Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (December 2, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that 26 attorneys have been named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2025 Legal Elite list.
The list is determined by peer votes and is divided into 21 legal specialties. The Gentry Locke attorneys recognized in the 2025 Legal Elite list and the areas in which they are recognized include:
Virginia Business magazine polls attorneys each year, contacting more than 14,000 attorneys in 2025, asking them to select which of their peers are the top attorneys in each practice category. The full list of 2025 Legal Elite honorees is available here.
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.
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
NORFOLK, Va. (December 1, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that former Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent and Counsel, Michael S. Gulland, has joined the firm’s Government and Regulatory Affairs and White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practices as a partner.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the firm and our growing Norfolk office,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His extensive experience as an FBI executive-level attorney and federal law enforcement officer, combined with his proven litigation and investigative skills, uniquely positions him to advise clients navigating complex criminal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Mike’s depth of trial experience and his strategic approach to investigations and risk mitigation will make him a tremendous asset to our team and the clients we serve.
Prior to joining Gentry Locke, Gulland spent nearly 14 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), most recently serving as Chief Legal Counsel and Supervisory Special Agent for the FBI’s Norfolk Division. In this role, he advised on a broad range of operational, cyber, intelligence, policy, ethical, and employment matters. He also represented the interests of the federal government and the U.S. Department of Justice in civil litigation involving the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), Bivens, EEOC, and ADA claims. Before his tenure with the FBI, Gulland practiced nearly a decade as a civil litigator in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois.
As a member of the firm’s Government and Regulatory Affairs and White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practices, Gulland will counsel corporations, executives, and professionals in matters involving government investigations, regulatory enforcement, internal compliance reviews, and risk management. He is highly experienced in providing ethical and compliance-based advice, managing investigations, and developing effective risk mitigation strategies.
Gulland received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia. He is admitted to practice before the United States Courts of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the D.C. Circuit, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and in the states of Virginia and Illinois.
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.
Monday, November 24th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (November 24, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Managing Partner K. Brett Marston has been selected for inclusion in Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Managing Partner Spotlight, which honors law firm leaders across the Commonwealth who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and service to both their firms and the broader legal community.
Virginia Lawyers Weekly emphasizes that while attorneys are natural leaders, it takes a unique skill set to lead other attorneys successfully. This year’s Spotlight highlights managing partners who not only shape firm strategy and vision but also remain actively engaged in practice, advising clients, handling matters directly, and overseeing the day-to-day needs of firm operations.
In addition to guiding Gentry Locke’s strategic growth and direction, Marston maintains a highly respected legal practice focused on construction, commercial, and business litigation. His leadership is marked by integrity, mentorship, client service, and thoughtful long-range planning. These attributes have been essential to the firm’s statewide expansion and sustained success.
“We are proud to see Brett recognized in this distinguished group of legal leaders,” said Monica Taylor Monday, Chair of Gentry Locke’s Executive Board. “He exemplifies what it means to lead by example, both in protecting our clients’ interests and in shaping the firm’s future.”
In addition to serving as Managing Partner of Gentry Locke, he is the current President of the Virginia State Bar. His bar service spans many years, with numerous leadership roles, including his present position as chair of the bar’s executive committee and his prior service on the budget and finance committee.
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.
Monday, November 17th, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. (November 17, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Carlos L. Hopkins, a partner in the firm’s Government & Regulatory Affairs and White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice groups, has been appointed to two major statewide leadership roles. Hopkins has been selected to serve as Co-Chair of the Veterans & Defense Affairs Policy Committee on Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger’s United for Virginia’s Future transition team and has also been elected to serve as a Co-Chair on Attorney General-Elect Jay Jones’ Standing Up for Virginians transition team.
Governor-Elect Spanberger announced the formation of her transition team’s policy committees, each focused on preparing the new administration to deliver on its priorities of lowering costs, strengthening Virginia’s economy, enhancing public safety, and creating opportunities for future generations. As Co-Chair of the Veterans & Defense Affairs Policy Committee, Hopkins will help shape strategic recommendations to support Virginia’s veterans, service members, and defense-related initiatives statewide.
Attorney General-Elect Jay Jones also announced the Co-Chairs of his transition team. The group consists of distinguished leaders across the Commonwealth who share a commitment to public service, public safety, and protecting the well-being and rights of all Virginians. As a Co-Chair, Hopkins will help guide the Attorney General-Elect’s preparations to take office, supporting efforts to keep communities safe, protect Virginia jobs, and uphold fundamental rights.
“Carlos’ dedication to public service and his depth of experience make him uniquely qualified for these leadership roles,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “We are honored to see him contribute his insight and expertise to both the Governor-Elect’s and Attorney General-Elect’s transition teams. His service will help guide the Commonwealth forward during this transition.”
Hopkins brings a lifetime of high-level public service experience to these roles. He previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, where he oversaw statewide programs and resources serving veterans, service members, and their families. In 2014, former Governor Terence R. McAuliffe appointed Hopkins to the Governor’s Cabinet as Counsel to the Governor, where he advised on legal, policy, and legislative matters of statewide importance.
At Gentry Locke, Hopkins combines his criminal and civil litigation background with deep Virginia government experience to help clients navigate significant litigation, regulatory issues, and government-facing challenges. He is also an integral member of Gentry Locke Consulting, a full-service legislative and public affairs, strategic communications, and consulting firm. The group partners with clients across the Commonwealth to navigate government processes, shape policy, and make meaningful, positive change throughout 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.
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (November 6, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm received 32 metropolitan rankings, including 17 Tier 1 rankings.
The firm’s full list of metropolitan rankings can be found below.
Metropolitan Tier 1
|
Metropolitan Tier 2
|
Metropolitan Tier 3
|
Roanoke
- Appellate Practice
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- Employment Law – Management
- Financial Services Regulation Law
- Litigation – Construction
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Litigation – Municipal
- Tax Law
- Trust and Estates
Richmond
- Construction Law
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Litigation – Construction
Norfolk
|
Roanoke
- Banking and Finance Law
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Employment Law – Individuals
- Labor Law – Management
- Litigation – Intellectual Property
- Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Real Estate Law
Richmond
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Real Estate Law
|
Roanoke
- Insurance Law
- Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Richmond
- Administrative / Regulatory Law
|
The Best Law Firms rankings are based on an evaluation process that includes the collection of clients and professional reference evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, industry leader interviews and review of additional highlights provided by law firms as part of the formal research submission process. Practice area rankings are produced both nationally and within 188 metropolitan areas across the United States, with the 16th edition of Best Law Firms covering 75 national practice areas and 127 practice areas on the metropolitan lists.
The full methodology is available on the Best Law Firms website.
About Gentry Locke
With 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, 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.
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Norfolk, Va. (October 21, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole K. Pasho as an associate in its General Commercial group. Pasho joins the firm’s Norfolk office on the Real Estate, Land Use, and Zoning team, where she will focus her practice on land use and zoning matters, while also supporting the firm’s real estate and solar energy team.
Prior to joining Gentry Locke, Nicole was a litigation associate with Poole Brooke Plumlee PC in Virginia Beach, where she concentrated on land use, zoning, and property law.
“Nicole’s background in complex zoning and development matters will further strengthen our ability to help clients bring their land use and energy projects to life across Virginia,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “She is an excellent addition to both our Land Use team and the Norfolk office.”
Pasho earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School and her bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in Indiana.
About Gentry Locke
With 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, 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.
Monday, October 13th, 2025
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.
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
Experienced Fortune 500 General Counsel brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across legal, governance, HR, and enterprise risk management to the firm.
Roanoke, Va. (October 8, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Tammy M. Finley, a distinguished executive with more than 25 years of multidisciplinary legal and leadership experience, has joined the firm. Finley will bring her proven record of legal strategy, executive leadership, and enterprise transformation to support the firm’s continued growth and client-service excellence.
“We are thrilled to add Tammy to the firm’s roster of attorneys,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “Her unique combination of legal expertise, business acumen, and corporate governance will be invaluable to our clients and to our leadership team as we continue to evolve in today’s fast-changing legal and business landscape.”
As Chief Human Resources Officer and General Counsel/Corporate Secretary at Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), Finley played an instrumental role in the company’s evolution from a regional, private-equity-backed retailer to a $10B+ publicly traded omnichannel organization. She led multiple critical functions—including HR, legal and compliance, risk management, and communications—at various points during AAP’s rapid organic expansion and 10+ strategic acquisitions. Known for building high-performance teams, Finley helped steer the company through complex integrations, multiple leadership transitions, and significant legal and regulatory matters.
Finley also brings extensive board governance experience, having advised AAP’s board of directors for over 10 years. Finley also served approximately six years as an independent director for American National Bankshares Inc. (NASDAQ: AMNB), where she chaired both the Risk and Technology Committees. Her deep understanding of corporate governance, strategic planning, director selection and onboarding, and activist investor engagement has made her a sought-after advisor on both public and private boards.
In addition to her corporate roles, Finley remains an active leader in civic and educational initiatives, serving on the boards of Hotel Roanoke LLC, Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, and the Taubman Museum of Art. Her previous leadership roles include board service with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, LewisGale Medical Center (HCA Healthcare), and the Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional Business Council.
Finley began her career as a labor and employment attorney with the Center for Employment Law PLC and clerked for the Virginia Supreme Court. She holds a J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary and a B.A. from Virginia Tech.
With Finley’s appointment, Gentry Locke strengthens its commitment to delivering not only excellent client service and top-tier legal services, but also strategic counsel grounded in decades of real-world executive and governance experience.
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, and Richmond, 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.
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Roanoke, Va. (September 18, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce the addition of Bryan E. Stokke as an associate in its Commercial Litigation group. Stokke joins the firm’s Roanoke office and brings experience in both state and federal courts.
Prior to joining Gentry Locke, Bryan served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Virginia’s 23rd Judicial Circuit, covering Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and the City of Salem. He also gained practical legal experience through internships with the Virginia Court of Appeals and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
“Bryan’s experience as a judicial clerk and his hands-on work with appellate, state, and federal courts will make him a strong asset to our Commercial Litigation group,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston.
Stokke will concentrate his practice on business litigation, construction matters, and issues involving the heavy-duty towing and recovery industry. Before pursuing a career in law, Bryan spent nearly five years in the transportation sector, where he specialized in Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration compliance.
About Gentry Locke
With 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, 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.
Monday, September 15th, 2025
Roanoke, Va. (September 15, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce the launch of the Gentry Locke Cup. The Gentry Locke Cup is a spirited new athletic competition among four schools in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), each representing one of the four markets served by Gentry Locke: Roanoke, Lynchburg, Richmond, and Norfolk. The participating schools include:
Through the competition season, teams from each school will go head-to-head across a variety of sports. Points will be awarded based on results: two points for a win and one point for a tie. The school with the highest cumulative score at the end of the season will be awarded the Gentry Locke Cup.
In addition to bragging rights, the winning school will also receive a scholarship contribution from Gentry Locke, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to supporting higher education and the communities in which we serve.
“The Gentry Locke Cup is about more than competition, it’s about celebrating the incredible talent, spirit, and community engagement these schools represent,” said John Scheib, Partner at Gentry Locke. “We are excited to create a tradition that not only fosters friendly rivalry but also invests directly in the futures of students and the schools involved.”
For more information, and to keep up with the year-long competition, please visit: gentrylocke.com/thegentrylockecup
About Gentry Locke
With 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, 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.
