McGinnis Lochridge welcomes Ashton G. Cumberbatch, Jr. as a special counsel in the firm, effective today. Cumberbatch is a well-respected Austin attorney who most recently served as vice president of advocacy for the Seton Healthcare Family and executive director of Seton Foundations. His primary practice areas include alternative dispute resolution and labor-employment law. He is rejoining McGinnis Lochridge after working at the firm previously from 1989 to 2002, including a period as leader of the employment law section.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ashton back to McGinnis Lochridge,” Doug Dodds, managing partner of McGinnis Lochridge, said. “He brings his passion for the community and strong commitment to equity and equality in Austin. His passion for our city and his impeccable professionalism will be strong benefits for our clients.”
Prior to joining Seton, Cumberbatch served as police monitor for the city of Austin. Previous to his first stint at McGinnis Lochridge, he was chief of the Trial Division at the Travis County District Attorney’s office. He also headed up his own law firm, Cumberbatch & Associates.
“I am very excited to return to McGinnis Lochridge and continue my practice of law,” Cumberbatch said. “This firm has such a special connection to our city and high standards for client service. After my time working in community advocacy, I look forward to returning to the practice of law with a perspective of reconciling systemic issues and serving our clients as a part of our extended community.”
Cumberbatch has served as a volunteer policy advisor for Austin Mayor Steve Adler. He has been extremely active in the Austin community, including past president and current member of the Austin Area Research Organization, past president of the Community Advancement Network, past chair of the Greater Austin Black Chamber, and executive pastor of Agape Christian Ministries. Former board memberships include the YMCA, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, KLRU, and Austin Bridge Builders Alliance. He has also served on various strategic and bond advisory committees for the Austin Independent School District. He currently serves on the board of directors for HousingWorks Austin and E3 Alliance, and the Admissions Committee for the University of Texas Dell Medical School.
Cumberbatch holds an A.B. in economics from Brown University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. He is married to Jennifer, a pastoral counselor, artist and entrepreneur, and they have four children.
With offices in Austin, Houston and Decatur, McGinnis Lochridge provides legal counsel on business and financial matters, as well as advocates for clients before administrative agencies, at the State Capitol and in courthouses across Texas and throughout the Southwest. The firm serves clients in many areas, including oil and gas, electric energy, financial services, technology, healthcare, hospitality, higher education and real estate, among others.