a five-week trial against a maritime insurer in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Obtained a multimillion-dollar jury verdict. Currently, handling appeal in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Representation of a commercial bank in defense of a consumer class action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland concerning alleged violations of secondary mortgage loan laws. Motion to dismiss was granted. Currently, handling appeal in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Representation of a major energy company in disputes with the State of Maryland
• Representation of a minority-owned contractor in compliance and eligibility matters related to the Maryland Department of Transportation Minority Business Enterprise program
• Representation of a telecommunications company in federal investigations and class action lawsuits related to state consumer protection laws
• Representation of a national tax preparer in class actions lawsuits
• Representation of national franchisors in disputes with franchisees
• Real estate disputes
• Litigation coordinator for a nationwide fast food franchisor. In that role, Mr. Ashton monitored all litigation and counsel throughout the country
• Represented a major tobacco company in actions throughout the country related to a US$1.2 billion contract dispute between the tobacco industry and the states
• Represented former corporate directors being sued for, among other things, fraud and breach of fiduciary duties. The case resulted in a settlement on terms very favorable to our clients
• Represented the former chairman, CEO and founder of a global reinsurance company in SEC and USAO investigations and an enforcement action regarding accounting-fraud allegations