2015 Railside Law ribbon Cutting with Ashland Mayor Spagna and Delegate Fowler
Downtown Ashland is raising a gavel (and maybe a celebratory beverage) to honor The Railside Law Group, which is officially celebrating 10 years of trusted legal advocacy right here in the Center of the Universe.
Founded in 2015 by attorneys John Working and Virginia Podboy, Railside Law Group proudly planted its flag just steps from the train tracks in the Hanover Bank building on Railroad Avenue. The name was no accident—embracing Ashland’s rail-centric identity from day one, the firm secured a classic “798” phone number, adopted Randolph-Macon-inspired colors, and rolled out a train logo designed by Stones Throw Studios. All aboard.
Railside Law Group in historic Downtown Ashland, 307 B England St.
As the firm gained steam, Railside moved in 2018 to its current home at 307B England Street in beautiful historic downtown Ashland, in the same building as Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry. The expanded office made room for growth—and for adding powerhouse attorneys Aileen Lang and Christopher Hutton to the team.
Ms. Lang brings more than 25 years of experience, focusing on estate planning, family law, and adult guardianships. Mr. Hutton concentrates on family law and criminal defense and has been nationally recognized as a Top 10 Under 40 Family Law Attorney and a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Attorney. Mr. Working, a seasoned trial attorney, is equally at home before a judge or a jury and is driven by one core mission: helping people through some of life’s most complicated moments.
And speaking of complicated cases…
Enter: Ashland’s Trashed Panda 🦝
Attorney John Working passionately argued that the Raccoon is NOT GUILTY
In honor of their 10th anniversary, the friendly team at Railside Law Group recently welcomed Ashland’s Trashed Panda into their downtown offices to film a very official legal defense on the Raccoon’s behalf.
Attorney John Working passionately argued that the Raccoon is NOT GUILTY of breaking and entering, noting that the government has already benefited by more than $200,000 in proceeds directed to Hanover County Animal Control and the animal shelter—thanks to the Panda’s image and likeness alone. Case law? Iconic.
Regarding the Raccoon’s alleged public intoxication, Mr. Working cited a critical biological fact: raccoons live only 3–5 years, making any intoxication clearly involuntary. Furthermore, citing the Raccoon as a juvenile, he urged the court to consider rehabilitation over punishment, recommending substance abuse treatment and 25 hours of community service in historic downtown Ashland—specifically so the Raccoon can learn how to appropriately Shop Ashland First.
The court of public opinion? Hung jury. The community? Delighted.
Neighbors First, Always
Ashland isn’t just where Railside works—it’s home. Office Manager Rosemargaret Maier, paralegal Rebekah Norman, and John Working all call Ashland home. Ms. Lang lives in Hanover County, and paralegal Rebecca Creery, while technically a Henrico resident, is a familiar face at Ashland Meat Company, The Caboose, and The Iron Horse—clearly an honorary local.
Mr. Working has long demonstrated his commitment to the community, having served on the boards of the Downtown Ashland Association, Ashland Theatre Association, and Kiddie Kingdom, and volunteering as counsel for both juvenile and adult recovery courts.
These deep roots are why Railside Law Group doesn’t see “clients”—they see neighbors and friends. The firm is known for handling personal matters with discretion, honoring confidentiality, and delivering exceptional service with heart.
Looking Down the Line
As The Railside Law Group looks toward its next decade, one thing is certain: their commitment to excellent legal advocacy, meaningful community service, and love for the Center of the Universe will never go out of style.
Ten years in—and still right on track. 🚂⚖️🦝