Monday, June 23rd, 2025
NORFOLK, Va. (June 23, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Paul Hawkins has joined the firm as a partner in our Norfolk office on the General Commercial team. Paul brings extensive experience in government contracting, with a focus on advising clients on a wide array of compliance and other legal issues unique to government contractors.
“We are pleased to have Paul join our growing Norfolk office,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His practice and experience expands our capabilities in the Hampton Roads region and will be a tremendous asset to our clients and the firm.”
Hawkins practice spans a broad range of services designed to support businesses at every stage of growth, with particular emphasis on the unique needs of government contractors. He advises clients on corporate formation and governance, including structures tailored for government contracting needs. His experience includes guiding clients through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning, as well as structuring joint ventures and partnerships, including those under the SBA All-Small Mentor-Protégé Program.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Hawkins served on active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer and continues to serve in the Navy Reserve. Prior to joining Gentry Locke, he was a partner at a boutique firm focused on government contracting and construction, where he developed a strong reputation for solving complex regulatory challenges and helping contractors compete and grow in a dynamic marketplace.
Hawkins earned his J.D. from William & Mary Law School and holds a B.S. from East Carolina University.
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.
Friday, June 13th, 2025
ROANOKE, VA. (June 13, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Jonathan D. Puvak was sworn in as President of the Roanoke Bar Association at the association’s 100th Annual Meeting. Alicha M. Grubb was also recognized as the Roanoke Bar Association’s Young Lawyer of the Year, which recognizes an outstanding young lawyer who has demonstrated dedicated services to our community and the profession. This marks the 18th attorney from Gentry Locke that has served as President of the RBA.
“Jon continues to demonstrate strong leadership in the local bar community, and we’re proud that Gentry Locke remains well represented in the leadership of the Roanoke Bar Association,” said Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner Brett Marston. “His dedication to service and commitment to the legal profession reflect the values we strive to uphold as a firm.”
Puvak is a member of Gentry Locke’s General Commercial group and serves on the Executive Board. He advises business organizations and governmental entities concerning commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and land use, and corporate governance matters. Jon regularly works with public and closely held entities to assist with their corporate governance and contract needs.
Jon has been a long-standing member of the Roanoke Bar Association. He has also served as a Barrister Book Buddy since 2015. Jon has been recognized for his service to the Virginia State Bar as well as the Virginia Bar Association.
Grubb is a member of Gentry Locke’s Commercial Litigation and Construction groups. She handles a variety of commercial litigation matters, including construction matters related to contract negotiations, payment disputes, mechanic’s liens, construction defects, and delay claims for owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals. Alicha is also one of the only attorneys in the Commonwealth who represents heavy-duty towing and recovery companies related to highway clean up in connection with VDOT programs.
“Alicha is an exceptional attorney who demonstrates excellence in every aspect of her work,” said Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner Brett Marston. “I have no doubt she will continue to excel, motivate those around her, and leave a lasting impact throughout our legal profession.”
Alicha has been a part of the Virginia Bar Associations’ Young Lawyers Division Executive Committee for the past three years and is the Young Lawyers Division Chair-Elect. She has been named to the “Up and Coming Lawyers” list by Virginia Lawyers Weekly since 2023, named a “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business for Young Lawyers through 2019 to present, and named a “Rising Star” by Virginia Super Lawyers in 2025.
In the Roanoke community, Alicha serves as Chair of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates, working to expand access to affordable housing and support neighborhood redevelopment. She also leads as President of the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), promoting opportunities for women in the construction industry.
Jon and Alicha were recognized at the Roanoke Bar Association’s Annual Meeting Luncheon on June 10th, 2025. A list of past presidents can be found here and winners can be found here.
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.
Thursday, June 5th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (June 5, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke has been recognized as a leading Virginia firm by Chambers USA in the practice areas of:
- Construction
- Labor & Employment
- General Commercial: Litigation
- White Collar Crime & Government Investigations: Litigation
The firms White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice is one of only two firms in Virginia ranked by Chambers USA in the top tier, Band 1. Leaders of the practice, Thomas J. Bondurant, Jr. and Erin M. Harrigan, are also both ranked in Band 1. John G. Danyluk has been recognized as an Up & Coming Attorney.
Chair of Gentry Locke’s Executive Board, Monica Taylor Monday is a part of the firms Commercial Litigation team where she leads the firms Appeals & Critical Issues practice. Monday was recognized in Band 1 in the areas of Appellate: Litigation and General Commercial: Litigation. The firms Commercial Litigation practice is ranked in Band 3 for General Commercial.
Gentry Locke’s Managing Partner, K. Brett Marston, and Spencer M. Wiegard, Chair of the firm’s Construction practice, were both ranked in Band 4. The Construction group is also ranked in Band 4.
The firms Employment & Labor group was recognized in Band 3.
Chambers USA ranks leading firms and lawyers in a variety of practice areas. Its rankings are based on a rigorous and thorough process that includes peer and client research. The Chambers rankings are used by companies and firms throughout the world.
Chambers ranks individual lawyers in their practice areas based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service. Law firms and their departments are ranked based on their technical legal ability, expertise, and experience specific to the practice area and jurisdiction, client service, the depth of the team, commercial vision and business understanding, diligence and value for the money.
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.
Thursday, June 5th, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (June 5, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Joshua Justus has joined the firm as an associate in our Roanoke office on the General Commercial team. He will focus on corporate and real estate matters for the firm.
“We are pleased to have Joshua join our Roanoke office,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “He will be a great addition to our growing General Commercial practice, and we are excited to see him begin his legal career at Gentry Locke.”
Justus will focus on corporate, real estate matters, and mergers/acquisitions. In addition to his established practice areas, Joshua will expand his scope and knowledge in the field of bankruptcy and creditor’s rights.
Joshua earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law where he was the Editor of the German Law Journal, member of the American Constitutional Society, and member of the Business Law Association. He graduated with his B.A. from the University of Virginia.
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.
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
ROANOKE, Va. (May 21, 2025) Gentry Locke is pleased to welcome five talented law students—Emily Downey, Paige Hathaway, John Hasson, Kayla Thomas, and Jennifer Treadway—as Summer Associates for the 2025 program. These future attorneys bring diverse academic backgrounds, intellectual curiosity, and a shared commitment to excellence in the legal field.
Downey is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Richmond School of Law. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Theatre Performance from the College of Charleston, merging analytical rigor with creative thinking in her approach to legal studies.
Hathaway is also attending the University of Richmond School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Liberty University, where she honed her skills in writing, research, and argumentation—core strengths for a future litigator or legal writer.
Hasson is studying at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy from the University of Dallas, Constantin College of Liberal Arts. His classical liberal arts education equips him with a deep understanding of legal theory and principled advocacy.
Thomas is pursuing her J.D. at the University of Richmond School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, providing her with a solid foundation in government systems, historical context, and policy analysis.
Treadway is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Roanoke College, where she developed a passion for legal history, civic institutions, and evidence-based reasoning.
“We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of summer associates,” said Managing Partner K. Brett Marston. “Their diverse academic experiences and dedication to the legal profession will be a tremendous asset to our firm this summer. We look forward to supporting their growth as future leaders in the legal field.”
Gentry Locke’s Summer Associate Program offers immersive legal training and mentorship through substantive assignments, client interaction, and collaboration with attorneys across various practice areas throughout the Commonwealth. The program reflects the firm’s commitment to fostering future legal talent and providing meaningful early-career experience.
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, May 12th, 2025
ROANOKE/RICHMOND, Va. (May 12, 2025) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that David A. Johnson and Matthew W. O’Toole have joined the firm as associates in our Roanoke and Richmond offices, respectively.
“We are pleased to welcome this exceptional duo of young attorneys to our Roanoke and Richmond offices,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston. “They each bring unique experiences and enthusiasm to the firm, and we are excited to see them begin their legal careers at Gentry Locke.”
Johnson is joining the firm’s Roanoke office as a member of the Civil Defense Litigation Practice Group. David will be handling workers compensation matters for the firm. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in the Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney. He focused on various types of criminal cases as well as DWI/DUI prosecution. He also previously served in the United States Army. David earned his J.D. at American University Washington College of Law, and his undergraduate at Virginia Tech.
O’Toole joins our Richmond office and is a member of the firm’s General Commercial Practice Group. Matt will be focusing on trusts and estates as well as aiding our corporate team. Prior to joining Gentry Locke, he worked at a local Richmond firm called Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates focusing on estate planning, estate administration and trustee services. Matt is a Richmond native and earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law and received his undergraduate from James Madison University.
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.
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.
