Gentry Locke Partners Robert E. Evans, Andrew O. Gay, Herschel V. Keller, and W. David Paxton Named to Lynchburg Business 2026 Top Lawyers
LYNCHBURG, Va. (January 13, 2026) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that partners Robert E. Evans, Andrew O. Gay, Herschel V. Keller, and W. David Paxton were named to Lynchburg Business magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers of Greater Lynchburg list. The ranking recognizes the “best of the best” in the region’s legal community. The full list can be viewed here.
“We are proud to celebrate these four outstanding attorneys for being named to Lynchburg Business magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers list,” said Managing Partner, K. Brett Marston. “Their dedication showcases not only their legal excellence, but also highlights their leadership and unwavering commitment to their clients and the community they serve.”
Evans was named for Workers’ Compensation Law. His practice focuses on personal injury, workers compensation, civil litigation, and real estate. Evans has over 40 years of experience. Before joining Gentry Locke, Bob was a sole practitioner in the Lynchburg area for over 38 years.
Gay was named for Construction Law. He is the deputy chair of the firm’s Construction Industry practice group, where he assists clients with construction contracts and resolving construction disputes. He also has experience resolving lien and bond claims, performance disputes, licensing investigations, workplace safety violations, design defects, construction defects, and delay claims. In addition to his construction practice, Andrew also advises clients on an array of general business and real estate matters as well as residential and commercial landlord tenant issues.
Keller was named for Construction Law. He represents businesses, governmental entities, and institutions in Lynchburg and across the Commonwealth through his practice of corporate and business law, commercial construction law litigation, complex contract drafting, and government and regulatory affairs. Herschel heads up Gentry Locke’s Lynchburg office and also services clients in our Richmond office. He is active in the community, including serving on the Virginia Amateur Sports Board of Directors, Lynchburg Business Alliance Legislative Committee, and the Associated General Contractors of Virginia Board of Directors.
Paxton was named for Labor & Employment Law. He advises and represents businesses, business owners, and executives in the areas of labor & employment law, complex litigation and whistleblower claims, and also represents colleges and universities on a broad array of issues. He regularly advises businesses and non-profits in connection with executive compensation, nondisclosure agreements, and noncompete agreements, and represents parties in litigation involving claims of breach of contract, unfair competition and trade secrets.
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.
