- Criminal DefenseROANOKE, Va. (December 1, 2022) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that 20 attorneys have been named to Virginia Business magazine’s 2022 Legal Elite list. The list is determined by peer votes and is divided into 20 specialties. The Gentry Locke attorneys recognized in the 2022 Legal Elite list and the areas in which they are recognized include: Thomas J. Bondurant, Jr. – Criminal Law William E. Callahan, Jr. – Bankruptcy/Creditors’ Rights, Administrative Government Christen C. Church – Intellectual Property/Information Technology Chip (John G.) Dicks – Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative Alicha M. Grubb – Young Lawyer and Administrative […]
- FraudThe 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).
- White Collar Crimes
- AssaultBusinesses and individuals in intentional tort actions such as, defamation, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment;
- ArsonWe also have decades of experience in conducting arson and fraud investigations, representation at examinations under oath, supervision of fire origin and cause investigations, and comprehensive analysis of coverage issues.
- Restraining OrderWe 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.
- Money LaunderingInvestigations and regulatory enforcement under the False Claims Act, marketing and advertising regulations, pharmaceutical regulations, healthcare fraud, bribery and kickbacks, Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act violations (foodborne illness), securities enforcement, government contracting, public corruption, racketeering (RICO), tax violations, Arms Control Act & Espionage Act, national security matters, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and financial fraud and money laundering
- Corporate LawCorporations are being scrutinized today as never before and are under increasing pressure to self-report corporate wrongdoing. When a company becomes aware of potential misconduct, a thorough and efficient investigation of the alleged wrongdoing can be the difference between coming under the criminal microscope and successfully addressing and navigating the issue. Our team recognizes the sensitive nature of these matters and can advise you whether the situation needs to be disclosed to the authorities and at what point in time that needs to be done. You can rely on our extensive experience to guide you through the entire process. When conducting investigations, we often advise companies on corporate governance issues and compliance programs. Our attorneys have the ability to call on other Gentry Locke attorneys with regulatory experience in virtually every substantive area of law and to coordinate with seasoned investigators and consultants, many of whom have had distinguished careers with federal law enforcement agencies.
- Mergers and AcquisitionsStaying On Track – Rail. We blend extensive knowledge of the industry with legal acumen to work with railroads of all sizes to keep the steel wheels rolling. Our team members have worked in the business, including as chief legal officer of a Class I railroad. Our practice extends to regulatory issues at the Surface Transportation Board, questions of federal preemption, transactional matters such as contracts, mergers and acquisitions, legislative matters, and litigation.
- Business DisputesGetting Down the Road – Trucking. We work with interstate and intrastate motor carriers, owner-operators, and self-insured transportation companies to keep the wheels of commerce turning. Our attorneys represent transportation companies in rapid response, casualty litigation, commercial contracts, contract disputes, workers’ compensation, employment law, insurance coverage, and general business matters. Our team includes an attorney with a Commercial Drivers License.
- Business TransactionsAll business transactions involving tangible assets create a potential for risk exposure by reason of environmental laws and regulations at federal, state, and local levels. These risks are shared by both transferor and transferee parties as well as lenders, investors, and beneficiaries. Consequently, Gentry Locke provides legal services to assist in assessing the quantity and quality of transactional risks related to environmental constraints.
- Limited Liability CompaniesGentry Locke tax lawyers take the lead in tax planning and the structuring of domestic limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint ventures, as well as in traditional forms of organization, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, and capital expansion programs for corporate clients.
- Trade SecretsIntellectual Property management including trademark registration and conflicts, trade name registration, copyrighting of logo and menu, and trade secret protection of brands and any proprietary products that may be developed and marketed
- Intellectual PropertyClients turn to our lawyers for guidance through complex transactions and litigation involving the full range of intellectual property law, including...
- AntitrustThe 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...
- Wrongful TerminationSuccessfully represented local private college on EEOC and wrongful termination claims resulting from the termination of a long-term department chair.
- Employment DiscriminationAlso, on March 13, 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued its Annual Performance Report for fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, which also included the Office of General Counsel’s Annual Report (“EEOC GC Report”) which focuses on the EEOC litigation “achievements” during the prior fiscal year. From October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, the EEOC filed 91 new employment discrimination lawsuits which included 13 suits claiming systemic discrimination. Notably, 68% of these lawsuits involved claims of alleged Title VII violation. The primary focus of the EEOC’s new litigation last fiscal year fell into four (4) main areas: claims of sexual discrimination (49.5%), retaliation (35.2%), disability (29.7%) and race (18.7%). In addition, the EEOC resolved 96 employment discrimination lawsuits, including ten (10) suits involving allegations of systemic discrimination and it obtained just under $40 million in monetary relief for 1,461 claimants. The EEOC GG Report can be found on its website. [9]
- Employment Contract
- Employment LitigationA 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.
- Non-compete AgreementWe have previously reported on the “crackdown” actions taken by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to invalidate the noncompete provisions used by three companies that covered hundreds of employees, not all of whom were “low wage” employees. [1] The consent decrees which required the rescission of all of the noncompete provisions used with many classes of employment have since become final. [2] Likewise, we also discussed the FTC’s announced plan to implement a nationwide ban on the use of noncompete agreements with employees by adopting new regulations that will almost certainly be subject to legal challenge. [3] On March 6, 2023, the FTC announced the public comment period on the proposed regulations has been extended from March 20 to April 19, 2023. [4]
- Severance AgreementMcLaren Macomb that employers may no longer offer severance agreements that require employees to waive certain labor law rights, including provisions that prohibited a separated employee from making disparaging statements about the employer and from disclosing terms of the separation agreement. For more information on this decision, see the NLRB’s news release. [7]
- Real Estate LitigationThat 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.
- Premises LiabilityOur team is experienced in defending individuals and entities in a variety of complex civil actions, including catastrophic torts, products liability, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation, negligence, and premises liability. Whether the circumstances require a negotiated resolution or litigation, our mission is always the same: to effectively and economically represent each client’s interests in order to achieve the most favorable outcome.
- Construction LitigationWe 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.
- Real Estate TransactionsThe 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.
- Eminent Domain
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningJon Puvak is a Partner in our General Commercial, Real Estate, and Environmental Law practice groups. Jon focuses on assisting clients with real estate, land use and zoning, and business and commercial matters. Before attending law school, Jon gained real estate development and business experience by working with NVR Inc., a national homebuilder and Fortune 500 company based in northern Virginia. Meet Jonathan
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesChip 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.
- Property Damage
- Personal InjuryRICHMOND, Va. ( February 27, 2023) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Emily S. Mordecai has joined the firm’s Richmond office as a member of its Commercial Litigation team. Mordecai previously worked as a litigation associate in the Richmond office of an AmLaw100 firm. Her subject-matter experience ranges from complex commercial disputes to products liability and personal injury cases to nationwide employment class actions. As a part of the Commercial Litigation team, Emily will work with Gentry Locke’s clients across the Commonwealth through all phases of business litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
- Medical MalpracticeOur 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...
- Estate PlanningWe work with clients to create estate plans that are tailored to their individual needs while minimizing taxes and avoiding unnecessary probate proceedings. Our estate planning lawyers regularly work with business owners to design succession plans to accomplish their specific goals.
- Wills
- TrustsWe encourage you to review our Trusts and Estates Practice Group attorneys’ personal pages for additional information and then contact us to discuss your legal needs.
- Power of AttorneyIf the person is not found to be legally incompetent, alternatives are available to provide assistance. General or durable powers of attorney, advance medical directives, trusts and other documents can be used to appoint people to help with specific tasks or issues.
- Probate
- Bankruptcy
- Tax LawBill Gust is a Senior Tax Partner with Gentry Locke. For more than 40 years, Bill has worked with closely-held business owners relative to tax, corporate and sophisticated estate planning matters. Bill has assisted in the successful transition of many privately held businesses, through sales, mergers and implementation of more than 100 ESOPs. Bill is a frequent lecturer on estate, business and tax planning as well as IRS and DOL compliance matters. As a part of his corporate practice, Bill regularly advises clients on qualified and nonqualified retirement and executive deferred compensation plans. Meet William