Friday, May 9th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (May 9, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that 12 of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2025 Virginia Super Lawyers® list and eight attorneys have been named to the 2025 Virginia Rising Stars list.
Additionally, for the seventh consecutive year, Monica Monday, Head of Gentry Locke’s Appeals & Critical Issues practice, has been named to all three of the publication’s “Top Lists,” including the “Top 100 in Virginia,” the “Top 50 Women in Virginia,” and she is ranked number two on the “Top 10 in Virginia.” Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner Brett Marston has also been named to the “Top 100 in Virginia” list for the 13th consecutive year.
The 12 Gentry Locke attorneys included in the 2025 edition of Virginia Super Lawyers are:
The eight Gentry Locke attorneys selected to the 2025 edition of Virginia Rising Stars are:
Only the top 5% of lawyers in Virginia are named to the Virginia Super Lawyers list. No more than 2.5% of lawyers in these states are selected to the Virginia Rising Stars list and must be 40 years old or younger or have been in practice for 10 or fewer years. Published by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers determines its rankings through independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. The full methodology is available here.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, April 15th, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. (April 15, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that John Danyluk has been named by Virginia Lawyers Weekly a 2025 Go To Lawyer for Cybersecurity/Data Privacy.
Now in its 5th year, the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Go To Lawyers program recognizes top lawyers in a particular field of law. Nominees were selected using six criteria, including those who experience a record of success, a lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals and someone who can think creatively, among other characteristics.
“John is an exceptional attorney whose dedication and hard work has strengthened our Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice at the firm. This recognition reflects John’s leadership and depth of experience in this critical space,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston.
Danyluk specializes in helping clients avoid government scrutiny through compliance. John conducts internal investigations for organizations of all sizes to identify exposure areas and provide proactive compliance guidance to protect those clients from future litigation or criminal prosecution.
Danyluk’s compliance practice focuses largely on two highly regulated areas: data privacy and government contracting. An expert in data privacy and cybersecurity, John is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/U.S.) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and guides clients through complex and evolving data privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations, including data breach responses.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, April 7th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (April 7, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that W. David Paxton, a partner in the firm’s Employment & Labor practice group, has been selected as a member of the Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The award recognizes Virginia’s most significant senior lawyers.
“David is a tremendous lawyer. He has handled a stunningly broad range of cases in the employment realm, demonstrating his vast legal knowledge and skill,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “David has helped countless clients over his distinguished career and has earned his spot in the Hall of Fame.”
Paxton 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 noncomplete agreements, and represents parties in litigation involving claims of breach of contract, unfair competition and trade secrets.
Paxton serves as the key contact for the firm’s Chambers’ rated Labor & Employment Practice Group team, and has been a leader in ALFA International, the premier global legal network since 1988. He is a frequent guest speaker at national and regional employment law seminars and has consistently been named to Best Lawyers in America for Labor & Employment law since 2001. In 2021, David was named by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as one of Virginia’s “Go To Lawyers for Employment Law.”
Membership in the Hall of Fame is reserved for Virginia lawyers who are 60 years of age and older. Inclusion is determined by career accomplishments, contributions to the development of the law in Virginia, to the bar, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and efforts to improve the quality of justice in Virginia.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, April 1st, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (April 1, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is proud to announce its recognition as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Virginia by Virginia Business. This prestigious honor underscores the firm’s steadfast dedication to cultivating an exceptional workplace culture and delivering outstanding legal services to its clients.
Now in its 15th year, the Virginia Business Best Places to Work in Virginia list is compiled in collaboration with Pennsylvania-based Best Companies Group. The program evaluates employers through a comprehensive process, including anonymous employee surveys and an analysis of workplace policies and practices. This recognition highlights organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, engagement, and a healthy work-life balance—values that are fundamental to Gentry Locke’s success. The full list of honorees is available here.
“Being named among the Best Places to Work in Virginia is a reflection of our incredible team and the collaborative, supportive environment we’ve built together,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “We believe that empowering our employees directly enhances the level of service we provide to our clients. Our core values—professional, teamwork, skillful, innovative, and committed—guide everything we do.”
Gentry Locke has a longstanding history of excellence. In November 2024, the firm was included in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning 29 metropolitan rankings, including 17 Tier 1 rankings. Additionally, 35 of the firm’s attorneys were recognized in the Best Lawyers® 2025 lists. Gentry Locke was also named to the inaugural 2023 Best Places to Work: Law Firms list, published by the Business of Law Digest in partnership with Best Companies Group, recognizing 28 law firms nationwide for prioritizing employee well-being and fostering positive work environments.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, March 10th, 2025
RICHMOND, VA. (March 10, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Emily S. Mordecai has been recognized as one of Virginia Business’ inaugural statewide Forty Under 40 honorees. Honorees were selected by the editorial team of Virginia Business based on their professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change.
The honorees will be recognized on May 12th at a celebration at the Westin in Richmond, Virginia. A list of all the winners can be found here.
“Emily is a standout lawyer who consistently exemplifies excellence in all facets of her practice,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “I am confident that she will continue to thrive, inspire others, and make meaningful contributions to the legal profession throughout her career.”
Mordecai is a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation team. Her experience spans nearly every phase of the litigation-focused practice, from pre-litigation counseling through trial and appeal. Her subject-matter experience ranges from complex commercial disputes to product liability and personal injury cases to nationwide employment class actions.
Mordecai maintains an active pro bono practice and actively participates in community outreach as she is on the Executive Committee for the Richmond Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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.
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (February 26, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Mike Finney has been named by Virginia Lawyers Weekly a 2025 Go To Lawyer for Business Litigation.
Now in its 5th year, the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Go To Lawyers program recognizes top lawyers in a particular field of law. Nominees were selected using six criteria, including those who experience a record of success, a lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals and someone who can think creatively, among other characteristics.
“Michael is a trusted advocate for his clients, a mentor to our attorneys, and an invaluable leader in our litigation practice. His integrity and character are truly remarkable, both professionally and civically.” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston.
Mike Finney is the Litigation Section Leader at the firm and has built a reputation for success in complex litigation and appeals. Michael’s accomplishments include serving as lead appellate counsel in United States ex rel. Arven et al. v. Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, where he helped secure a $51 million settlement in a False Claims Act case. He also represented the appellant in Pegasystems Inc. v. Appian Corporation, a high-stakes trade secrets dispute concerning a $2 billion judgment, which was Virginia’s largest jury verdict reversed. His extensive litigation experience spans industries and legal disciplines, from defending major companies in contract disputes to representing whistleblowers in landmark fraud cases.
The full list of winners can be found on Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s website, here.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, February 10th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (February 10, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Frank M. Clay has joined the firm’s Roanoke office as an associate in the Plaintiff Group.
“We are happy to welcome Frank to our Plaintiff team,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His experience, military background, and commitment to justice makes him a formidable advocate for our clients.”
Frank focuses his practice on catastrophic loss matters including personal injury and medical malpractice. His legal career is rooted in service. Prior to joining the firm, he proudly served in the United States Army as a paralegal. In this role, he participated in numerous Courts-Martial and Administrative Separation Hearings and advised military commanders on a range of legal matters. Frank also served as a Law Clerk for the Virginia Beach Circuit Court judges, an Extern for the Honorable D. Arthur Kelsey in the Supreme Court of Virginia, and an Intern for Judge April C. Wood in the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Frank earned his J.D. from Regent University School of Law where he was selected as staff editor for the Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy and was as an associate on the Trial Advocacy Board.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, February 3rd, 2025
ROANOKE/LYNCHBURG, Va. (February 3, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce the firm’s Executive Board for 2025:
As Gentry Locke moves into 2025, its executive leadership team remains strong and unchanged, continuing to guide the firm with the same commitment to excellence. “Our dedication to providing extraordinary client service remains at the core of everything we do. We are proud to continue on our mission to be Virginia’s leading law firm, always focused on delivering exceptional results for our clients, while upholding the values that have made us trusted partners in the legal community,” said Managing Partner Brett Marston. “I also want to thank each of our partners who have dedicated time and leadership at not only the executive level, but also within our litigation and commercial sections, and the practice groups that are a part of those sections. As a result of their hard work, the firm was able to achieve many of the goals it set for 2024 and is poised for sustained success into the future.”
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, February 3rd, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (February 3, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is excited to launch its High-Asset Divorce and Wealth Protection Practice. This practice will meet the growing demand for sophisticated legal counsel tailored to high-net-worth individuals and families navigating complex family law matters.
“We see an increasing demand among our existing clients and others in the communities we serve in Virginia, for sophisticated financial and business representation when it comes to high-stakes domestic relation events. This practice reflects our commitment to evolve with our clients’ needs by providing comprehensive legal solutions during critical moments in their lives,” said K. Brett Marston, Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner. “Scott is a super-talented attorney with years of experience handling complicated civil matters. He has assembled a team within Gentry Locke that will provide extraordinary client service to those in need.”
This practice group ensures that business owners, executives, and other high-net-worth individuals have access to legal services that prioritize both their financial security and their personal well-being. Attorney Scott Austin who has handled complicated, civil litigation for over two decades, will lead this Domestic Relations practice group. To learn more, visit the practice page here.
About Gentry Locke
With over 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, January 28th, 2025
Richmond, Va. (January 23, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Richmond partner Carlos L. Hopkins has been inducted into the Virginia Law Foundation Fellows Class of 2025. Inductees were formally honored at the Virginia Law Foundation’s annual dinner on January 23rd at the Williamsburg Lodge.
The Virginia Law Foundation is the charitable arm of the Virginia Bar Association. Fellows are recognized as leaders in the profession, both in their practices and their communities. They comprise a group of nearly 500 of the best and brightest legal practitioners who are committed to the highest ideals of the law and to the concept of citizen lawyers. Fellows are nominated confidentially by their peers.
“We congratulate Carlos on this prestigious distinction, and are grateful for the example he sets through his many contributions to Gentry Locke, the bar, and our community,” said firm Managing Partner K. Brett Marston.
Hopkins is a partner in both Gentry Locke’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance and Government & Regulatory Affairs practice groups. Carlos previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs where he was the state’s top official for coordinating resources to support Virginia’s veteran community. Carlos was also appointed by former Governor Terence R. McAuliffe in 2014 to serve on the Governor’s Cabinet as Counsel to the Governor. At Gentry Locke, Carlos combines his criminal and civil litigation experience and Virginia-government experience to help clients navigate their most significant litigation, regulatory, and government-facing challenges.
Hopkins joins a group of current and former Gentry Locke attorneys who have been inducted as Fellows, including: Managing Partner K. Brett Marston (Class of 2019); Partner Chip (John G.) Dicks (Class of 2020); Partner Thomas J. Bondurant, Jr. (Class of 2015); Partner W. David Paxton (Class of 2014); Partner Bruce C. Stockburger (Class of 2013); Partner Glenn W. Pulley (Class of 2012); Partner Monica Taylor Monday (Class of 2011); Partner G. Franklin Flippin (Class of 2000); Retired Partner J. Rudy Austin (Class of 1995); Senior Counsel William R. Rakes (Class of 1993) and Senior Counsel S.D. Roberts Moore (Class of 1989).
About Gentry Locke
With over 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.
