News, Events, Seminars & Articles by Gentry Locke Attorneys

Gentry Locke Partner Tom Bondurant Jr. Named to Lawdragon’s 2027 500 Leading Litigators in America

News September 2026

ROANOKE, Va. (September 15, 2026) – Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Partner Tom Bondurant Jr. has been named to the 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America in the category of White Collar, Investigations. The annual guide recognizes leading litigators nationwide based on their impact on significant matters, experience in the courtroom, leadership, and standing within the legal profession. Bondurant is a Partner in Gentry Locke’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice group. Before joining the firm, he served as a federal prosecutor for 29 years, where he tried more than 200 criminal jury trials. His extensive […]

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Owning the Truth in Personal Injury Cases

Articles September 2026

Article by Matt W. Broughton and Paralegal Cynthia O. Cundiff In personal injury litigation, credibility is not an abstract ideal—it is a measurable asset that affects settlement value, litigation posture, and trial outcomes. Cases rarely fail because an injury did not occur; they fail because a jury, judge, adjuster, or defense counsel does not believe the story being told. For that reason, one of the most important skills a plaintiff‑side attorney or paralegal can develop is the ability to “own the truth” of a case. Owning the truth does not mean minimizing damages or weakening advocacy. It means building a […]

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Final Judgment Secured for Insurer in Federal ERISA Benefits Case

Case Studies September 2026

The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.

Plaintiff, Executor of his late wife’s Estate, sued in State Court to collect benefits under two employer-sponsored group life insurance policies insuring his wife’s life. The group policies were governed by the Federal ERISA statute. We removed the case to Federal Court and moved to dismiss the Complaint on grounds that it was time-barred under the policies’ five-year contractual limitations period. The plaintiff’s late wife had become totally disabled in 2011. However, she failed to certify and provide proof of her continuing disability as required by the policies. Despite multiple notifications, she failed to provide proof of ongoing disability, failed […]

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Virginia Business Names K. Brett Marston and Gregory D. Habeeb to its 2026 Virginia 500 Power List

News August 2026

ROANOKE, Va. (August 31, 2026) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that K. Brett Marston and Gregory D. Habeeb have been named to Virginia Business’s 2026 “Power 500” list. The editorial team of Virginia Business has selected Gentry Locke’s Brett Marston in the category of Law. Brett is Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner and member of the firm’s Construction Law practice group. Greg Habeeb was selected in the category of Professional Services. Greg is the President of Gentry Locke Consulting as well as the Chair of Gentry Locke’s Government and Regulatory Affairs practice group. “The list of executives […]

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44 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers® 2027 Lists

News August 2026

ROANOKE, Va. (August 20, 2026) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that forty-four of the firm’s attorneys are included in the 2027 Best Lawyers® lists, including thirty-nine attorneys recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and five attorneys recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Of the forty-four attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, one attorney was also recognized with a 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” award, which is given annually to only one lawyer per practice area in each region. […]

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MCS-90 Endorsements: A Must-Know Route to Recovery for Truck Crash Victims

Articles August 2026

Imagine you are driving down I-81 when a tractor-trailer negligently crashes into you, causing severe injuries. You later learn that the trucking company’s insurer is denying coverage—claiming that neither the driver nor the vehicle involved in the crash falls within the scope of the policy. If the driver and the trucking company lack sufficient assets to satisfy a judgment, are you out of luck? Not necessarily. In certain cases, an MCS-90 endorsement can provide a path to recovery, even when traditional insurance coverage appears unavailable. This article explains what an MCS-90 endorsement is, why federal law requires it, and how […]

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Virginia Landlord Law Update Lunch & Learn

Events August 2026

Join us for a complimentary lunch & learn as we break down the new laws affecting residential landlords and manufactured home park owners from Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly Session. Our attorneys will explain what they mean for your business and discuss practical steps you can take to stay compliant and minimize risk. This session will cover key legislative updates, their impact on property owners and operators, and best practices for navigating the changing legal landscape. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with fellow industry professionals. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. We encourage you to […]

David G. Weaver and Melanie E. Peters Join Gentry Locke’s Divorce and Wealth Protection Practice

News July 2026

ROANOKE, Va. (July 28, 2026) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is excited to expand its divorce and wealth protection practice with the addition of experienced and notable domestic relations practitioners, David G. Weaver and Melanie E. Peters. David is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and both David and Melanie have served on the Board of Governors for the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, and in this capacity have participated in both legislative drafting and domestic relations education across the state. “We’re excited to welcome David and Melanie to the Gentry Locke team to […]

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Gentry Locke Welcomes Former Executive and Legal Leader Stewart T. Leeth to the Firm

News July 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (July 27, 2026) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Stewart T. Leeth, a seasoned c-suite executive with more than 30 years of legal, regulatory, and sustainability experience, has joined the firm. Stewart brings a proven track record of aligning legal strategy with business objectives, advancing corporate sustainability initiatives, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. “We are excited to welcome Stewart to the firm,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His extensive experience at the intersection of law, business strategy, and environmental sustainability, combined with his […]

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Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly Session Brings Significant Changes for Landlords and Manufactured Home Park Owners

Articles July 2026

Article co-written by Andrew Gay and Summer Associate Randall Shirey A practical overview of amendments affecting residential landlords, property managers, and manufactured home park owners. The 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session produced some of the most substantial landlord-tenant law changes in recent years. Many amendments took effect on July 1, 2026, while others do not go into effect until January 1, 2027, or even July 1, 2027, making advance preparation important for compliance. The 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session produced a broad set of amendments affecting both traditional residential landlords governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (“VRLTA”) […]

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