G. Michael Pace, Jr. Recognized as Statewide “Leader in the Law”

G. Michael Pace, Jr., Managing Partner for the Virginia law firm Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, has been recognized as a “Leader in the Law” for 2009 by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Pace is one of only 28 attorneys statewide to be honored with the achievement.

The “Leaders in the Law” award, now in its fourth year, is given annually to attorneys and law professionals who demonstrate significant achievements or contributions to the practice of law in the previous year. The awards “aim to honor the lawyers who are setting the standard for other lawyers.” Pace joins Gentry Locke attorneys Monica T. Monday and William R. Rakes in receiving the award.

Pace has played a key role in launching multiple educational initiatives within the field of law, including a new third year externship curriculum at Washington & Lee University School of Law, created to provide “real-life” experiences to third year law students. As President of The Virginia Bar Association in 2008, he also created the VBA Rule of Law Project, an educational program taught by volunteer citizen lawyers and judges and designed to ensure the teaching of the rule of law to seventh and eighth grade civics students in public and private schools throughout Virginia.

In 2008, Pace received the prestigious Honorary Order of the Coif Award from Washington & Lee University School of Law, given periodically to an alumnus for high attainments in the profession of law and whose efforts reflect well school. He has been named to the Best Lawyers in America® list for seven consecutive years and to Virginia Super Lawyers for three. Virginia Business magazine has designated Pace as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite. Pace is currently chairman of the Roanoke Business Leadership Fund and the Roanoke Business Council. He is also Past Chair of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and Past President of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership.