Richmond, Va. (September 3, 2024) – The Virginia law firm Gentry Locke is pleased to announce that Erin M. Harrigan has been named to the Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2024 “Leaders in the Law” list and Ryan J. Starks has been named to the publication’s “Up & Coming Lawyers” Class of 2024. Honorees will be recognized at the Virginia Lawyers Weekly celebration on October 17 in downtown Richmond.
Now in its 19th year, the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Leaders in the Law awards recognize lawyers across the Commonwealth who are setting the standard for other Virginia lawyers. “Leaders” are changing the law, serving the community, changing practices, or improving Virginia’s justice system, among other accomplishments. The Up & Coming Lawyer program, now in its 9th year, recognizes lawyers across the Commonwealth who are making their mark within their first 10 years of practice.
“We are very proud of Erin and Ryan for these statewide recognitions, which stand as a testament to the exceptional work being done for Gentry Locke’s clients as well as their standing as esteemed practitioners and valued community leaders,” said Gentry Locke Managing Partner Brett Marston.
Erin Harrigan is a partner and leads Gentry Locke’s White Collar Defense, Investigations & Compliance practice group.
Erin guides clients through high stakes litigation, federal and state government investigations and enforcement actions, and has directed internal investigations for businesses confronting allegations of misconduct. Chambers USA recognized Erin from 2021-2024 as a leading attorney for White Collar Crime & Government Investigations in Virginia, one of the legal industry’s most prestigious rankings and a distinction that is awarded based on a commitment to the qualities most valued by a client.
Erin previously served as Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Virginia, based in Charlottesville, where she prosecuted and investigated public corruption, money laundering, regulatory offenses, human trafficking and fraud cases of local origin and involving multi-national corporations. As a former Virginia Assistant Attorney General, Erin is particularly well-suited to assist clients facing inquiries from state Attorneys General.
Ryan Starks is a partner and works in Gentry Locke’s commercial litigation practice group, where he assists clients with complex business and civil disputes in state and federal courts throughout Virginia. Ryan has also practiced before the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Court of Federal Claims. Ryan has wide-ranging experience in courts extending from the Eastern Shore to Southwest Virginia, including in construction, contract, employment, government contracting, and real estate disputes. Ryan has worked with a broad range of large and small domestic and international clients to achieve successful outcomes throughout the Commonwealth.