Herschel V. Keller

Open for Business

Partner at Gentry Locke Attorneys
SunTrust Plaza, 10 Franklin Road SE, Suite 900, Roanoke, VA 24011

801 Main Street, 11th Floor, Lynchburg, VA 24504
View Herschel V. Keller's other office locations
Overall Rating

4.7
.

15 Reviews
Overall Rating

4.7
.

15 Reviews

Peer Reviews

4.7
.

15

Peer Reviews

4.7
.

15
Profile Visibility [ i ]
- #73 in weekly profile views out of 1,281 Attorneys in Roanoke, VA
- #85,092 in weekly profile views out of 2,343,578 total attorneys Overall

Attorney Awards

About Attorney Awards

Herschel Keller is a Partner with Gentry Locke, representing businesses, governmental entities, and institutions in Lynchburg and across the Commonwealth through his practice of Corporate and Business Law, Commercial Construction Law and Litigation, Complex Contract Drafting and Negotiation, and Government and Regulatory Affairs . Originally from Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Herschel now lives in Lynchburg, where he has practiced law for the past 20 years. Herschel heads up Gentry Locke’s Lynchburg office and also services clients in our Richmond office. He is active in the community, including serving as past president of the Central District Committee for the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. Prior to joining Gentry Locke, he was Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Lynchburg, and later rose to the role of a principal and an officer of a Lynchburg law firm.

A quick handshake

•People would be surprised to know...

I recently took my family on a 'National Lampoon's Vacation' road trip out West. We flew and then rented a Suburban. We drove through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. It was amazing! I love being outside, especially when it is with my family. We love to hike, camp and fish, and we find white water canoeing thrilling!

•What do you most enjoy about being a lawyer?

It is meaningful to me to get good results for my clients. I love the competition aspect, and I do not like to lose.

•What’s the most important life lesson you would pass on?

Find balance.

Experience

•Represents one of the oldest pipeline and utility contractors in the Commonwealth of Virginia in all aspects of its business, including procurement issues, contract negotiations, disputes, employment issues, and OSHA compliance
•Represented steel erector in litigation arising from construction of Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium West Sideline Expansion
•Assisted in formation of $400,000,000 joint venture for construction of heavy manufacturing facility in Norfolk, Virginia
•Negotiated contract with Italian firm for construction of concrete manufacturing plant in West Virginia
•Represented statewide road and bridge builder in claims with VDOT
•Assisted in organization of community bank in Lynchburg, Virginia
•Successfully negotiated acquisition of woodworking supply catalogue business by publicly traded competitor
•Negotiated and drafted numerous joint venture and teaming agreements to allow minority contractors to participate in government contracts
•Represents numerous manufactures in UCC and other issues.
•Negotiated contractor’s withdrawal from mixed used development that failed after the 2008 financial collapse
•Negotiated multiple agreements to facilitate CEO transitions
•Obtained master rezoning for one of states largest university
•Obtained zoning approvals and conditional use permits for cellular telephone tower developer
•Obtained conditional use permit to allow for construction of 235,000 square feet office park in residential zoned district in Lynchburg, Virginia
•Advised Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authorities on housing law, finance and compliance.
•Assisted in establishing numerous successful construction businesses in Central Virginia
•Investigated and resolved numerous employment discrimination claims
•Lobbied before Virginia General Assembly in support of contractors seeking to limit the use of competitive negotiation to procure
•Conducted numerous employee sexual harassment trainings
•Drafted and negotiated numerous commercial leases for landlords and tenants
•Acted as both issuers’ and borrowers’ counsel for tax-exempt bond issues
•Successfully defended patent infringement litigation against one of the largest patent firms in the United States
•Drafted numerous heavy equipment leases, rent to own agreements, and other agreements for use in the heavy equipment rental and sales industry
•Frequent speaker for business groups throughout region

Awards

•Named a Lynchburg Business Top Lawyer in Construction Law (2020-2025)
•Named to Lynchburg Business Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” for Business, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Environmental and Land Use, and Real Estate law (2016)
•Named to Virginia Business Magazine’s “Legal Elite” for Business Law (2023-2025)

Library

•Gentry Locke Partners Robert E. Evans, Andrew O. Gay, Herschel V. Keller, and W. David Paxton Named to Lynchburg Business 2026 Top Lawyers
News
Jan 2026
•26 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2025 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2025
•Gentry Locke Attorneys Announces Executive Board Leadership for 2025
News
Feb 2025
•29 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2024 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2024
•Gentry Locke Attorneys Announces Executive Board Leadership Updates for 2024
News
Feb 2024
•Gentry Locke Partners Glenn W. Pulley, Herschel V. Keller, and Andrew O. Gay Named Lynchburg Business “2024 Top Lawyers”
News
Jan 2024
•23 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2023 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Nov 2023
•Are You Ready to Raise Capital for Your Business? Take a Beat to Avoid Problems
Articles
Aug 2022
•2022 Gentry Locke Seminar
Events
Apr 2022
•Coronavirus/COVID-19
We're Here to Help
News
Feb 2022
•Interstate 81 Developments, Impacts, and Updates
News
Feb 2021
•COVID-19 and Mechanic's Liens
Articles
Apr 2020
•Force Majeure - COVID-19: Foreseeable or Unforeseeable?
News
Mar 2020
•Moderator, Recent Construction Court Cases Panel Discussion
Events
Jan 2019
•Long-term Commercial Leases Must be Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Articles
Sep 2018
•Briefing about Funding Opportunities for US Expansion
Events
Aug 2017
•Risk Management Training
Events
Apr 2017
•Risk Management in Construction Contracts
Events
Apr 2017
•Gentry Locke Partners Herschel Keller and Glenn Pulley Named Lynchburg Business “Top Lawyers”
News
Dec 2016
•Getting the Name Right on the Contract Really Matters
Articles
Apr 2016
•Gentry Locke Announces Location for New Lynchburg Office
News
Jan 2015
•'What's in Your Contract?'
Articles
Jan 2015
•Herschel V. Keller Joins Gentry Locke, Lynchburg Office to Open
News
Nov 2014
•Construction Contract Basics: What Every Owner, Contractor and Design Professional Needs to Know
Events
Jun 2014
•Leadership and Legalities: A Realistic Guide to the Application of Employment Law in the Workplace
Events
Feb 2013
•Mechanic's Liens and Bond Claims: Getting Paid for Your Work
Events
Oct 2011
•Card Check and Your Business: Protecting Against Unions
Events
Feb 2009
•Legal Issues in Fleet Safety
Events
Nov 2005

Corporate
Construction
Business Litigation
Government and Regulatory Affairs
Solar & Renewable Energy
Breach of Contract
Mechanic's Liens, Bond & Payment Claims
Construction Claims
Defects & Warranties
Outside General Counsel
College & University

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 40013, Roanoke, VA 24011

University Attended:

Dickinson College, B.A., 1993

Law School Attended:

University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law, J.D., 1997

Year of First Admission:

1997

Admission:

1997, Virginia; United States District Court, Western District of Virginia

Memberships:

Affiliations

•Member, National D-Day Memorial Foundation Board of Directors (2022)
•Associated General Contractors of Virginia; Board of Directors (2015-Present); Central District Committee President (2011-2012), State Legislative Committee (2007-Present), Safety Alliance Board (2007-2010)
•Member, Virginia Amateur Sports Board of Directors (2017-Present)
•Member, Lynchburg Business Alliance Legislative Committee (2017-Present)
•Counsel to the Virginia State Crime Commission (1998-2000)
•Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Lynchburg; Project Exile Prosecutor (2000-2001)
•Former Staff Chair, Senate Joint Resolution 220 Advisory Panel: Legislative Study Aimed at Protecting Children from Sexually Violent Predators, (1997-1998)
•Former Staff Chair, Legislative Task Force Examining More Severe Sanctions for DUI Offenses (1997-1998)

Birth Information:

Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 28, 1970

ISLN:

915871740

Fixed Hourly Rates

Available

Credit Cards Accepted

MasterCard, Visa

Other Information

Fixed fees available

4.7/5.0 (15 reviews)

Legal Knowledge
4.9/5.0
Analytical Capability
4.7/5.0
Judgment
4.6/5.0
Communication
4.7/5.0
Legal Experience
4.9/5.0

5.0/5.0 Rated by a Member on 08/06/19 in Construction Law

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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 07/24/19 in Business Law

Herschel is invested in his clients' success. He has the commitment to jump in at the ground level and competence and tenacity in his practice to help his clients grow.

Herschel is invested in his clients' success. He has the commitment to jump in at the ground level and competence and tenacity in his practice to help his clients grow. Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Attorney on 07/24/19 in Business Law

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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Other on 07/24/19 in Business Law

As in-house counsel, I have used Mr. Keller for various business-related legal matters over the course of the last several years. In each instance I have found him to be very knowledgeable of the law (in a variety of fields), and extremely capable i... Read more
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As in-house counsel, I have used Mr. Keller for various business-related legal matters over the course of the last several years. In each instance I have found him to be very knowledgeable of the law (in a variety of fields), and extremely capable in both his legal analysis and his practical approach to problem-solving, He is one of the very top lawyers in this area, and I never hesitate to call upon him with both intricate and routine matters. Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Attorney on 07/23/19 in Business Law

I believe him,to be an ethical, competent, and hard working attorney

I believe him,to be an ethical, competent, and hard working attorney Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 07/09/19 in Construction Law

Herschel is a great guy and an excellent lawyer.

Herschel is a great guy and an excellent lawyer. Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Partner on 07/09/19 in Construction Law

Herschel has the highest integrity. He is a straight shooter with a depth of legal knowledge and experience.

Herschel has the highest integrity. He is a straight shooter with a depth of legal knowledge and experience. Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Managing Partner on 07/09/19 in Corporate Law

Herschel Keller ranks among the finest corporate lawyers whith whom I have worked in my more than 30 years of practice. He combines superior conceptual and technical knowledge with a high leve of street smarts and experience. This gives him the abi... Read more
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Herschel Keller ranks among the finest corporate lawyers whith whom I have worked in my more than 30 years of practice. He combines superior conceptual and technical knowledge with a high leve of street smarts and experience. This gives him the ability to provide exceptional corporate counseling. Read less
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5.0/5.0 Rated by a Attorney on 07/09/19 in Corporate Law

In addition to possessing excellent legal knowledge and superb judgement, he is one of the most ethical and honest attorneys I know.

In addition to possessing excellent legal knowledge and superb judgement, he is one of the most ethical and honest attorneys I know. Read less
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4.8/5.0 Rated by a Officer on 07/09/19 in Construction Law

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1 - 10 of 15 Peer Reviews (15)

Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

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Client Reviews Write a Review

Roanoke, VA
SunTrust Plaza , 10 Franklin Road SE, Suite 900
Roanoke, VA 24011

434-455-9944 Phone
Get Directions

Lynchburg, VA
801 Main Street, 11th Floor
Lynchburg, VA 24504

434-455-9944 Phone
Get Directions

Contact Herschel V. Keller

Contact Information:

434-455-9941 Fax

www.gentrylocke.com/keller

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