Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Chesterfield
Gates Law has always been a small, family-run business and we believe this is one of our greatest assets. As a small firm, we can take the time to get to know our clients, to hear their stories, and to customize our representation to suit their needs. At each appointment clients will meet with the attorney and be treated respectfully as an individual rather than as a nameless case file. Each of our clients is the focus of our attorneys commitment to justice and a successful resolution. With over 65 years of combined legal experience, we specialize in meeting your personal legal needs. Our lawyers are passionate about providing you with the highest quality legal representation. We dedicate ourselves to achieving justice and a favorable outcome for each of our clients.We specialize in consumer bankruptcy, criminal defense, traffic offenses, personal injury, and estate planning. Our bankruptcy expertise includes both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. We represent clients facing larceny charges, probation violations, drug or weapon offenses, and other felonies and misdemeanors. Our personal injury attorneys work diligently to ensure you receive just compensation for bodily harm and injuries sustained in accidents. Our estate planning package includes a Will, Medical Directive, and Power of Attorney. We also handle deeds, name changes, partition suits, restoration of gun rights, and motor vehicle license restoration.
Services
Bankruptcy
Traffic Defense
Personal Injury
Wills
General Practice
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of combined legal experience in multiple practice areas.
- Our small family firm provides personalized, individualized legal representation.
- We specialize in bankruptcy, criminal defense, traffic offenses, and personal injury cases.
- No attorneys fees unless we recover compensation in personal injury cases.
- Our attorneys have deep roots in Chesterfield County's legal community.
What people say
Awesomely professional
Genuinely care
Very patient
5 stars
Best lawyer
Services
Bankruptcy
Gates Law specializes in consumer bankruptcy filings including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. We help clients stop foreclosures, garnishments, repossessions, lawsuits, and collection calls. Our attorneys guide clients through debt discharge processes while protecting their assets within bankruptcy exemptions. With decades of combined experience, including Mr. Gates' tenure as a Bankruptcy Trustee, we provide expert navigation of bankruptcy laws and procedures.
Traffic Defense
We represent clients charged with traffic offenses including DUI/DWI, reckless driving, speeding, and driving on suspended licenses. With over 40 years of defense experience, including Mr. Gates' background as an assistant Commonwealths Attorney, we advocate for reduced charges or dismissed cases. Our firm also assists with driver's license restoration and traffic violation defense in Chesterfield County courts.
Personal Injury
Our attorneys handle personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and commercial trucking incidents. We pursue fair compensation for bodily injuries and property damage caused by others' negligence. With a contingency fee arrangement, clients pay no attorneys fees unless we secure compensation through settlements or court awards.
Wills
We create comprehensive estate plans including Wills, Medical Directives, and Powers of Attorney. Our customized approach ensures clients' wishes are honored regarding asset distribution and healthcare decisions. The firm helps protect families from probate disputes by creating legally sound documents that provide peace of mind for future planning.
General Practice
As a family-owned firm, we handle diverse legal matters beyond core specialties. Services include deed transfers, name changes, partition suits for family land division, gun rights restoration, and motor vehicle license reinstatement. Our broad experience allows comprehensive legal support for Chesterfield residents across multiple practice areas.
People
Richard O. Gates
Attorney
Richard O. Gates has nearly 50 years of legal experience. He served as Assistant Commonwealths Attorney, Bankruptcy Trustee, and Commissioner in Chancery. Admitted to the Virginia Bar in 1974, he established his private practice in Chesterfield in 1980. He represents clients in bankruptcy, criminal defense, and personal injury cases.
Mary Scott Gates
Attorney
Mary Scott Gates provides legal counsel in bankruptcy and personal injury cases. She works closely with clients through document preparation and court proceedings. With extensive experience in consumer bankruptcy matters, she offers patient guidance through complex legal processes.
Questions
What areas of law does Gates Law specialize in?
We specialize in bankruptcy, criminal defense, traffic offenses, personal injury, and estate planning. Our general practice also covers deed transfers, name changes, and license restoration cases.
How much experience do your attorneys have?
Our attorneys have over 65 combined years of legal experience, including Mr. Gates' nearly 50-year career with roles as Assistant Commonwealths Attorney and Bankruptcy Trustee.
Do you offer free consultations?
We provide initial consultations to discuss your legal needs. Contact our Chesterfield office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys.
What payment options are available?
We offer contingency fee arrangements for personal injury cases. For other services, contact our office to discuss payment options and fee structures.
Do you handle cases outside Chesterfield County?
Yes, we represent clients in surrounding counties including Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Amelia, Powhatan, and Nottoway from our Chesterfield office location.
Can I modify my estate planning documents?
Yes, we help update wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney as your circumstances change. Contact us to review or revise your existing estate planning documents.
