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Cate Huff, Employment Law and Insurance Law partner at Gentry Locke

Catherine J. Jackson

Partner
Legal Assistant
Ginger Smithers540.983.9343
Paralegals
Heather Beyer540.983.9328
Amy Renick540.983.9415
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Cate Jackson practices in the Employment, Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation practice groups and has litigated in federal and state courts throughout Virginia. Cate defends employers against discrimination and workplace claims and advises businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industry on employment issues. Cate has been named a Rising Star by “Virginia Super Lawyers” since 2015 and was honored as a “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine. Cate graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Tech and received her J.D. from Liberty University.

  • Visits to Disney World
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  • Sports played in college
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  • Times watched all seasons of "The Office"
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  • If I wasn't practicing law...

    I would dedicate myself to conservation and anti-poaching efforts in Africa. I first traveled there the summer of 2018 and it changed the way I see the world. I have always been an advocate for animals, so the trip to Africa really meant so much.

  • People would be surprised to know...

    I am an avid sports fan. I am a rabid Hokies fan, I love cheering on the Carolina Panthers, and I root for Barcelona in soccer.

  • My favorite part of being a lawyer is...

    Learning about my clients’ businesses and helping them in everyday aspects of their legal needs. It is fascinating to learn about different companies and industries, and a privilege to meet so many great people along the way.

Education

  • Liberty University School of Law, J.D.
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, B.A., magna cum laude

Experience

  • Representation of companies before the EEOC, Department of Labor, and other agencies
  • Extensive litigation experience involving Title VII, defamation, wage and hour issues and other employment-related issues
  • Provide advice to management and companies involving day-to-day labor and employment issues regarding hiring, firing, leave and disability issues, wage and hour issues, unemployment, EEOC complaints and other matters
  • Representation of insurers in numerous auto liability and premises liability litigation
  • Representation of insurers in fire and other property damage litigation
  • Argued motions in state and federal court regarding defamation, spoliation of evidence, bifurcation and various other matters
  • Handled infant settlements and wrongful death settlements throughout the state
  • Handled various misdemeanor charges and assisted with the defense of felony charges throughout the state
  • Litigation experience in general district and circuit courts throughout the state
  • Negotiated settlements in various personal injury actions

Affiliations

  • Member, ALFA International Women’s Initiative Steering Committee (2018-Present)
  • Board Member, Roanoke Valley Society for Human Resource Managers (SHRM) (2017-Present)
  • Member, ALFA International Hospitality & Retail Steering Committee (2016-Present)
  • Member, Virginia State Bar (2009-Present); Member, Young Lawyer’s Conference Board (2017-Present)
  • Board Member, Roanoke Wildlife Rescue
  • Volunteer, Blue Ridge Legal Services Pro Bono Hotline
  • Volunteer, Wills for Heroes
  • Roanoke Children’s Theater Board of Directors (2011-2014)
  • Member, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys
  • Member, Young Lawyers Division, Virginia Bar Association
  • Member, Roanoke Bar Association

Speaking Engagements

  • “Take a Look in the Mirror: Implicit Bias and its Effect on Culture, Recruitment and Retention of Faculty, Staff and Students” for the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia Chief Financial and Human Resources Officers Annual Meeting

Awards

  • Named Roanoke Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year (2021)
  • Named a “Leader in Law” honoree (2019)
  • Designated one of the “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine for the area of Young Lawyer (Under 40) (2016)
  • Named a Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star in Employment Litigation: Defense (2017-2019) and Workers’ Compensation (2015-2016)

Published Work

 

Case Studies

The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Cate Huff, Gentry Locke Employment law partner
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