J.P. Brown is a litigator in the firm’s Richmond office, where he practices in the areas of transportation and insurance defense. He represents businesses that are insured and self-insured. Prior to joining Gentry Locke, he worked as an associate in an Am Law 200 firm, where he litigated and defended products liability cases in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
J.P. previously served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Henry E. Hudson, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia; the Honorable Randolph A Beales, Court of Appeals of Virginia; and several judges in the Circuit Court of Henrico County, Virginia. Before beginning his legal career, J.P. served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps.
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Army/Navy football games I've attended
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Years I've lived in Japan
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Amazing wife
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What parallels, if any, are there between your prior service in the Marine Corps and being a lawyer?
There are several parallels. Each military operation or legal case has a life cycle. Therefore, to succeed in either field you need to assess complex issues, develop strategy, communicate effectively, and execute a plan of action to accomplish the strategic goals of your client. You also need to be flexible enough to recognize and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a lawyer is assisting my clients through this process and working with them to develop a favorable resolution to whatever issue they have.
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You’ve climbed Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Tell us about that!
I lived in Japan when I was a boy, and my Cub Scouts Troop took a trip to Mt. Fuji. However, we were not permitted to make the climb on account of our age, and because the summit is over 10,000 ft! As a result, finishing the climb has always been on my “bucket-list.” A few years ago, after clerking and before I began practicing law, I took a vacation to Japan and South Korea. During that trip, I climbed Fuji with a close friend who is a Marine I served with in Iraq. It was a fantastic experience, and I keep my Fuji walking stick as a memento of that trip.
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If you could take a trip tomorrow, where would you go?
Probably Scotland or Norway. I love mountains, colder climates, and I think the history of each country is fascinating.
Education
- University of Richmond School of Law, J.D.
- United States Naval Academy. B.S.
Experience
- As an associate with an Am Law 200 firm, litigated cases in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
- As a law clerk to the Honorable Henry E. Hudson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, assisted the Court during all phases of civil and criminal matters, from pretrial hearings and motions through trial.
- As a law clerk to the Honorable Randolph A. Beales, reviewed initial petitions for appeal and assisted the Court in preparing for appellate arguments before a three-judge panel.
- As a law clerk to five Circuit Court Judges in Henrico County, briefed the Court prior to hearings on dispositive motions, including demurrers and pleas in bar, and managed the Court’s docket of uncontested domestic, civil matters.
- As an active duty Marine Captain, served in military intelligence positions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Quantico, and the Pentagon.
Affiliations
- Virginia State Bar
- Richmond Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- U.S.D.C., Western District of Virginia
- U.S.D.C., Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
- John Marshall American Inn of Court
Awards
- Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3)
- Selected for a semester exchange program with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- Superintendent’s List for Academic Achievement
- CALI Award Recipient for Excellence in Interviewing and Counseling
- Finalist, 2014 Carrico Moot Court Competition
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.-
Events
May 2022 -
Court Grants Summary Judgment from the Bench in Favor of Big Box Retailer The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.Case Studies
Apr 2022
