Jon Puvak advises business organizations and governmental entities concerning commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and land use, and corporate governance matters. Jon regularly works with public and closely held entities to act as their outside general counsel. Jon is a partner in Gentry Locke’s corporate practice. Jon was previously named an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Jon has been recognized for his service to the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Bar Association. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar and New York State Bar.
A quick handshake
•Do you have a daily ritual?
Weight and cardio training early in the morning.
•What essential life lessons will you teach your sons?
1.) Manners. Be polite and respectful to everyone you encounter.
2.) Take a moment to think before you speak.
•What makes you unique?
Not only am I a twin, but my twin brother is also an attorney, and his daughter and my son were born on the same day! It was an exciting day for everyone.
Experience
Business & Corporate
•Represented businesses in negotiation, preparation, and closing of mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate transactions
•Represented corporate clients in corporate governance matters
•Represented individuals with new business entity formation and succession planning
•Represented lenders and borrowers with lending and refinancing transactions
•Represented parties in the drafting of complex domestic and international contracts
•Represented businesses in the design, implementation, and operation of retirement plans and executive compensation plans
Renewable Energy & Data Centers
•Handled zoning and land use for dozens of solar and renewable energy facilities
•Represented developer on acquisition and permitting of data center campuses
•Served as Virginia real estate counsel in debt and financing transactions of data center and renewable energy transactions
Real Estate/Land Use/Municipal & Local Government
•Represented businesses and individual clients in real property transactions
•Represented local governments and authorities in land use and environmental matters
•Assisted clients in obtaining land use approvals and appeared before Planning Commissions, Board of Supervisors, County Boards, City Councils, and Boards of Zoning Appeals
•Guided developers through the zoning entitlement process and coordinated with architects, engineers, and other consultants
•Conducted feasibility and due diligence analyses for commercial real estate transactions
Prior to law school Jon gained corporate and real estate development experience by working with NVR, Inc., one of the nation’s largest homebuilders.
Awards
•Named a “Leaders in the Law” honoree by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2020)
•Named an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2020)
•Named a “Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star” in Land Use / Zoning (2018-2021)
•Designated a Legal Elite by Virginia Business in the area of Real Estate Land Use (2019) and Business Law (2024-2026)
Published Work
•Note, Executive Branch Czars, Who are They? Are They Needed? Can/Should Congress do Anything About These Czars?, 19 WM. & MARY BILL RTS. J. 4 (2011).
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.
•Jan 14, 2016 - Approval for Eight Special Use Permits will Improve Wireless Communications in Montgomery County
Library
•26 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2025 Virginia Business Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2025
•Gentry Locke Partner Jonathan D. Puvak Sworn in as President of the Roanoke Bar Association and Alicha M. Grubb Awarded Young Lawyer of the Year Award
News
Jun 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
•Key Considerations for Your M&A Transaction
Articles
Nov 2023
•Important Information on the SECURE 2.0 Act
Articles
Mar 2023
•More Solar Facilities Coming to Virginia!
News
Oct 2022
•2022 Gentry Locke Seminar
Events
Apr 2022
•Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 18 Lawyers on 2021 Lists
News
May 2021
•Interstate 81 Developments, Impacts, and Updates
News
Feb 2021
•20 Gentry Locke Lawyers Named as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
News
Apr 2020
•Important Information on the SECURE Act
Articles
Jan 2020
•Gentry Locke’s Jonathan Puvak elected to the Roanoke Bar Association’s Board of Directors
News
Jul 2019
•25 Gentry Locke attorneys named 2019 Virginia Super Lawyers or Rising Stars
News
Apr 2019
•27 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named 2018 Virginia Super Lawyers or Rising Stars
News
Apr 2018
•Jonathan D. Puvak honored with The Virginia Bar Association’s Emerson G. Spies Award
News
Feb 2018
•Two Gentry Locke lawyers elevated to Partner
News
Jan 2018
•Shared Service Agreements Between Local Governments
Events
Dec 2016
•If You’re Buying a Business or Real Estate, Take Advantage of Due Diligence
Articles
Apr 2016
•Approval for Eight Special Use Permits will Improve Wireless Communications in Montgomery County 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
Jan 2016
•Judicial Decision Making in Local Government Cases
Articles
Nov 2015
•Before You Acquire or Lease That Property, Do You Need a Special Exception or Special Use Permit?
Articles
Mar 2015
•Gentry Locke Welcomes Attorney Jonathan D. Puvak
News
Apr 2014
