Kathy Wright joined Gentry Locke in 2002. After several years with the Insurance Defense practice group, she began work in Commercial Litigation with a focus on the areas of local government law (including zoning, subdivision and taxation). Kathy has also enjoyed working on mineral rights cases, estate and other litigation. Kathy tries to resolve disputes before resorting to litigation, if possible.
A quick handshake
•Did you ever consider a different career path?
I seriously considered teaching high school math.
•You’ve traveled extensively. What are some of the most interesting adventures you’ve had?
The most interesting trips I have taken are to Russia, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya. I enjoy experiencing different cultures, the architecture, foods, scenery and wildlife. My husband and I lived in Frankfurt, Germany for almost three years, and had many wonderful opportunities to visit European countries.
•What part of the world is still calling you?
Spain, Scotland, and South America.
Experience
•Litigation relating to water impoundment structures (dams)
•Local government litigation regarding local taxes, zoning and subdivision, including vested rights issues
•Advice and direction on non-litigation local government legal issues
•Litigation regarding estates and fiduciary duties
•Litigation regarding business contracts and closely-held business disputes
•Case mediations and settlements
Awards
•Named one of The Best Lawyers in America in Municipal Litigation (2011-2026)
•Recognized as one of the Influential Women of Law by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly (2020)
•Designated one of the “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine for Legal Services Pro Bono (2019-2020)
•Named a Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Star in Business Litigation (2012)
Published Work
•Co-author, Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Modifying Local Government Contracts Without Violating the VPPA - A Cautionary Tale, Journal of Local Government Law (a Virginia State Bar publication, Vol. XXI No. 1, Summer 2010).
•Assignments and Other Hazards of the Litigation Breakfast: Document Production from Testifying Experts in Virginia Circuit Courts, Litigation News (a publication of VSB Litigation Section, Vol. XIII, No. 5, Spring 2007).
•Friends and Foes in the Jury Box: Walls v. Kim and the Mission to Stop Improper Juror Rehabilitation, Mercer Law Rev. (Vol. 53, No. 2, Winter 2002).
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 19, 2018 - Partial Summary Judgment thwarts request for $1.4M
Library
•31 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2026 Lists
News
Aug 2025
•35 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 Lists
News
Aug 2024
•30 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2024 Lists
News
Aug 2023
•Coronavirus/COVID-19
We're Here to Help
News
Feb 2022
•Twenty Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to Legal Elite List
News
Dec 2020
•22 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2021
News
Aug 2020
•An Emergency Uncodified Ordinance to Establish Methods to Assure Continuity in Fairfax County Government and Conduct of Board of Supervisors Meetings During the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Emergency
Articles
Mar 2020
•Public meetings and hearings for local governments and other “public bodies” in Virginia
Articles
Mar 2020
•Gentry Locke Partner and VPLC Board President Kathy Wright Presents at 2019 Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference
News
Oct 2019
•21 Gentry Locke Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America
News
Aug 2019
•20 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2019 'Best Lawyers in America '
News
Aug 2018
•Bondurant and Wright are Inaugural Gentry Locke Pro Bono Award recipients
News
Mar 2018
•Be a Good Dam Lawyer/Title Examiner...Ownership issues with Virginia law for Impounding Structures
Events
Feb 2018
•Partial Summary Judgment thwarts request for $1.4M 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 2018
•Be a Good Dam Lawyer...Navigating Virginia’s Regulation and Requirements for Impounding Structures
Events
Sep 2017
•21 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2018 Best Lawyers in America
News
Aug 2017
•Twenty-Two Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 'The Best Lawyers in America'
News
Oct 2016
•23 Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 2016 “Best Lawyers in America”
News
Aug 2015
•Ghosts of Rivers Past
Articles
Jan 2015
•Twenty-One Gentry Locke Attorneys Earn Best Lawyers Designations and One Lawyer of the Year
News
Aug 2014
•Twenty-two Attorneys named to 2014 Best Lawyers in America list; Firm Ranked in Tier 1 for Best Law Firms
News
Aug 2013
•Twenty-four Gentry Locke Attorneys Named 'Best Lawyers'
News
Sep 2012
•Twenty-four Gentry Locke Attorneys Named to 'Virginia Super Lawyers' for 2012
News
Jun 2012
•Statutory Construction/Interpretation
Events
Sep 2007
