The Roanoker Nov/Dec 2024 - 33

R
oanoke's legal scene is
seeing a new generation of
attorneys take flight, bringing
fresh perspectives, diverse
backgrounds and a passion for
advocacy to the city's courtrooms
and boardrooms. These
young lawyers are not just navigating the complexities
of the law; they are balancing the demands of building
a career, contributing to their community and carving
out personal time-all while establishing themselves
in a tightly knit legal community that has long defined
Roanoke.
From tackling critical civil rights issues to providing
vital support for underserved communities, these four
legal eagles, including William Spotswood, Zachary
Brown, Raven Burks and Glenn B. Williams, are demonstrating
that law in Roanoke is more than just a profession-it's
a commitment to bettering the lives of those
around them. Through hard work, mentorship and a sense
of purpose, these rising stars are redefining what it means
to be a young attorney in Roanoke, a city steeped in tradition
but ready for the future.
William Spotswood
William Spotswood, an associate at Gentry Locke,
embodies a blend of deep community roots and professional
ambition. Born and raised in Roanoke County,
Spotswood, 27, comes from a family with a long history
of railroad workers. " The railroad brought my ancestors
to Roanoke, and we've been here ever since, " he says.
Spotswood's passion for history, particularly that of
Southwest Virginia, guided him toward the legal profession.
While studying history at Virginia Tech, he became
captivated by the impact lawyers have on communities
and the nation, which fueled his desire to help his own
community in Southwest Virginia.
Spotswood's decision to pursue law was solidified during
an internship at a Radford law firm while in college.
" I had a great mentor who showed me that law is more
than filing papers and arguing motions-it's about serving
local folks and giving back to your community, " he
explains. This experience revealed the tangible impact
lawyers can have on people's lives, confirming that law
was his calling.
After graduating, Spotswood attended the MarshallWythe
School of Law at the College of William & Mary.
His time there was enriched by the history surrounding
him in Colonial Williamsburg. " It was surreal to study
law at the oldest law school in the U.S. while immersed
in that setting, " he notes, adding that the local favorite,
Green Leafe's cheese fries, also enhanced his experience.
Now an associate in Gentry Locke's Commercial
Litigation Section, Spotswood handles a variety of business
litigation cases, ranging from real estate disputes to
construction litigation. For him, the most rewarding part
of his job is securing positive outcomes for his clients.
" Seeing a client's relief and gratitude when a dispute is
resolved is the best part of the job, " he shares.
Despite initial challenges breaking into Roanoke's
close-knit legal community, Spotswood found the local
bar welcoming and supportive. He advises young lawyers
to get involved, noting that relationships naturally
develop through community engagement.
Balancing his career with family life is a priority for
Spotswood, who ensures that evenings are devoted to
spending time with his wife and kids. " Family time
provides the best perspective, " he says. Looking ahead,
Spotswood is committed to both professional growth and
staying engaged with the Roanoke community.
TheRoanoker.com
november/december 2024 33
COURTESY OF WILLIAM SPOTSWOOD
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker Nov/Dec 2024

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