Gentry Locke attorneys understand the trucking business. We know that despite the driver shortage, ever-changing regulatory landscape, rising fuel costs, and runaway jury verdicts, motor carriers drive America’s economy. Our trucking defense attorneys work closely with clients on virtually every key issue. We know how to navigate and assist with the Electronic Logging Device (“ELD”) mandate, hours-of-service (“HOS”) rules, Compliance Safety Accountability (“CSA”) scores, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (“FMCSR”)—to name a few. We understand the complex industry issues companies transporting cargo and people face and how legislation governing vehicle operation can impact business operations and liability claims.
In the event of a property damage, cargo loss, personal injury, or wrongful death claim, our skilled transportation attorneys seek to achieve optimal risk management solutions, including negotiating claims to resolution before a lawsuit is even filed. We place special emphasis on early claims evaluation and resolution. Our 24-hour emergency response team ensures clients are protected around the clock.
Gentry Locke is uniquely situated to provide rapid response services statewide in both Virginia and West Virginia. We know statements made in the aftermath of a collision could be the difference between winning and losing a multi-million dollar lawsuit. Assembling key evidence at the outset of a catastrophic event can prevent lawsuits and aid in the expedient resolution of claims. Our experienced, in-house investigator and rapid-response attorneys work to coordinate accident scene investigation, including on-site evaluations, use of expert witnesses to evaluate liability, environmental clean-up procedures, and cargo containment issues. Our in-house registered nurses review and analyze medical records to assist in assessing a claim’s value.
In the event a lawsuit is filed, our transportation attorneys are no strangers to the courtroom. We have substantial state and federal court litigation experience throughout both Virginia and West Virginia and have tried many cases to defense verdicts for transportation clients, before both judge and jury.
We are proud to counsel top-25 truckload carriers, family-owned trucking companies, and individual owner-operators. We represent intra- and interstate motor carriers, private fleet operators, hazardous cargo carriers, and shippers, both directly and through their insurance brokers and carriers. In addition to litigating personal injury, product liability, and class action complaints, we offer assistance to our transportation clients in their day-to-day operations, including, but not limited to, safety regulation compliance, labor and employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, workers’ compensation claims, and overweight citations.
Ashley Winsky, who leads the firm’s Transportation and Trucking Defense practice, is an active member of the American Trucking Association (“ATA”) and the Transportation Lawyers Association (“TLA”). She attends both organizations’ annual conferences, as well as the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Transportation Megaconference and the Arkansas Trucking Seminar. Ashley frequently presents on topics of interest to trucking companies, their insurers, and their lawyers.
Ways We Can Assist:
Accident scene investigation
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (“FMCSR”) compliance
Department of Transportation (“DOT”) compliance
Transportation of hazardous materials regulation
Fuel spills and cargo containment issues
Overweight citations
Property damage, cargo loss, personal injury, and wrongful death litigation
Gentry Locke partners with clients to provide high-quality, tailored, and client-centric government affairs and strategic communications services.
Businesses and organizations face a seemingly endless stream of external pressures that are more intertwined than ever before. The days of “government problems” differing from “legal problems” differing from “public relations” problems are long gone. Institutions are constantly under attack, populist political forces are redefining the landscape, and people are too often slow to respond in a dynamic media environment.
As Virginia’s demographic, economic, and political landscapes change, your business or organization needs to adapt. Gentry Locke Government & Regulatory Affairs practice will partner with you to provide steady guidance in a rapidly-changing Virginia.
Gentry Locke is the only firm that can offer two former legislators from both sides of the aisle, as well as a senior legislative and political staffer, to help clients achieve their goals.
Group Chair Greg Habeeb is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represented Virginia’s 8th District and served as Vice-Chair on the Courts Committee, was Subcommittee Chair of the Commerce & Labor and Transportation committees, and served on the Rules, Privileges & Elections, and Transportation committees. Greg retired from the Virginia House of Delegates in August of 2018. Prior to spearheading Gentry Locke’s Government & Regulatory Affairs group, Greg specialized in complex business and catastrophic injury cases, representing individuals and companies in courts throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. In 2017 he was named a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Chip Dicks is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and served on the Courts and Education committees. Chip also served on the Virginia Housing Commission as a House member. Since leaving the Legislature in 1990, he has represented associations and businesses on administrative, legislative and regulatory matters before state government agencies and the General Assembly. He has substantial experience representing developers on a variety of land use applications across Virginia. Chip has particular expertise in the laws and regulations affecting billboard signs, and in the field of landlord tenant and fair housing laws.
Gentry Locke provides strategic and tactical advice to meet specific government relations objectives. Our Legislative and Executive Government Relations services cover public policy, Executive Branch lobbying, coalition building, relationship development, and insight and analysis. As Virginia’s political and policy landscape rapidly evolves, Gentry Locke can provide steady guidance to navigate change.
Gentry Locke provides guidance on Strategic Communications to meet business needs, government relations objectives, or to influence public opinion. This includes message development, Earned and Paid Media strategy development and management, digital media, targeted communications campaigns, engaging grassroots campaigns, crisis management, and internal communications strategy development and management.
Gentry Locke assists clients throughout the process of bringing an economic development project to fruition, including site selection, project management, application for funds made available through the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and more. Chip Dicks has participated in economic development projects and traveled on trade missions with a number of Governors over the last 25 years. Our team can help make your economic development goal a reality.
Gentry Locke attorneys represent and advocate for clients before state agencies in legal matters as well as navigating through the regulatory process. These matters can include an array of industries and goals. Our team has experience in representing clients before the Real Estate Board, the State Corporation Commission, the ABC Board, the Board for Contractors, the Board of Medicine, the Board of Pharmacy, the Fair Housing Board and many more. We regularly work with VDOT, the DMV and various branches of state government including the Governor’s Office, Cabinet secretaries, and department agency directors. Our team can work with any state agency where our clients have issues that need to be addressed.
Government Procurement
Procurement laws and the process of buying from or selling to the government is rife with opportunities and risks. Wrong turns can be costly and litigious. Gentry Locke assists clients through the procurement process, keeping them on the right side of state contract laws, public schools and educations contract laws, and steering them clear of fraud or unjust enrichment claims and the False Claims Act.
Administrative & Regulatory Disputes
Gentry Locke attorneys represent individuals and businesses before administrative and regulatory bodies. We do more than show up at hearings; we work with our clients to explore all options in an effort to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
We assist in the following matters:
Professional licensing and disciplinary disputes and hearings
Representation of physicians and health care providers before the Virginia Departments of Health Professions
Virginia Employment Commission hearings and appeals
Our medical malpractice team is known for taking on challenging cases.
We are able to do so because our team includes not only experienced lawyers, but also nurses and paralegals who help us to identify strong cases and to spot potential issues before they become big problems.
Our medical malpractice team represents people and families harmed by medical negligence—including the negligence of doctors, nurses, therapists, dentists, nursing homes, and hospitals. Our lawyers have handled cases involving the following medical issues:
Negligence by various health care providers including:
Cardiologists
Chiropractors
Emergency-room doctors
Family-practice doctors
General surgeons
Internal-medicine doctors
Neurologists
Neurosurgeons
Nurse practitioners
Nurses
OB/GYNs
Oncologists
Ophthalmologists
Orthopedic-spine surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons
Pharmacy misfills
Physical therapists
Podiatrists
Radiologists
Urologists
Clients rely on our size and resources, which let us see their malpractice cases through to conclusion. In some instances, we are able to offer contingent fees, effectively financing the legal fees associated with a case.
All these resources do not come at the expense of personal contacts or relationships. Our clients know that when they call, they will be able to speak directly with the lawyer working on their case.
Malpractice
Gentry Locke’s Medical Malpractice Group represents individuals and families of those harmed by the negligence of health care providers such as physicians, nurses, therapists, dentists, nursing homes, clinics and hospitals. These highly specialized claims are vigorously contested by health care providers and their insurers, and require attorneys who can properly evaluate and prosecute valid claims.
We use a team approach to the evaluation of potential cases and, once accepted, they are aggressively pursued. We also employ the services of registered nurse consultants to assist us.
The legal services provided for Medical Malpractice address the following:
Gentry Locke’s Business Litigation Group approaches every business dispute with the goal of achieving an outstanding result. We work with focus, experience, and intensity for the best possible resolution of a business dispute, with or without litigation.
We want to win. There are winners and losers in litigation. We passionately want to win. For us, legal and factual case evaluation occurs early and often. From beginning to end, our vision is strategic and vigilant. Disciplined planning is critical, but agility is necessary as well. As developments occur, we adapt—always looking for innovative yet realistic paths to achieve success for our clients. Our goal is to seize opportunities and avoid unnecessary dangers.
We provide major horsepower. Our lawyers and clients know that they are part of a team, and they always have access to the best answer we have to give–even to the hardest questions and problems. From senior partner to youngest associate, we are accessible, engaged, efficient, and driven to succeed.
We are industry insiders. We have extensive experience in specific industries. Simply put, we know our clients’ businesses, so they don’t have to spend time educating us. We can dive in quickly and move you forward faster. This acquired industry knowledge gives us a tremendous advantage—and we use it!
We are trial lawyers at heart. There is a big difference between “litigators” and “trial lawyers.” We are just as comfortable before a jury as we are with motions, pleadings, and briefs. We like to try cases, and our adversaries know this. The fact that we are willing to try cases can give us a crucial edge in settlement negotiations.
It’s all about our clients. Our clients are part of the team. We are proud that many of our clients have been clients for years. We are also pleased that so many of our colleagues in the legal profession refer high-stakes cases to us for their clients.
Our areas of focus include:
Contract disputes, including UCC matters
Construction
Mineral rights and mining operations
Real estate, development, and condemnation matters
Governmental disputes
Corporate governance, shareholder disputes, and director and officer liability issues
Business torts
Banking and lender liability claims
Trusts and estates
We encourage you to review our Business Litigation attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Representative Matters
Gentry Locke punches above its weight class. We get the call when sophisticated clients face significant risk at the trial and on appeal.
Eramo v. Rolling Stone
Gentry Locke got the call two months before a defamation case against Rolling Stone was set for trial in the Western District of Virginia – Charlottesville. Case involved claims against the magazine and its reporter for running an article regarding UVA’s handling of sexual assault incidents. Rolling Stone needed experienced trial lawyers to mount best defense. It was UVA’s home turf and a tough case for the defense.
The three-and-a-half-week trial resulted in a far more favorable verdict for the defense than expected—even the Judge said so—and the case ultimately settled after post-trial motions were filed.
US ex rel. Thomas v. Duke University
Represented whistleblower bringing claims against Duke University in one of the largest grant-research fraud cases.
Gentry Locke attorneys took the case from initial investigation, to filing the Complaint, litigating many of the issues, and ultimately obtaining the largest False Claims Act recovery for research grant fraud in history.
Gentry Locke faced off against much bigger firms and won a major settlement.
The case settled for $112.5 million, the largest False Claim Act recovery for research grant fraud in history.
Richard M. Rashid, et al. v. Georgette R. George, et al
In a complex dispute involving numerous parties and multiple court proceedings, defended a group of closely-held businesses, its management, and its owners against claims of oppression, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with contract, conspiracy, and employment discrimination.
Obtained a favorable settlement in scorched earth litigation battle…
Drummond v. Norfolk Southern
Gentry Locke served as local counsel with Alabama attorneys to help Drummond Coal Company secure a significant win on its breach of contract claim.
Drummond Coal Company had a coal shipping contract with Norfolk Southern, through which it had to pay significant “shortfall” fees if it did not ship enough coal. Drummond filed suit for recovery under the theory that Norfolk Southern had wrongfully taken actions that prevented Drummond from meeting its shipment totals and thus exposing it to shortfall fees.
After a six-day trial, the jury found that Norfolk Southern had actively worked to prevent Drummond from using the negotiated shipping rates. The jury also found this conduct was a material breach of contract that began barely six months into the contract’s 10-year term.
Drummond prevailed in obtaining judgement that it did not owe over $35 million in shortfall fees.
IP & Technology Litigation
Attorneys at Gentry Locke litigate and provide advice about disputes involving the protection and enforcement of rights in patents, trademarks, copyrights, confidential information and trade secrets, technology, covenants not to compete, and other intellectual property.
Our lawyers have significant experience in prosecuting and defending:
Internet and technology disputes (including those involving software and computer technology)
Franchise disputes
False advertising claims
We are well-versed in federal and state court procedural issues, including obtaining and defending against temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions that often are sought in intellectual property actions.
Antitrust
The antitrust group at Gentry Locke is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their business objectives in a competitive and litigious environment. The group is composed of skilled commercial litigators familiar with state and federal antitrust law. We offer our clients a variety of services, including:
Antitrust business counseling
Civil antitrust litigation
Government investigations
Regulatory advice
Electronic discovery and electronic document retention and production efforts
Commercial Torts
Lawyers at Gentry Locke Attorneys have significant experience both prosecuting and defending commercial tort claims. In today’s competitive business environment, companies and individuals can easily find themselves the victim of tortious business practices or the target of a lawsuit. Our attorneys have the skill and experience to discreetly investigate and effectively handle such claims.
The legal services provided by our Commercial Tort attorneys address the following:
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Common Law Conspiracy
Statutory Business Conspiracy
Conversion
Fraud
Tortious Interference with Contract
Tortious Interference with Business Expectancy
Unjust Enrichment
Securities Litigation
The experienced litigators at Gentry Locke have represented both claimants and customers in claims of securities fraud and related issues. We are familiar with the unique aspects of these cases that are almost always litigated before an arbitration panel under the rules applicable to the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD).
Our experience enables us to assist clients with matters such as:
Contests for corporate control—litigation involving proxy contests, tender offers and mergers and derivative litigation
Derivative actions alleging breach of fiduciary duty and related torts—suits in federal and state courts asserting violations of the duty of loyalty and care by directors and officers
Defense of actions for securities fraud and misrepresentation— short selling violations by directors, officers and other insiders
Shareholder Disputes
Shareholder, member, or partner disputes can disrupt businesses and place assets at risk. Gentry Locke attorneys have worked with both owners and companies to find advantageous solutions to disagreements and problems. Evaluation, planning, and proper action assist us in avoiding litigation where possible, and in executing litigation when necessary.
Our firm handles corporate shareholder, LLC member, and partnership disputes such as:
Breach of contract (Shareholder, Membership or Partner Agreements, Buy/Sell Agreements, etc.)
Breach of fiduciary duty
Corporate and LLC deadlock disputes
LLC management disputes
Shareholder or member buyouts and division of assets and liabilities
The Real Estate practice group at Gentry Locke has a well-deserved reputation for successfully helping clients achieve strategic and financial objectives, and completing their real estate transactions on time and on budget.
Our experienced team focuses on creating better, quicker solutions to the challenges present in every land transaction. As a result, we enjoy the continued loyalty of buyers, sellers, developers, investors, landlords, and tenants we have the privilege to serve.
We have earned the respect of local government and elected officials in Roanoke, Botetourt, Salem, Blacksburg, Bristol, Lynchburg, Danville, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, and all counties and towns in between. These relationships create opportunities to have meaningful discussions with the key decision-makers involved in the approval process for our clients’ land use projects.
The real estate lawyers at Gentry Locke have been principally involved in the purchase, sale or development of some of the most significant real estate projects in western Virginia, including the:
Acquisition of multiple parcels comprising the Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke
Successful approval of more than 250 wireless telecommunication facilities in over 20 municipalities
Purchase and redevelopment of the largest private marina at Smith Mountain Lake
Rezoning or permitting of numerous commercial and planned residential developments
Closing of historic tax credit financing projects for some of the region’s most important historic structures
Real Estate Litigation
Real estate disputes can slow or shut down a project.
That means lost time, money, and opportunities. Whether through negotiation, litigation, mediation, or arbitration, Gentry Locke’s experienced team of real estate litigators creates quick, responsible, and effective solutions to the challenges present in every real estate dispute.
Our real estate lawyers handle a wide range of real estate disputes, including:
We encourage you to review our Real Estate Practice Group attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Well-suited to meet the needs of closely held businesses.
Virginia businesses—large and small—count on the knowledgeable attorneys and far-reaching resources of Gentry Locke. We are known throughout the region for our diverse business practice. Group Chair Bill Gust and his team have considerable experience helping clients navigate the nuances and challenges that confront businesses, including issues relating to state and federal taxes, state and federal regulations, and complex financial transactions.
The range of Gentry Locke’s practice supports the business lifecycle—from formation to capitalization and operation. Where necessary, we can also help a company through reorganization, succession, or sale. We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of our client’s business in the context of competition, paying special attention to short-term and long-term business goals.
Always sticklers for thoughtful planning, clear communication, and aggressive advocacy, we form strong bonds and long-term relationships with our business clients.
Our attorneys take pride in delivering individualized service, focusing on accessibility and responsiveness. Our legal solutions range from the practical to the highly innovative, and all are geared to enable our business clients to compete, thrive, evolve, and more fully enjoy the fruits of their labor.
We encourage you to review our Business attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Strategic Planning
Change is inevitable. Having the right agreements in place can protect a business from difficult, expensive and unexpected consequences.
The legal services provided by our business attorneys address the following issues:
Regulatory compliance is crucial for a diverse array of industries.
Attention to detail and real-world experience can be key to success, whether for securities and financial transactions, real estate and land use, employment, health care entities, corporations, or educational institutions. The lawyers at Gentry Locke are adept at advising clients, strategizing, and ensuring that the proper groundwork and follow-through are in place, so our clients can focus on attaining their goals.
We help our clients comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations in a variety of contexts, including:
Retail and manufacturing implications of the Firearms Act (NFA), Gun Control Act (GCA), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
We encourage you to review our Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement Practice Group attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Gentry Locke’s experience in banking and finance allows us to help our clients effectively navigate today’s financial and regulatory landscape.
As the way business is conducted continues to change, so do the nature of legal arrangements. Our team stays abreast of these developments and serves as trusted advisors to our clients.
We play a key role in advising management and the boards of directors of bank holding companies and community banks on compliance issues such as fiduciary duties, stock issuance, conflicts disclosures, voting, and employment matters.
Our banking clients look to us to structure, document and negotiate a wide variety of lending transactions, including:
Asset-based loans
Participations
Syndications
Tax-exempt financings
Secured or unsecured lending facilities
Banks and bank holding companies have confidence in our ability to guide them through the maze of regulatory compliance issues and filing requirements associated with creating a new bank.
This is a process that is susceptible to errors, which can delay openings and increase cost. Our team is here to make sure that things go smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
To conduct this work for our clients, we are in constant contact with federal and state regulatory agencies, including the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Bank, and the Comptroller of the Currency.Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
Based on our experience and outcomes, for several years our Banking & Finance practice has received top Roanoke area rankings from “Best Lawyers Best Law Firms,” which is awarded each year by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.
We encourage you to review our Banking & Finance attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Bank Formation & Regulation
The banking practice group at Gentry Locke Attorneys ensures that new and existing financial institutions have a sound foundation and are compliant with the federal and state authorities who oversee this highly regulated industry.
We have experience in providing the following services to our clients:
Chartering new national and state banks and savings associations
Routinely make filings to comply with various securities rules and regulations of the SEC, OCC and the FDIC, as well as state blue sky laws
Banking & Lender Liability
Gentry Locke attorneys have extensive experience in representing banks and financial institutions in litigation and creditors’ rights matters. We have developed extensive expertise in bank operations and lending practices issues, which include:
Evaluation and innovative resolution of claims
Identification of sources of insurance coverage to protect financial institutions
Collection of amounts owed
Enforcement of security documents
Defense of borrower claims
Resolution of disputes involving check handling, letters of credit, loan syndication, intercreditor agreements, joint accounts, and other matters
Assistance in developing and implementing risk management practices and procedures to enhance effective creditors’ rights efforts
Commercial Lending
Attorneys at Gentry Locke have the depth, experience and resources to ensure that our lending clients succeed in understanding, documenting and executing complex transactions. Our diligence extends to alerting clients to and balancing regulatory requirements and implementing sound credit policies.
We assist clients in the following:
Pre-transaction diligence and structuring
Transaction diligence and documentation from term sheet through transaction consummation and administration
Problem loan resolution — restructurings, work-outs and insolvency matters
Advice and representation regarding lender liability matters
Gentry Locke attorneys zealously represent our clients. Our Workers’ Compensation team leverages the firm’s considerable resources and means on our clients’ behalf, leaving no stone unturned. We fight for our clients while maintaining the professionalism that both clients and colleagues expect, and that our reputation demands.
We encourage you to review our Workers’ Compensation attorneys’ bio pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Gentry Locke has a long and respected history of representing employers and insurers in Workers’ Compensation claims.
Successful management of these claims and minimization of their negative financial impact can be key to a company’s ability to prosper in the marketplace. Through the years, we have developed successful strategies for serving the needs of the businesses who entrust us with their Workers’ Compensation matters:
Quality.
Employers and insurance carriers should obtain legal representation of the highest caliber to protect and further their interests in matters before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Workers’ compensation attorneys at Gentry Locke diligently provide the highest level of responsiveness, attention to detail, and sound, professional advice. We implement smart, cost-effective practices, and you’ll feel the true value of our work through our efforts to minimize the losses that can arise from these claims.
Experience.
More often than not, workers’ compensation matters require strategic thinking, use of investigative and expert resources, detailed knowledge of medical records, intimate familiarity with industrial and occupational medicine, the trust and respect of workers’ compensation professionals statewide, and impeccable follow-through—the kind of dedicated attention that only those who specialize in these cases can deliver. The Gentry Locke Workers’ Compensation Practice Group brings all of these factors to the table to consistently deliver the best result possible for its clients.
Aggressiveness.
Gentry Locke attorneys zealously represent their clients in every facet of their legal needs. Rest assured, the Workers’ Compensation team will utilize the considerable resources and means at its disposal on your company’s behalf, leaving no stone unturned. We will fight for our clients while maintaining the professionalism that our clients and colleagues expect, and our reputation demands.
We encourage you to review our Workers’ Compensation attorneys’ bio pages for additional information. Feel free to contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Popular culture sometimes paints all personal injury law practices with the same broad generalizations, but things are different at Gentry Locke.
The Personal Injury team at Gentry Locke specializes in high-profile, complex cases. If there is a major personal-injury proceeding in the region, chances are that we will be at the front of it, representing our client’s interests with diligence and compassion. As a result of our deep experience and resources, Gentry Locke frequently gets referrals from other personal injury attorneys who seek our help in complex personal-injury cases.
Gentry Locke stands out as a leader in personal injury law in Virginia with a specialization in high-profile, complex cases. Our client-focused approach and dedication to exceptional service sets us apart. From major personal injury proceedings to smaller cases, we offer personalized attention, striving to deliver the best outcomes for our clients. The difference: our experienced personal injury lawyers and access to top-tier experts mean we go the extra mile to help our clients prevail.
Gentry Locke handles a wide variety of cases including:
Our personal injury lawyers focus on quality of cases rather than quantity of cases.
We utilize a wide variety of professionals to help investigate cases to determine their meritThese include in-house registered nurses and other medical professionals.
Our clients appreciate that our team is able to go directly to accident sites to preserve critical evidence. They appreciate as well that Gentry Locke is staffed with nurses and investigators and has access to top-tier experts who can make a critical difference in helping the opposition and the jury more fully understand why our clients deserve to prevail.
We welcome the biggest and most daunting cases. But every case we handle gets individualized attention, because we derive great satisfaction from returning a measure of justice to those who deserve it most.
We encourage you to review our Personal Injury Practice Group attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your legal needs.
Gentry Locke handles sophisticated issues related to commercial, industrial, and public-sector construction projects.
We do everything from assisting with project development and contracts up front all the way through to helping resolve the payment and defective-construction issues that may arise after the end of a job. We represent parties from all aspects of the industry, which allows us to see issues and disputes from all angles. We’re also active participants in industry groups like the AGC and the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance.
In short, Gentry Locke knows the very competitive construction industry. Group leader Spencer Wiegard sees to it that Gentry Locke attorneys meet the demands of this industry by applying our deep knowledge, hard work, and exhaustive preparation. Our solid legal credentials come with a reputation for being down-to-earth, approachable people with an effective and healthy balance between aggressive and reasonable representation.
Construction Law
In construction law, the issues are complex and the timing is always critical. Gentry Locke hits its stride when it comes to the punch-list of needs and issues: contract document origination and refinement, build/design agreements, licensing, real estate, workplace safety (OSHA), labor relations, procurement, environmental requirements, insurance, and much more.
A majority of our firm’s construction-client relationships come as a result of referrals from other professionals, such as insurance and bonding companies. Clients with major projects in other states routinely seek our assistance. In such instances we provide crucial counsel, as was the case with a steel-fabricator client with major contracts including the new World Trade Center reconstruction project. Gentry Locke represents one of the oldest pipeline and utility contractors in Virginia in all aspects of its business, including procurement issues, contract negotiations, disputes, employment issues, and OSHA compliance. Our practical, logical approach to our work helps clients toward their ultimate goal: projects that continue smoothly to a successful conclusion. We’re proud to claim a considerable list of satisfied, long-term clients.
Construction Litigation
We handle litigation for construction companies, building owners, subcontractors, contractors, suppliers, bonding companies, architects, and engineers.
Gentry Locke routinely handles disputes typical of the construction industry: nonpayment, mechanic’s liens, change orders, payment bonds, performance bond issues, construction defects, workmanship, contract specifications, faulty practices, and various other types of “who’s going to pay?” claims.
We understand that construction delays associated with legal disputes can be very costly. So Gentry Locke always counsels clients to at least consider alternative dispute resolution options, because methods such as arbitration or mediation often can bring adverse parties together with the greatest speed and at the lowest resulting cost. Ultimately, our aim is to help clients achieve a minimum of controversy and a maximum of project success.
We have a broad network of expert consultants who can add clarity and value to a case, when needed, and help us work through the issues more efficiently.
We encourage you to review our Construction Practice Group attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your company’s legal needs.
Contract Disputes
Construction projects large or small involve contractual relationships between the owner, the general contractor, subcontractors, material suppliers, engineers, and architects. Disagreements between these parties are governed by the contractual relationships between them.
Our Construction attorneys assist general contractors, owners, subcontractors, and material suppliers in a wide range of construction contract-related issues, including:
Contract drafting
Contract review and revision
Contract negotiation
Litigation of construction contract disputes
Arbitration of construction contract disputes
Mediation of construction contract disputes
Surety & Bonding Claims
Construction projects large or small involve contractual relationships between the owner, the general contractor, subcontractors, material suppliers, engineers, and architects. Disagreements between these parties are governed by the contractual relationships between them.
Our Construction attorneys assist general contractors, owners, subcontractors, and material suppliers in a wide range of construction contract-related issues, including:
Contract drafting
Contract review and revision
Contract negotiation
Litigation of construction contract disputes
Arbitration of construction contract disputes
Mediation of construction contract disputes
Mechanic’s Liens
Any number of issues can prevent a construction project from proceeding at a profitable pace. Mechanic’s Liens are one problem that attorneys at Gentry Locke can help solve expediently and efficiently.
Whether we are filing liens or defending against them, we are knowledgeable and experienced in working through the many obstacles and rules relating to mechanic’s liens, including:
Gentry Locke’s Employment & Labor group helps companies solve their “people problems.” Since these problems come in all shapes and sizes and can be exceedingly complex, experience is essential.
Group Chair Todd Leeson oversees a legal team known for giving candid, realistic assessments and creative solutions. Our clients have come to rely on the commonsense approach that we take to resolving problems in today’s increasingly litigious society. We anticipate issues before they happen and provide counsel to minimize risk, and when disputes occur, we serve as dedicated advocates for our clients’ positions.
Our labor law attorneys steadfastly believe that businesses are better off if they remain union-free. We regularly represent businesses faced with union organizing campaigns and initiatives. In so doing, we strive to ensure that our clients oppose the union using lawful means and strategies. We also have substantial experience representing employers on unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Securing our employment law counsel reflects a decision to manage risk and, when possible, to avoid litigation.
Our clients who own or operate companies appreciate that we are accessible, cost-effective, and driven to completely serve their needs.
We have a demonstrated track record of competing successfully with both larger regional national law firms, as well as employment and labor boutiques. The attorneys in our Employment and Labor team have been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America, and have earned leadership positions in national and statewide professional organizations.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: THE RESULTS OF CLIENT MATTERS DEPEND ON A VARIETY OF FACTORS UNIQUE TO EACH MATTER. PAST SUCCESSES DO NOT PREDICT OR GUARANTEE FUTURE SUCCESSES. Attorneys licensed to practice in VA, WV, MD, DC, NC, TN, FL, NY, CT, CO, WY, and TX.
