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Kathy Wright-Gentry Locke Attorney

Kathleen L. Wright

Partner
Legal Assistant
Rebecca Lugar540.983.9381
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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 has also enjoyed working on mineral rights cases, estate and other litigation. Kathy tries to resolve disputes before resorting to litigation, if possible.

  • Continents visited
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  • Podcasts I follow
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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 Russia, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya. 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, 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
  • Case mediations and settlements

Affiliations

  • Board Member, Virginia Poverty Law Center (2017-Present); Board President (2019-2021)
  • Board Vice President, Blue Ridge Legal Services (2022-Present); 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 (2011-2025)
  • 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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