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Kathy Wright joined Gentry Locke in 2002. After several years with the Insurance Defense practice group, she began work in Commercial Litigation with a focus on the areas of local government law (including zoning, subdivision and taxation). Kathy also has enjoyed working on mineral rights cases, estate litigation, and other litigation.

  • Continents visited
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  • Jokes I can remember
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  • Minutes I wish I spent exercising daily
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  • Cats at home
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  • Did you ever consider a different career path?

    I seriously considered teaching high school math.

  • You’ve traveled extensively. What are some of the most interesting adventures you’ve had?

    The most interesting trips I have taken are to places that look different from Virginia, including Russia, Egypt, the South African national parks and Swaziland. I enjoy experiencing different cultures, the architecture, foods, scenery and wildlife. My husband and I lived in Frankfurt, Germany for almost three years, and had many wonderful opportunities to visit European countries.

  • What part of the world is still calling you?

    Spain, Scotland, the Baltic and South America.

Education

  • Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, J.D. cum laude
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, M.Ed.
  • James Madison University, B.S.

Experience

  • Litigation relating to water impoundment structures (dams)
  • Local government litigation regarding local taxes, zoning and subdivision, including vested rights issues
  • Advice and direction on non-litigation local government legal issues
  • Litigation regarding estates and fiduciary duties
  • Litigation regarding business contracts and closely-held business disputes
  • Determination of insurance coverage for personal injury and property damage cases
  • Case mediations and settlements

Affiliations

  • Board President, Virginia Poverty Law Center (2019-2021); Board Member (2017-Present)
  • Board Vice President, Blue Ridge Legal Services (2022); Board Member (2007 – Present)
  • Bar Association Memberships: Virginia Bar Association; Roanoke Bar Association, American Bar Association
  • Member, Virginia Women Attorneys Association (2009 – Present)

Awards

  • Named one of The Best Lawyers in America® in Municipal Litigation (2011-2022)
  • Recognized as one of the Influential Women of Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly (2020)
  • Designated one of the “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine for Legal Services Pro Bono (2019-2020)
  • Named a Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star in Business Litigation (2012)

Published Work

  • Co-author, Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Modifying Local Government Contracts Without Violating the VPPA – A Cautionary Tale, Journal of Local Government Law (a Virginia State Bar publication, Vol. XXI No. 1, Summer 2010).
  • Assignments and Other Hazards of the Litigation Breakfast: Document Production from Testifying Experts in Virginia Circuit Courts, Litigation News (a publication of VSB Litigation Section, Vol. XIII, No. 5, Spring 2007).
  • Friends and Foes in the Jury Box: Walls v. Kim and the Mission to Stop Improper Juror Rehabilitation, Mercer Law Rev. (Vol. 53, No. 2, Winter 2002).

Case Studies

The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Kathleen Wright, Gentry Locke litigation Partner
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