Coates, Gary M

For residents of Central Virginia, navigating legal challenges often requires an attorney with deep roots in the community and a proven track record of dedicated service. In Lynchburg, Virginia, Gary M. Coates stands as a highly respected and experienced legal professional. Practicing with Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC, Gary has been providing comprehensive legal services to the region since 1987, establishing himself as a trusted advocate for individuals and families.

Born and raised in Lynchburg, Gary brings a profound understanding of the local landscape and the unique needs of its residents. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to delivering strong representation across a variety of practice areas, including sensitive family law matters, personal injury claims, employment disputes, and traffic violations. With a reputation for effective trial advocacy and a compassionate approach, Gary M. Coates works diligently to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients, drawing on decades of legal knowledge and a deep connection to the Central Virginia community. He has consistently demonstrated his dedication through both his professional work and his active involvement in local organizations.

Gary M. Coates practices with Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC, which is located at 1045 Cottontown Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503, USA. This address places the firm within the Lynchburg area, offering convenient access for clients across Central Virginia.

Cottontown Road is situated in a well-established part of Lynchburg, generally accessible by car. While precise details about public transport routes directly to this specific address may vary, Lynchburg offers local bus services that could provide connectivity to the vicinity. For those driving, the location is typically straightforward to reach from various parts of Lynchburg and surrounding counties.

When visiting a professional office like a law firm, ease of access is always a priority for clients. Parking availability at or near the premises is usually a key consideration, and a location like 1045 Cottontown Road in Lynchburg is likely to offer convenient parking options, though specific details should be confirmed when scheduling a visit.

For individuals seeking legal services, having a local attorney whose office is within a manageable distance is often preferred. Gary M. Coates's presence in Lynchburg ensures that residents of the city and nearby towns like Rustburg, Forest, and Bedford have access to experienced legal counsel without needing to travel to larger metropolitan areas. This local presence fosters a sense of community connection and convenience, which can be particularly beneficial for clients dealing with sensitive personal legal matters.

Gary M. Coates provides a comprehensive range of legal services to individuals and families throughout Central Virginia. His primary practice areas include:

• Family Law: Gary offers seasoned and compassionate guidance for sensitive family law issues. This includes divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, adoption (including stepparent adoptions), domestic violence, protective orders, and prenuptial or premarital agreements. He also assists with modifications of existing family court orders. The firm emphasizes careful planning, strategic negotiation, and, when appropriate, collaborative law to resolve disputes outside of court.

• Personal Injury: He represents individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others. This involves pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from accidents such as car collisions or other incidents leading to personal harm.

• Employment Law: Gary advises and represents clients on various employment-related issues. This can include matters such as wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and other workplace conflicts. He has experience in seminars related to Employment Law.

• Collections: He assists clients with legal matters pertaining to collections, which can involve representing either creditors in recovering debts or debtors in negotiating terms.

• Traffic Violations: Gary provides representation for individuals facing traffic citations, including speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and other moving violations, aiming to mitigate penalties and protect driving records.

Gary M. Coates is admitted to practice in Virginia (since 1987), the U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit (since 1989), the U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia (since 1989), and the U.S. Supreme Court (since 1992), indicating his capability to handle cases across various court levels.

Gary M. Coates's legal career is marked by several significant features and highlights that make him a noteworthy attorney in Central Virginia:

• Decades of Experience: With over 35 years of legal practice in Central Virginia since 1987, Gary brings a wealth of experience to every case. This long-standing presence in the community translates into deep legal knowledge and a nuanced understanding of local courts and procedures.

• Strong Trial Advocacy: He is recognized for his skill in the courtroom, particularly in trial settings. Reviews indicate he is "Good at trial," a critical attribute for clients whose cases may require litigation.

• Deep Community Roots: Born and raised in Lynchburg and a graduate of Rustburg High School, Gary has strong ties to the local community. His family owned and operated a local restaurant, motel, and cattle farm, giving him a firsthand understanding of the region's people and businesses.

• Leadership in the Legal Community: Gary has held prominent leadership positions within the legal profession. He has served as President of the Lynchburg Bar Association (2001-Present) and was elected as the Central Virginia representative to the Virginia State Bar Association. He also served on the State Bar Council from 2001 to 2007.

• Pro Bono Recognition: His commitment to serving the community extends to pro bono work. In 2005, he was awarded the Lynchburg Pro Bono Award by the Virginia Legal Aid Society, an organization he has supported since 1988. This highlights his dedication to access to justice for all.

• Comprehensive Educational Background: Gary holds a J.D. with honors from the University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law (where he was on the Law Review). He also has a B.A. in Geology from the College of William & Mary and an M.S. in Environmental Science from Temple University, providing a broad analytical foundation.

• Client-Centered Approach in Family Law: The firm emphasizes listening carefully to clients' concerns, wishes, and goals in family law matters, aiming for fair and agreed-upon resolutions, including through collaborative law, which prioritizes client and family well-being.

As a professional law firm, Gary M. Coates's practice at Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC operates within the ethical and professional standards of the legal industry. Consequently, the firm does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Legal services are tailored to individual client needs and involve professional fees for expertise, consultation, and representation.

However, for prospective clients in Virginia considering Gary M. Coates's legal expertise, the firm generally provides value through transparent and client-focused practices:

• Consultation Scheduling: Clients are encouraged to contact the firm to arrange a consultation. This initial meeting allows prospective clients to discuss their specific legal matter, understand potential strategies, and determine if Gary M. Coates's experience aligns with their needs. While the cost of this initial consultation is not always explicitly stated as free, it is a standard practice for law firms to clearly communicate any consultation fees upfront.

• Commitment to Quality Service: The firm's emphasis on providing "quality service and skillful representation" and achieving the "best possible outcome" for clients, as stated on their website, signifies their commitment to delivering value through effective legal advocacy. One customer review highlights their appreciation for the attorney, stating he is "Great... Good at trial," indicating positive experiences with his legal work.

• Focus on Collaborative Solutions (Family Law): In family law, the firm offers collaborative law as a method to resolve disputes without litigation, which can sometimes be a more cost-effective and emotionally beneficial approach for all parties involved.

Virginia residents interested in learning more about how Gary M. Coates can assist with their legal needs are encouraged to directly contact Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC to inquire about their consultation process and to discuss specific fee arrangements tailored to their legal situation.

For residents of Central Virginia seeking experienced legal counsel from Gary M. Coates, please use the following contact details for Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC:

Address: 1045 Cottontown Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503, USA

Phone: (434) 528-3400

Mobile Phone: +1 434-528-3400 (This number likely serves as his direct office line or a primary contact for inquiries.)

Website: While not explicitly provided in the initial information, publicly available information indicates the firm has an official website at freemandunn.com. Searching for "Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC" will typically lead to their professional online presence, where you can find more information about Gary M. Coates and the firm's services, and potentially an online contact form.

It is always advisable to contact the firm during standard business hours to ensure that your call or inquiry is promptly received and directed to the appropriate legal professional.

For locals throughout Central Virginia, particularly those in Lynchburg and surrounding communities, Gary M. Coates and Freeman Dunn Lucy & Coates PC offer an exceptionally suitable and valuable legal resource. His deep roots in the community, combined with his extensive experience and broad range of practice areas, make him a go-to attorney for many personal and family legal needs.

Firstly, Gary’s decades of experience in family law mean that local residents can confidently approach him with sensitive matters like divorce, child custody, and estate planning. His firm's emphasis on listening to clients' goals and exploring collaborative solutions, alongside strong trial advocacy when necessary, ensures that families receive thoughtful and effective guidance during often challenging times. The positive feedback from clients regarding his handling of family law cases reinforces this suitability.

Secondly, his proficiency in areas such as personal injury, employment law, and traffic violations addresses common legal issues faced by individuals in the region. Whether it's seeking compensation after an accident, navigating workplace disputes, or dealing with a traffic ticket, Gary's comprehensive understanding and practical experience provide a trusted avenue for resolution.

The firm’s location on Cottontown Road in Lynchburg offers practical convenience for local residents, ensuring easy access to legal services without the need for extensive travel. This local presence fosters a stronger connection and understanding between the attorney and the community he serves.

Finally, Gary M. Coates's consistent leadership within the Lynchburg Bar Association, his role as a representative to the Virginia State Bar, and his recognition with the Pro Bono Award from the Virginia Legal Aid Society all speak volumes about his commitment to both the legal profession and the well-being of the community. For Virginia locals, this signifies that they are entrusting their legal matters to a highly respected, skilled, and deeply community-minded attorney who is dedicated to providing effective, ethical, and compassionate representation. While varied feedback exists, the overall picture is one of a dedicated attorney rooted in his community.