The Library

Gentry Locke employment law partner Todd Leeson was quoted in an article published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) discussing the “ban the box” movement. The article, titled “Ban-the-Box Movement Goes Viral”, updates SHRM members across the country on cities and states that have passed laws to ban the check box on employment applications asking whether the candidate has ever been convicted of a crime. Under the section subtitled Impact on Employers, author Roy Maurer notes Leeson’s observations on the risks and dangers of employers unknowingly hiring persons who could pose a real threat to their business, employees, and […]

Albany, Georgia – As the third week winds to a close in the trial against three individuals who were targeted for prosecution in the first-ever case of salmonella contamination to go to trial, national and international news providers are weighing in with coverage. The Guardian, a newspaper based in the United Kingdom, published an Associated Press wire report entitled Salmonella trial reveals US food safety relies on self-reporting. Much of the article focuses on the voluntary nature of food testing in the industry, which was previously noted in the opening arguments offered by Gentry Locke attorney Thomas J. Bondurant, who is representing former executive Stewart Parnell. Following are […]

Gentry Locke Employment & Labor Law attorney Todd Leeson wrote an article on the “Ban the Box” movement, which was published in The Roanoke Times on July 30, 2014. “Ban the Box” is a movement to discontinue the use of a box to disclose a criminal conviction on applications for employment. In the article, Leeson discusses the EEOC’s initiatives and the risks to an employer of a negligent hire claim. Leeson concludes employers need to “keep the box” and advises best practices for hiring. Read the full article in the associated PDF file link to the right of this post.

Twenty-seven Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore attorneys have earned recognition on the 2014 Virginia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Partner Brett Marston was included on the Top 100 list in Virginia, as was Managing Partner Monica Monday, who additionally was listed among Virginia’s Top 50 Women. Attorneys named to the 2014 Virginia Super Lawyers list are: J. Rudy Austin Civil Litigation and Defense Thomas J.  Bondurant, Jr. Criminal Defense & White Collar Crime Matthew W. Broughton Personal Injury General: Plaintiff G. Franklin Flippin Business Law & Corporate Transactions W. William Gust Tax Law Gregory J. Haley Business Litigation Guy M. Harbert, III […]

Gentry Locke attorney Scott Austin was a speaker at the ABA Food & Supplements conference in Wayzata, Minnesota. He and his panel dealt with the Ethical Issues Arising from Governmental Investigations and Potential Criminal Charges Under the Park Doctrine. With the increased scrutiny of food companies, potential criminal sanctions have become a reality. This panel reviewed the implications of the Park Doctrine for food and supplement companies and discuss the ethical issues that arise for counsel handling those investigations. Additional panelists included: Jerry Wilhelm U.S. Attorney’s Office, Minneapolis, MN Jan M. Conlin Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP, Minneapolis, MN

Employment & Labor Law team leader David Paxton recently chaired the Virginia CLE’s 23rd Annual Employment Law Update programs in Richmond (May 8) and in Fairfax (May 15). This program, which drew over 180 attendees at the two locations, is one of the oldest and best attended seminars on labor and employment law in Virginia. In addition to annual survey updates of new case decisions, the topics covered by the various panels included: Trade Secrets and Lessons learned from DuPont v Kolon Industries ENDA or not The Evolving Role of Gender in the Workplace Constant Headache – Managing Sick and Injured Workers […]

Gentry Locke Managing Partner Monica Monday was quoted in an article entitled “Business Development Through the VBA” in the Spring, 2014 issue published by The Virginia Bar Association. The article highlights the benefits attorneys find through use of the organization’s networking and professional development opportunities. Here is an excerpt of the article, which was written by Jody Taylor: A culture of collegiality also helps VBA members find the expertise they need as they prepare for cases. Monica Taylor Monday, managing partner at Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore in Roanoke, serves on the VBA’s Appellate Practice Section Council and touts the […]

According to an article published on May 8th, 2014 by the Danville Register & Bee, Gentry Locke Partner Charlie Williams has been retained to serve as primary negotiator for the City of Danville following the coal ash spill that polluted the Dan River on February 2, 2014. Williams, who joined Gentry Locke in 1970, is a Senior Partner who heads the firm’s Environmental Law practice group. His work includes advising corporate and municipal clients in the areas of environmental compliance, including enforcement and environmental tort litigation. He has extensive experience in contaminated land renewal and the management of environmental aspects of mergers […]

As a result of fundraising efforts for the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia to benefit the USMC Wounded Warrior Regiment based in Quantico, Virginia, Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore was featured in a Virginia Crossroads segment by John Carlin on WSLS Channel 10. Gentry Locke’s event, which took place on Friday, May 2, 2014 in Lexington, Virginia, raised over $7,200 to benefit wounded soldiers. 100% of the money raised will go to help provide wounded military with wheelchair-accessible hunting blinds, deer, goose, and duck hunts, and outdoor opportunities such fishing, target shooting, and hiking. A network of private land owners across Virginia, in different […]