David R. Berry

Dave earned his J.D. summa cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he belonged to the Order of the Coif and the McNeill Law Society. He also served as a Moot Court Board member and as an articles editor of the University of Richmond Law Review. Dave earned a CALI Award in the following categories: Business Litigation Practicum, Comparative Employment Law, Environmental Law, First Amendment Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Torts. He graduated cum laude with an undergraduate degree from George Mason University.

A quick handshake

•You worked on a farm while earning your undergraduate degree. Do you still farm or ranch?

My family had a small cattle farm in central Virginia, where I spent quite a few summers. My job was cutting hay to get them through the winter, and keeping the fences cleared. I don't farm anymore, but I'd love to get back into it.

•Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?

Spending time on the farm with my grandfather inspired me. He was a lawyer, and eventually a Circuit Court judge. He had a very practical approach to farming and the law.

•You have an unusual hound dog. Do you hunt?

Whiskey is our dog, a 40-pound Plott hound, which is the North Carolina state dog. He is six years old and still has the energy of a puppy. My wife and I have to hike to wear him out! I do deer hunt, but not with my dog -- he is a bit of a wimp.

Experience

•As a law clerk to Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons, researched criminal and civil appeals brought before the Supreme Court of Virginia
•As a legal intern for the United States Attorney’s Office, drafted memos, motions, and responses, helped Assistant U.S. Attorneys with witness interviews, and represented the United States in various court proceedings
•Researched and assisted with ongoing and upcoming environmental litigation as a Summer Associate with the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, supported section attorneys, and aided in identifying and notifying appropriate registered agents of pending litigation

Awards

•Recognized by Virginia Business magazine as a “Legal Elite” for Appellate Law (2025)
•Order of the Coif (2016)
•McNeill Law Society (2014-2016)
•CALI Award for Torts, Environmental Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, First Amendment Law, Business Litigation Practicum, and Comparative Employment Law
•Articles Editor, University of Richmond Law Review (2015-2016)
•Board Member, Moot Court (2014-2016)

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.
•Feb 28, 2025 - Defense Verdict Affirmed for Western Express in Rear-end Accident

Library

•26 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2025 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2025
•Defense Verdict Affirmed for Western Express in Rear-end Accident The results of client matters depend on a variety of factors unique to each matter. Past successes do not predict or guarantee future successes.
Case Studies
Feb 2025
•Gentry Locke Launches High-Asset Divorce and Wealth Protection Practice
News
Feb 2025
•Gentry Locke Names Four New Partners
News
Jan 2023
•Supreme Court of Virginia Upholds Unjust Enrichment Claim by Downstream Supplier
Articles
Jun 2020
•Gentry Locke wins Large Office category in Feeding America Southwest Virginia's 2019 'Legal Food Frenzy'
News
May 2019
•Gentry Locke Welcomes New Associate David R. Berry
News
Aug 2018