100 Years, and 100% Committed to You
1923
Gentry Locke traces its history to 1923, when Fred B. Gentry began practicing law at the Roanoke firm Funkhouser and Apperson.
1930’s-1940’s
With the other partners having left to pursue other professional opportunities including in support of the War effort, Mr. Gentry was a sole practitioner.
1948
John H. Locke joined Mr. Gentry’s firm as an associate.
1951
Richard C. “Dick” Rakes joined the firm.
1961
S.D. Roberts “Rabbit” Moore joined the firm.
1963
William R. “Bill” Rakes joined the firm.
1965
The firm name was changed to Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore. The firm was principally an insurance defense firm.
1974
Bill Rakes became the firm’s first Managing Partner. Bill later served as President of the Virginia State Bar.
1977
The expanding firm needed more space and moved into what is now the Gentry Locke/Truist Bank building, as part of a downtown Roanoke revitalization effort.
1970’s-1980’s
Gentry Locke grew its commercial practice to include corporate, banking, tax, and environmental work.
1980’s-1990’s
The firm created and grew a plaintiff’s practice. The Attorney Seminar was launched in the early 1990’s.
1999
G. Michael “Mike” Pace, Jr. became Managing Partner. Mike later served as President of the Virginia Bar Association.
2013
Monica Taylor Monday became Managing Partner. Monica was the first female Managing Partner of a large Virginia law firm.
2015
Gentry Locke opened a new office in downtown Lynchburg.
2018-2020
Gentry Locke expanded our state-wide presence, opening a new office in Richmond and launching our Government and Regulatory Affairs practice group. Gentry Locke Consulting, a full-service public affairs, communications, and marketing firm, began in Richmond.
2023
K. Brett Marston became Managing Partner. A new Executive Board was created. Monica Monday serves as Chair. Gentry Locke opened our Norfolk office.
Gentry Locke has grown to be the 8th largest law firm in Virginia. We take pride in giving back to the communities we serve.
With 100 years of experience, Gentry Locke is an established law firm with an innovative, cohesive group of legal professionals. Combining innovative technology with strong ethics and a relentless drive to serve our clients’ needs, we continually strive to match the legacy of our past with the challenges of the future.
