When it comes to personal injury law, Craig Fontaine Ashton doesn’t believe in handoffs or halfway measures. As the co-founder of Ashton & Price LLP, he has spent more than 25 years making sure that when people call for legal help, they get real answers from real attorneys.
“Gate agent flying the plane, orderly performing surgery, not a chance,” he says. At Ashton & Price, an injury victim’s first call is answered by a real, live person who immediately transfers them to an experienced attorney. That conviction sets Ashton & Price apart in a crowded legal landscape where intake departments, scripted responders, and non-attorney case managers often serve as the first point of contact. For Craig, this practice reflects poor service and a failure to meet professional standards.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Craig and his law partner, Christopher Alan Price, met during their first year at Pepperdine University School of Law. They bonded over their University of California backgrounds, with Craig coming from UC Berkeley and Chris from UCLA, and became roommates and lifelong friends. After graduation, each followed a separate legal path until they reunited in 1996 to launch Ashton & Price.
Over the years, Ashton & Price has recovered upwards of $250 million through verdicts, settlements, and awards. Yet Craig values the firm’s standing even more than its financial success. Each case is handled with personal attention and clear communication at every step. For five years running, Consumer Business Review has named them Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys consistently ranks them among the Top 10.
Clients Come First
At Ashton & Price, clients speak directly with an attorney from the very first interaction. There are no automated menus, no junior staff leading intake, and no unnecessary delays. Supported by a highly trained and courteous staff—as well as advanced legal technology—the firm ensures that every step is efficient, transparent, and personal.
Whether the case involves bicycle accidents, big rig collisions, slip-and-fall injuries, or pedestrian claims, the approach remains consistent. Clients are quickly connected with top-tier medical professionals, while the firm handles insurance negotiations, documentation, and any necessary litigation so that clients can focus entirely on recovery.
As Craig puts it, “Between you and me, we win a lot.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Craig’s values are shaped by both heritage and education. He graduated with a History degree from UC Berkeley. At Pepperdine Law, his peers elected him Student Body President, and he also served as President of the Environmental Law Society. He earned Best Oral Advocate honors at the Vincent S. Dalsimer Moot Court Competition, where his performance was evaluated by U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh.
Craig is a direct 6th generation great nephew of George Washington and a descendant of Revolutionary figures Richard Henry Lee, Bushrod Washington, and John Augustine Washington. That legacy of public service and civic duty continues to influence his daily work as an attorney.
Discipline Inside and Outside the Courtroom
Beyond the courtroom, Craig has proven his endurance and focus as an Ironman triathlete and marathoner. He has completed five full Ironman races in locations such as Lake Taupo, Barcelona, and Cozumel, and is a five-time finisher of the Alcatraz to San Francisco swim. In December 2023, he added the California International Marathon to his athletic résumé.
His athletic discipline reflects his legal philosophy: prepare carefully, remain steady under pressure, and follow through on every commitment. His legal excellence has earned him recognition as North America Attorney of the Year (2024), California Attorney of the Year, and inclusion among the Top 100 Lawyers and Lawyers of Distinction.
Putting People at the Center of Legal Practice
Ashton & Price’s mission has always been to deliver a high-quality, personalized experience to every client. From connecting clients with trusted medical specialists to negotiating with insurance companies, the firm is committed to restoring both well-being and fairness.
Every call is answered by someone who understands the law and is prepared to help. Every case receives the urgency and care it deserves. For Craig, this approach defines what it means to practice law with integrity. Justice starts not in the courtroom, but in the first conversation and the commitment that follows.
