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Monica Taylor Monday

Chair
Legal Assistant
Rebecca Lugar540.983.9381
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Monica Monday heads the firm’s Appeals and Critical Issues practice. Monica represents her clients in Virginia’s state and federal appellate courts across a wide variety of cases, including commercial and business disputes, healthcare, property, personal injury, local government matters, domestic relations and more. In 2015, Monica was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers — only the fifth Virginia attorney to be so honored. Monica is ranked (Band 1) in Chambers USA, Virginia, for Appellate and General Commercial Litigation. She has been described by Chambers USA as having “a commanding reputation as ‘one of the go-to practitioners’ for appellate work” (2018), as being “held in high esteem as a leading appellate lawyer” (2022), and as being “the dean of Virginia Supreme Court litigation” (2023). She has been recognized among Virginia’s Top 10 Lawyers, Virginia’s Top 50 Women Lawyers, and Virginia’s Top 100 Lawyers by the Thomson Reuters’ Virginia Super Lawyers, and on the Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Business magazine’s Legal Elite lists. She was a “Leaders in the Law” honoree and named a “Go To Lawyer for Appellate” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

Monica frequently lectures and writes on appellate issues. She has served as Chair of The Virginia Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section Council, the Appellate Practice Committee of the Virginia State Bar Litigation Section, and the Fourth Circuit Rules Advisory Committee.

Monica served as Managing Partner of the firm from 2013-2022, and now serves as Chair of Gentry Locke’s Executive Board.

Before joining Gentry Locke, Monica clerked for the Honorable Lawrence L. Koontz, Jr., who served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia as a Justice and Senior Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

  • Pets rescued
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  • Appellate cases
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  • Years at the firm
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  • If I wasn’t practicing law…

    I would be running an animal rescue shelter. I grew up with a cat, parrot, fish, and rabbits. When I got married, my husband brought a rescue dog into our lives, and we have been adopting rescue dogs ever since.

  • People would be surprised to know…

    I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college, but my mom was not far behind me. My mom put herself through college while working full time and raising me and my sister as a single mom, and she graduated from college the year after I did.

  • Do you have an important life lesson to share?

    Sometimes our greatest disappointments turn out later to be our most significant moments and opportunities. Learn patience and be open to what happens next.

Education

  • College of William and Mary, J.D.; B.A.

Experience

  • In a trade secrets dispute, secured reversal of largest jury verdict in Virginia history. Pegasystems Inc. v. Appian Corporation, 81 Va. App. 433, 904 S.E.2d 247 (2024)
  • Obtained reversal of trial court’s ruling refusing to enforce a personal guaranty. CSE, Inc. v. Kibby Welding, LLC, 77 Va. App. 795, 887 S.E.2d 789 (2023)
  • Court affirmed trial court’s interpretation of post-nuptial agreement. Worsham v. Worsham, 74 Va. App. 151, 867 S.E.2d 63 (2022)
  • Secured final judgment for bank in equitable subrogation case concerning entitlement to funds in deposit account. Arch Insurance Company v. FVCbank, 301 Va. 503, 881 S.E.2d 785 (2022)
  • Court affirmed summary judgment in suit alleging discriminatory taxation. Norfolk Southern Ry. Co. v. City of Roanoke, 916 F.3d 315 (4th Cir. 2019)
  • Court affirmed the trial court’s decision to set aside a multi-million dollar verdict in a government contracting case.  CGI Federal, Inc. v. FCi Federal, Inc., 295 Va. 506, 814 S.E.2d 183 (2018)
  • Court held that property owners had a vested right to the use of their property. Board of Supervisors of Richmond County v. Rhoads, 294 Va. 43, 803 S.E.2d 329 (2017)
  • In question of first impression involving social host duty to child guest, obtained affirmance of motion to strike. Lasley v. Hylton, 288 Va. 419, 764 S.E.2d 88 (2014)
  • Court reversed dismissal of defamation case and clarified the defenses to qualified immunity. Cashion v. Smith, 286 Va. 327, 749 S.E.2d 526 (2013)
  • Obtained reversal of workers’ compensation case where the Full Commission lacked authority to decide the case with a retired Commissioner. Layne v. Crist Electrical Contractor, Inc., 62 Va. App. 632, 751 S.E.2d 679 (2013)
  • Obtained reversal of $25 million jury verdict in maritime case relating to asbestos exposure. Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Minton, 285 Va. 115, 737 S.E.2d 16 (2013)
  • Obtained reversal of decision striking down water and sewer rates that town charged to out-of-town customers; won final judgment in favor of town. Town of Leesburg v. Giordano, 280 Va. 597, 701 S.E.2d 783 (2010)
  • In question of first impression, obtained dismissal of domestic relations appeal based upon terms of property settlement agreement, which waived the right of appeal. Burke v. Burke, 52 Va. App. 183, 662 S.E.2d 622 (2008)
  • Obtained reversal of award of writ of mandamus against municipal land development official in subdivision application case. Umstattd v. Centex Homes, G.P., 274 Va. 541, 650 S.E.2d 527 (2007)
  • Secured affirmance of compensatory and punitive damages awards for breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, and conspiracy. Banks v. Mario Industries of Virginia, Inc., 274 Va. 438, 650 S.E.2d 687 (2007)
  • Successfully represented an individual in a premises liability case involving a question of first impression. Taboada v. Daly Seven, Inc., 271 Va. 313, 626 S.E.2d 428 (2006), adhered to on rehearing, 641 S.E.2d 68 (2007)
  • Obtained a new trial on damages for injured plaintiff in a medical malpractice case. Monahan v. Obici Medical Management Services, 271 Va. 621, 628 S.E.2d 330 (2006)
  • Successfully defended decision of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission awarding attendant care benefits for employee who lost both arms in an industrial accident and assessing a large award of attorneys fees against opposing party. Virginia Polytechnic Institute v. Posada, 47 Va. App. 150, 622 S.E.2d 762 (2005)
  • Obtained reversal of summary judgment in federal court negligence case. Blair v. Defender Services, 386 F.3d 623 (4th Cir. 2004)
  • Successfully defended compensatory and punitive damages jury verdict in malicious prosecution case. Stamathis v. Flying J, Inc., 389 F.3d 429 (4th Cir. 2004)
  • Obtained reversal of summary judgment in state malicious prosecution case representing chairman of a school board. Andrews v. Ring, 266 Va. 311, 585 S.E.2d 780 (2003)
  • Successful defense of jury verdict in a construction case interpreting statutory warranty for new dwellings. Vaughn, Inc. v. Beck, 262 Va. 673, 554 S.E.2d 88 (2001)
  • Successfully defended federal court’s dismissal of First Amendment constitutional challenge in voting rights case. Jordahl v. Democratic Party of Virginia, 122 F.3d 192 (4th Cir. 1997), cert. denied, 522 U.S. 1077 (1998)

Administration & Litigation

  • Represent medical providers, including physicians, veterinarians, dentists, chiropractors and nurse practitioners in disciplinary and licensure matters before the Virginia Department of Health Professions
  • Represent physicians in obtaining restoration of Virginia medical licenses

Affiliations

  • Boyd-Graves Conference: Chair (2024); Secretary (2022-2024); Steering Committee Member (2016-present); Member (2011-present)
  • Member, Advisory Committee on Rules of Court (2024-present)
  • Member, Virginia Poverty Law Center Advisory Council (2022-present)
  • Member, Virginia Trial Lawyers Foundation Board (2022-present)
  • Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors (2023-present)
  • Member, Judicial Council of Virginia (2013-2023)
  • The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Council (2009-2023), Chair (2019-2021), Past-Chair (2022-2023)
  • Chair, Appellate Committee of the Virginia State Bar Litigation Section (2009-2019)
  • Fourth Circuit Rules Advisory Committee; Chair (2017-2018), Virginia Representative (2013-2017)
  • Member, Virginia Model Jury Instruction Committee (2012-2020)
  • Board of Directors, The Harvest Foundation (2015-2023)
  • Member, Special Committee to Study Appellate Mediation in Virginia
  • Member, American National Bankshares, Inc., Virginia State Banking Board (2019-2023)
  • Board of Trustees, Virginia Museum of Natural History (2009-2019)
  • Member, Virginia Workers’ Compensation American Inn of Court (2015-2023)
  • Member, Virginia State Bar Professionalism Course Faculty (2013-2016)
  • Member, Blue Ridge Regional Library Board (2007-2011)
  • American Heart Association Roanoke “Go Red for Women” Luncheon; Chair (2017-2018), Co-chair (2016-2017)
  • Board of Governors, The Virginia Bar Association (2011-2014)
  • Board of Directors, Virginia Law Foundation (2005-2011)
  • Member, The Ted Dalton American Inn of Court (2003-2012); Secretary (2007-2012)
  • Chair, Committee on Federal Judgeships, Western District, Virginia Bar Association (2004-2008, 2015-present)
  • Member, Nominating Committee, The Virginia Bar Association (2004); Membership Committee (2003-2005)
  • Board of Directors, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys (2001-04)
  • Co-Chair, Judicial Screening Committee, Virginia Women Attorneys Association (2001-03)
  • Member, Board of Trustees, Adult Care Center (1999-04)
  • Executive Committee, Young Lawyers Division, Virginia Bar Association (1998-02)
  • President, William & Mary Law School Association (2000-01)
  • Law Clerk to the Honorable Lawrence L. Koontz, Jr., Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Virginia (1991-93)

Awards

  • Recipient of the William & Mary Law School Edmund Randolph Award for Excellence in Oral Advocacy (2023)
  • “Leading Individual” by Chambers and Partners USA (2021-2024), Band 1, Litigation: Appellate (Virginia)
  • “Leading Individual” by Chambers and Partners USA (2017-2024), Band 1, Litigation: Commercial (Virginia)
  • Named a “Go To Lawyer for Appellate” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2023)
  • “Roanoke Lawyer of the Year for Appellate Law” (2020 & 2025) by Best Lawyers in America
  • Recipient of the Gentry Locke J. Rudy Austin Pro Bono Service Award (2023)
  • “Virginia Business Power 500” (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
  • “Virginia Business Women of Leadership” (2021)
  • “Circle of Excellence” Honoree by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2024)
  • Peer rated “AV/Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (AAAL, inducted 2015)
  • Fellow, American Bar Association (inducted 2013)
  • Fellow, Roanoke Law Foundation (inducted 2013)
  • Fellow, Virginia Law Foundation (inducted 2011)
  • Virginia State Bar Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Course Faculty (2013-2016)
  • Benchmark Appellate Local Litigation Star (2013)
  • 2013 Class of “Influential Women of Virginia” by Virginia Lawyers Media
  • Named one of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Appellate Law (2009-2025)
  • Named to Virginia Super Lawyers for Appellate Law in Super Lawyers magazine (2010-2025), listed in Virginia Super Lawyers Top 100 in Virginia (2013-2025), listed in Virginia Super Lawyers Top 50 Women in Virginia (2015-2025), listed in Virginia Super Lawyers Top 10 in Virginia (2019-2025), named to Super Lawyers Business Edition US in the area of Appellate Law (2012-2014), and previously was a Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star (2007)
  • Designated one of the “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine for Appellate Law (2011-2024)
  • Named a “Legal Eagle” for Appellate Practice by Virginia Living magazine (2012, 2015)
  • Named a “Leaders in the Law” honoree by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2006)
  • Sandra P. Thompson Award (formerly the Fellows Award), Young Lawyers Division, Virginia Bar Association (2003)
  • Best Appellate Advocate, First Place Team, and Best Brief, 1991 National Moot Court Competition
  • Monday, Monica
  • award

Published Work

  • Appeals of Right are Coming to Virginia, The Virginia Bar Association Journal, Vol. XLVIII, Number 2 (Fall 2021).
  • Interview with the Honorable Marla Graff Decker, The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section, On Appeal, Vol. VI, Number 1 (Spring 2021).
  • Drawing Jurisdictional Lines: New Virginia Rules 1:1B and 1:1C, The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section, On Appeal, Vol. V, Number 1 (Spring 2020).
  • Appellate Mediation in Virginia, The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section, On Appeal, Vol. V Number 1 (Spring 2020).
  • Appellate Mediation Comes to Virginia, Virginia Lawyer, Volume 67, No. 3 (October 2018).
  • New Rules for Appeal Bonds and Suspending Bonds, The Journal of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Vol 26, Number 4 (2017).
  • Confessions of an Oral Argument Junkie, The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section, On Appeal, Vol IV, Number 1 (Fall 2015).
  • Drafting Good Assignments of Error, VTLAppeal Volume 1 (2012).
  • Lessons from the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2010 on Preserving Error and Rule 5:25, The Virginia Bar Association Appellate Practice Section, On Appeal, Vol. II No. 1 (Summer 2011).
  • Editorial Board, The Revised Appellate Handbook on Appellate Advocacy in the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, 2011 Edition, Litigation Section of the Virginia State Bar.
  • Co-author, Something Old, Something New: The Partial Final Judgment Rule, VSB Litigation News, Volume XV Number III (Fall 2010).
  • Co-author, Thoughts on Trying Construction Cases: An Appellate Perspective, Virginia State Bar Construction Law and Public Contracts News, Issue No. 56 (Spring 2010).
  • You May Need to Object Twice…What “A Few Good Men” Taught Us About Preserving Error of Appeal, Virginia State Bar Litigation News (Winter 2005).
Monica Monday Fullbody Photo
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