Gentry Locke Announces Former Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee to Join Its White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance Practice
RICHMOND, Va. (October 13, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that former Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is joining the firm’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice as a partner starting on Monday, October 20th.
“Zach has established himself as a leading chief federal law enforcement officer in Virginia and is known widely in the Western District for his exceptional work on matters involving the investigation and prosecution of all manner of federal criminal offenses,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His decision to join Gentry Locke speaks volumes. He could have chosen to join any firm in the nation, but he selected Gentry Locke because of its strength, reputation, and deep bench in white collar defense.”
Lee has served with distinction in the U.S. Department of Justice since 2005, when he joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. In 2007, he transitioned to the role of Assistant United States Attorney, where he has since led numerous complex prosecutions involving narcotics trafficking, public corruption, firearms offenses, and other serious criminal matters.
Nationally recognized for his integrity, experience, and leadership, Lee is regarded as one of the most respected federal prosecutors in the country. Gentry Locke’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice is also widely recognized for its excellence. The practice, and Chair Tom Bondurant, are both ranked in Band 1 by Chambers USA, the highest possible ranking. Chambers rankings are based on qualities most valued by clients, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment. The addition of Lee further strengthens what is already one of the most exceptional White Collar teams in the country.
“As I make my transition from a career in public service to the private sector, I could think of no firm I’d rather join than Gentry Locke. The quality of the lawyers and staff at Gentry Locke – as professionals and as people – is top notch. And as one of Virginia’s leading law firms, with offices throughout the Commonwealth, Gentry Locke provides the right footprint and platform for my practice as I move into this next phase. I am honored to join their well-regarded White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice and advance the extraordinary reputation that team has already built,” said Lee.
Before his federal service, Lee served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Bristol, Virginia. He also clerked for the Honorable James P. Jones, United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia.
Lee holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in Laramie, Wyoming, and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
About Gentry Locke
With more than 80 lawyers practicing across a range of disciplines, Gentry Locke brings uncommon thinking and deep experience to the legal and business challenges of companies, institutions, organizations and individuals—a commitment the firm has met since 1923. Operating from offices in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Richmond, and Norfolk Virginia, Gentry Locke serves clients in Virginia and across the United States. Meet the firm’s dynamic attorneys and learn more about its fierce drive to achieve success for its clients by exploring our website.
