Managing Partner, Charleston Office, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Photo by PhotoGrafix.
By Lori Kersey
Ashley Pack, managing partner for Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s Charleston office, became an attorney the way some people go to work for their family’s restaurant. Pack’s father was an attorney with his own firm, while her mother managed law firms for decades.
“Law was our family business,” says Pack. “I worked at my parents’ law firm in the summers during high school and college and performed various clerical tasks like entering the attorneys’ time and filing pleadings.”
Originally from St. Albans, WV, Pack earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Kentucky (UK) and went on to study at the university’s law school, where she served as editor of the Kentucky Law Journal.
“Serving as editor for the Kentucky Law Journal, I developed my love for writing and editing,” she says. “Attending UK for both undergrad and law school gave me the opportunity to enjoy the large university experience and the comforts of a small school. I got to see the same students every day, in the same building and developed lasting friendships.”
Pack started her law career as an associate at Dinsmore, during which time she was the recipient of the Alice Neeley Difference Maker Award, an internal award at Dinsmore created to honor a former associate who inspired others with her dedication and positive attitude during her battle with cancer.
“The award recognizes an associate who has demonstrated dedication to the firm and its clients, uncompromising ethics and professionalism and a positive attitude,” she says.
Pack advanced to nonequity partner and equity partner at Dinsmore, where she is primarily an employment litigator. Her early mentors and senior colleagues practice employment law, which made the progression natural for her. She enjoys the challenge of problem-solving practical ways to help her clients.
“I am one of a few of my classmates from law school who still works at the same firm where I started my career,” she says. “Dinsmore is a rewarding firm to practice law. Throughout my career, my colleagues have been top notch. They have taught me how to bring value to the cases and clients. Some of my best friends work at Dinsmore.”
Her favorite case in her career so far has been successfully defending the Courier Journal of Louisville, KY, against a motion filed by the Catholic diocese to hold the newspaper in contempt for publishing allegations of sexual abuse by priests.
“We won, and the First Amendment prevailed,” she says. “We have an unbelievably talented group and new generation of firm leaders at Dinsmore who I have had the pleasure of mentoring and leading, and we all work tirelessly to see Dinsmore thrive.”
Dinsmore has offices across the country. Pack was most recently named managing partner of the firm’s Charleston office. She is the youngest female attorney to be named to the office managing partner position in Dinsmore’s firm history.
“I’m extremely grateful, and I stand on the shoulders of the strong female attorneys who came before me,” she says. “It was humbling to be asked to take on this important role. I was also lucky to have such a strong mentor in Anna Daily, a partner at Dinsmore. She set an excellent example of being forward facing and promoting Dinsmore and our attorneys.”
At Dinsmore, and as state lead for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pack’s work has focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Diversity in the workplace is close to my heart,” she says. “For Dinsmore to thrive, we must include all people. Our law firm is stronger with different voices, backgrounds and perspectives.”
This is a vision her firm shares.
“As a board member at Dinsmore, I can affirm that diversity is a passion all the way to the top of our leadership structure,” says Pack. “We implemented a racial justice program focusing on providing legal counseling to a diverse set of college students who are interested in going to law school. Expanding and supporting the pipeline of diverse students is critical to our mission. Increasing diversity in the legal profession is an ongoing effort that continues to improve year after year.”
Like many attorneys, Pack finds it difficult to balance being a full-time practicing attorney with having a personal life, but she stays positive.
“There are going to be tough days and maybe even tough weeks,” she says. “To overcome these times, I focus on being in the moment and not becoming overwhelmed by factors outside my control. I have also learned that much of life’s success come from giving maximum effort in any given situation.”
In addition to her role at Dinsmore, Pack serves her community in a variety of volunteer roles. She is a member of Women for Economic Leadership Development and the board of trustees for the Energy Mineral Law Committee, president of the Thomas Health Foundation and a board member for the Children’s Therapy Clinic.
“I am passionate about giving back to the profession and community,” she says. “Although life is hectic, I have pursued opportunities to sit on various nonprofit boards. These groups are vital to a thriving community, and they make West Virginia a wonderful place to live and work.”
Pack credits several mentors for their help and guidance over her career
“I have been fortunate enough to have many excellent mentors throughout my career,” she says. “One of my first and most influential mentors is Jon Fleischaker, who was a partner in Dinsmore’s Louisville office. Jon is a preeminent First Amendment attorney. He was demanding and passionate about his work. He taught me the value of bringing my best to the client every single day.”
In turn, Pack takes an active role in mentoring younger attorneys in Dinsmore’s footprint.
“I believe in the development of associates—they are the lifeblood of our profession and firm. I encourage associates to work with as many mentors as possible to gain unique skills and develop their own brand and practice style,” she says.
While she started her career at Dinsmore’s Louisville office, Pack now resides in Hurricane, WV. She moved back to West Virginia when her son was born to be close to family.
“I love seeing the ridgeline of the mountains from my deck. It’s a beautiful area, and I’m surrounded by good friends and family,” she says.
Pack loves her town and the state of West Virginia for their beauty and sense of community.
“This state has amazing potential, and I believe it is up to every one of us to make sure we can achieve it,” she says.
