Ashley R. Lynam is the Chair of Montgomery McCracken. She is the first woman and youngest person to hold the highest leadership position in the firm's 112-year history. Ashley also serves on the firm’s Management and Hiring Committees and serves as the firm’s Co-Trustee of the United States Law Firm Group.
Ashley is a trusted advisor and entrepreneurial advocate for her clients ranging from family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. She handles all aspects of litigation across the full range of corporate and contract disputes, as well as antitrust and trade secret counseling, personal injury disputes, executive compensation counseling and catastrophic event response. She has successfully first-chaired trials in all such areas.
Known for her versatility and ability to creatively advocate, Ashley has handled the investigation, prosecution and defense of claims for clients including high profile commercial organizations, publicly traded companies, board members and C-suite executives, sports teams, startups, technology companies, pharmaceutical and life science companies, hotels, educational institutions, charitable and social services organizations and more. Ashley is well-known for her strategic problem-solving skills, particularly in industries requiring the prioritization of public trust, and approaches each matter with sensitivity to the nuanced and correlated business and legal issues that arise in ever-changing corporate, employment and educational environments. She is known for vigorously protecting her client’s confidentiality while nevertheless providing aggressive representation in high-stakes, bet-the-company litigation. Ashley also provides sound counsel to company leadership in negotiations with legal and regulatory agencies and industry watchdogs, such as the Department of Justice, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Education, and more.
Ashley graduated summa cum laude as a business major from Villanova University and cum laude from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law, where she was an executive member of the Moot Court Board. Ashley began her career as a rape prosecutor at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Ashley lives in Berwyn with her husband, Shane, three children, Lilly, Violet and Julius, and their beloved dog, Dominic. She never misses a Villanova basketball game.
RELATED Practices
White Collar and Government Investigations
Sexual Misconduct Liability
Montgomery McCracken’s Sexual Misconduct Liability Practice provides comprehensive risk management, investigation, and litigation defense services to an array of clients facing sexual misconduct, assault, harassment, and other abuse-related claims. The […]
Learn more about our Sexual Misconduct Liability Practice
Commercial Litigation
Montgomery McCracken’s Commercial Litigation Practice has a long and illustrious history. We handle a wide range of individual and corporate disputes involving virtually every area of personal and business endeavors […]
Learn more about our Commercial Litigation Practice
Litigation
Montgomery McCracken’s Litigation Department offers a deep bench of skilled and experienced litigators whose practice areas encompass a broad array of industries and substantive legal disciplines. Our clients include individuals, […]
Learn more about our Litigation Department
Sports and Entertainment
Montgomery McCracken’s Sports and Entertainment Industry Group calls upon the vast array of skill and experience within the firm to provide comprehensive legal services to athletes, entertainers, authors, event organizers, […]
Learn more about our Sports and Entertainment Industry
Higher Education
Montgomery McCracken’s Higher Education Industry Group has earned a reputation for broad experience in representing institutions of higher learning. Our group includes attorneys from many different practice areas who have […]
Learn more about our Higher Education Industry
1 of 6 Credentials
Selected Speaking Engagements - Speaker, “Valuing an SML Claim and Unexpected Considerations,” Sexual Abuse, Victimization, and Exploitation Symposium, October 2024
- Speaker, “Damages, Valuation, Settlements, and Nuclear Verdicts,” Perrin Conferences Sexual Abuse Litigation Conference, October 2024
- Panelist, Women of Influence Panel, Philadelphia Business Journal, October 2024
- Speaker, “Privilege Primer: A Refresher for In-House Counsel on Preserving and Protecting Attorney-Client Privilege,” ACC Greater Philadelphia Litigation CLE Institute, September 2024
- Panelist, Girls Inc. Career Exploration Day, July 2024
- Speaker, “Eds & Meds: Litigation Hot Topics in Philadelphia’s Most Important Industries,” United States Law Firm Group Litigation Committee Meeting, May 2024
- Panelist, “Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work,” Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership Summit, June 2024
- Panelist, “Nonprofit Conference,” USLI, May 2024
- Speaker, “New Title IX Rules,” Montgomery McCracken Webinar, May 2024
- Speaker, “How to Tackle the Biggest Challenge For Law Firms: Succession Planning,” ALM, April 2024
- Speaker, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Third Year Brunch, April 2024
- Speaker, “ESG in 2024,” ACC In-House Counsel Conference, April 2024
- Speaker, “Legal Perspectives,” American Medical Society For Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, April 2024
- Speaker, “ESG in 2024: Regulatory & Litigation Risks & Predictions for the New Year,” Association of Corporate Counsel, January 2024
- Speaker, “The Evolving Landscape of Sexual Abuse/Molestation Litigation,” PLUS Conference, December 2023
- Speaker, “Investigations 101,” Nonprofit Issues Webinar, November 2023
- Speaker, “The Future of Restrictive Covenants: Legal Updates & Corporate Strategies,” ACC Greater Philadelphia Litigation Conference, November 2023
- Speaker, “I Fought the Law and the Law Won: Legal Updates and the Future of SML,” S.A.V.E.S. Virtual Conference, October 2023
- Speaker, “Title IX: Practice Pointers for Compliance Perfection,” SCCE Higher Education Compliance Conference, June 2023
- Speaker, “Title IX: The Past, Present & Future of Campus Adjudications,” College Athletic Trainers’ Society Spring Symposium, May 2023
- Speaker, “The Cost of a Bad Apple: The External Risks of Internal Investigations,” ACC IHCC, April 2023
- Speaker, “As If This Isn’t Uncomfortable Enough: Multigenerational Challenges for Women in the Profession & How You Can Help,” ACC, March 2023
- Speaker, “Title IX: The Past, the Present and the Future,” Matthew J. Ryan Law and Public Policy Forum, March 2023
- Speaker, “Title IX: The Past, Present, and Future of Campus Investigation, Adjudications, and Litigation,” SCCE, November 2022
- Guest Lecturer and Trainer, “Title IX Proposed Rule Changes & their Institutional Impact,” University of Michigan, October 2022
- Moderator, “Damages in Sexual Misconduct Cases,” Perrin Sexual Abuse Litigation and Coverage Conference, October 2022
- Moderator, “SML Claims Update and Underwriting Challenges,” S.A.V.E.S. Symposium, October 2022
- Panelist, “Sexual Misconduct Liability Concerns for Municipalities,” S.A.V.E.S. Symposium, October 2022
- Presenter, “Anticipated Proposed Title IX Regulations,” Montgomery McCracken Webinar, June 2022
- Speaker, “Title IX: The Past, Present, and Future of Campus Investigations, Adjudications, and Litigation,” Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics’ Higher Education Compliance Conference, June 2022
- Moderator, “Sexual Abuse Litigation and Coverage Conference,” Perrin Conferences, May 2022
- Panelist, “Who, What, Wear Virtual Workshop,” Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law Women’s Law Caucus, March 2022
- Presenter, “Damages in Sexual Misconduct Cases: A Data-Driven Approach to Controlling the Outcome,” West LegalEdcenter, January 2022
- Presenter, “Title IX,” University of Michigan, November 2021
- Speaker, “Sexual Abuse Litigation and Coverage Conference,” Perrin Conferences, October 2021
- Speaker, “New Jersey Special Investigators Association 2021 Seminar,” New Jersey Special Investigators Association, October 2021
- Speaker, “Digital Crisis Management: Best Practices for Avoiding & Responding to an Online Crisis,” Candoris, July 2021
- Speaker, “College Athletic Trainers Society Spring Symposium for Athletic Trainers & Team Physicians,” College Athletic Trainers Society Spring Symposium, July 2021
- Speaker, “Digital Crisis Management: Best Practices for Avoiding & Responding to an Online Crisis,” Candoris, July 2021
- Speaker, “The New Title IX Regulations: Lessons Learned,” Philadelphia Bar Association, July 2021
- Presenter, “Recent Developments in Title IX, Public Relations & Crisis Response Handling,” College Athletic Trainer Society Spring Symposium for Athletic Trainers & Team Physicians, July 2021
- Speaker, “2021 Insurance Fraud Management (IFM) Conference: Fighting Bills & Fighting Mills,” Insurance Fraud Management Conference, July 2021
- Speaker, “Interested Persons’ Symposium: The Role of the University in the Title IX Rulemaking Process,” April 2021
- Panelist, “Villanova Law School’s Criminal Law Society’s Networking Event,” Villanova Law School Criminal Law Society, January 2021
- Moderator, “Coping with Stress in 2020: A Conversation with Experts,” Villanova Law Alumni Association, November 2020
- Speaker, “Defending Sexual Abuse Claims: A Multi-State Overview of Legislative Endeavors and Anticipated Changes Post-Election”
- Speaker, “Fraud Peddling & the Pandemic: Trends in Medical Provider & Claim-Based Fraud,” PACIA, October 2020
- Speaker, “Making History & Moving Forward: What Bostock Means for You, Your Company, & Inclusivity in the Workplace,” Westlaw Legal Education Center, July 2020
- Speaker, “Claim Handling & Fraud Concerns Post COVID 19,” May 2020
- Speaker, “Recent Changes to the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act & Other Sexual Misconduct Legislation,” February 2020
Selected Publications - Co-Author, “States Vow Not to Comply with New Title IX Regulations,” May 2024
- Mentioned, “Montgomery McCracken Elects Five New Partners In Pa., NY,” Law360 Pulse, March 2024
- Co-Author, “When One (NCAA) Door Closes, Another (NIL) Door Opens: What Pre-Collegiate Enrollment NIL Deals Mean for Schools & NIL Collectives,” March 2024
- Mentioned, “2023 in Review: Dramatic exits contribute to busy year of leadership changes in Greater Philadelphia,” Philadelphia Business Journal, December 2023
- Co-Author, “Navigating the next wave of Title IX regulations,” CEP Magazine, November 2023
- Co-Author, “Title IX Regulations Release Pushed Back: Advice for Proactivity as Schools Face Further Delay,” September 2023
- Quoted, “Philadelphia law firms turning to new leaders with ‘proactive adaptability’ to navigate a changing industry,” Philadelphia Business Journal, June 2023
- Quoted, “Montgomery McCracken’s New Co-Chair Is Expecting Her Third Child, but She Doesn’t Love the Phrase ‘Work-Life Balance‘,” The Legal Intelligencer, May 2023
- Quoted, “Montgomery McCracken Names Its 1st Female Co-Chair,” Law360 Pulse, May 2023
- Quoted, “Montgomery McCracken names first female co-chair in 111-year history,” Philadelphia Business Journal, May 2023
- Quoted, “Montgomery McCracken Partner Ashley R. Lynam Elected Co-Chair,” May 2023
- Co-Author, “Department of Education & Supreme Court Weigh in on Transgender Athletes in School Sports,” April 2023
- Co-Author, “Third Circuit Expands Liability for Colleges & Universities in Title IX Decision,” January 2022
- Co-Author, “Bad Things Can Happen on Good Websites – Including Yours,” November 2021
- Quoted, “Ashley Lynam Brings Extensive Experience as Co-Chair of Sexual Misconduct Liability Practice Group,” Sports Medicine and the Law, Summer 2021
- Co-Author, “VACATED: DOE Pulls Title IX Provision Requiring In-Person Testimony For Statement Consideration In Live Hearings,” August 2021
- Co-Author, “From the First Amendment to Final Exams: How Digital Crises Are Striking Schools,” June 2021
- Co-Author, “The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act Is Not Nearly As Broad As Some Prosecutors Claim: Van Buren v. U.S.,” June 2021
- Mentioned, “Montgomery McCracken Starts Firmwide Digital Crisis Group,” Law360 Pulse, April 2021
- Co-Author, “Online Speakers – Where Can You Be Sued?” April 2021
- Co-Author, “Executive Order Sets Title IX Priorities: What to Expect & How to Make Your Institutional Voice Heard,” March 2021
- Co-Author, “Title IX & Tenure: How Separate Standards Can Sow Institutional Discord,” February 2021
- Co-Author, “$2.5M Judgment Against University for Overseas Sex Assault Serves as Reminder that Liability is Not Limited to Title IX,” February 2021
- Quoted, “Montgomery McCracken Nabs Litigator For Liability Group,” Law360, November 2020
- Author, “Pennsylvania Supreme Court Hears Oral Argument on Statute of Limitations Issue in Child Sexual Abuse Case: Rice v. Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown,” November 2020
- Author, “COVID Fraud Alert: ‘How to Set a Fire’ Searches Predict Surge in SIU Claims”, July 2020
- Author, “Title IX Litigation Alert: 18 States Sue Department of Education”, August 2020
Honors & Awards - Honoree, Women of Influence, Philadelphia Business Journal, 2024
- Selected to the Legal Intelligencer’s Lawyers on the Fast Track award in 2023. This award is issued by ALM and a description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the highest court of any other state.
- Honoree, Top 100 Women in Law, Women We Admire Magazine, 2021
- Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star list in 2018-2021. This list is issued by Thomson Reuters and a description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the highest court of any other state.
Professional Activities - Member, National Association of Women Lawyers
- Member, The Forum of Executive Women
- Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
- Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Member, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Association of Corporate Counsel
- Co-Trustee, United States Law Firm Group
Community Involvement - Board of Directors, Freire Charter School
- Board of Directors, Treasurer, Upper Main Line YMCA
- President, Villanova Law Alumni Association
Education Law School
- Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Undergraduate School
