Jessica E. Otiono

Jessica Otiono is a member of the firm’s General Commercial practice group, where she provides pragmatic, business-focused counsel that helps clients move transactions forward with clarity and confidence. She advises businesses across industries on corporate matters, including entity formation and structuring, commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. Informed by her business-litigation background, Jessica drafts and negotiates complex commercial agreements and structures transactions to mitigate risk and support enforceability, all while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

Jessica’s healthcare practice focuses on delivering corporate services to advising providers, physician groups, and other stakeholders on transactional and regulatory matters. Her approach emphasizes practical, operationally sound strategies to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. In addition, Jessica assists organizations with business immigration needs, including counseling employers on Form I-9 compliance to satisfy federal employment verification obligations. Prior to joining the firm as an attorney, Jessica worked as a Summer Associate with Gentry Locke.

Jessica earned her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law where she belonged to the Richmond Law Moot Court Board, Richmond Business Law Forum, and the Richmond Journal of Law and Technology. Jessica is licensed in Virginia as well as her home country, Nigeria.

A quick handshake

•If you had chosen a career other than law, what would you be doing?

I would be a chef and perhaps own a chain of restaurants. I have always enjoyed the process of cooking and I find it to be therapeutic. I have also been told several times that I have a real gift when it comes to cooking. I particularly enjoy making Nigerian food because the recipes are diverse and incredibly flavorful, but I am also keen on trying out recipes from other cultures.

•How do friends and family describe you?

Friends and family have often described me as personable, patient, diligent, resilient, and trustworthy. I think these traits come from being the oldest of four daughters!

•What is on your bucket list?

To explore Europe! I have always been fascinated by European architecture and history, so visiting is something I have always looked forward to.

•What is your guiding philosophy for your law practice?

“In truth whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well, and nothing can be done well without attention.” - Philip Dormer Stanhope. As lawyers, we must always strive to obtain the best result possible for our clients and it starts with paying attention.

Experience

•Performed in-depth legal research and analysis, prepared persuasive pleadings, motions, and discovery responses, and successfully negotiated settlements to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
•Reviewed and analyzed commercial agreements, advising clients on and negotiating key terms to mitigate risk and maximize economic value. Advised non-profit organization regarding board and governance obligation in compliance with Virginia law.
•Drafted, reviewed, and provided counsel on lease and employment agreements for business clients.
•Reviewed employment agreement and drafted memorandum of understanding and provider service agreements for healthcare providers.
•Advised healthcare providers on medical records retention requirements, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
•Advised business clients on employment verification requirements and drafted and reviewed internal Form I-9 policies and procedures to ensure optimal compliance with federal regulations.
•Advised business clients on the validity of electronic benefit elections and wellness program compliance with ERISA and Department of Labor requirements, providing actionable guidance for regulatory adherence.

Library

•Employment Authorization Verification for U.S. Employers: Form I-9 Basics
Articles
Jan 2025
•Gentry Locke Adds Three New Associates to Firm
News
Dec 2023