Gary M. Bowman Attorney At Law | Roanoke Trial Lawyer

YOU CAN'T WIN THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE BY YOURSELF

If you’re here, you’re probably scared, confused, uncertain, angry. That’s completely understandable. Whether you’ve been sued, treated unfairly, hurt, contacted by the police, are under investigation or just have that dread in your gut that something’s not right, you can’t get justice all by yourself. You can’t travel from crisis to justice alone. Especially in this perilous time.

This may be a critical moment. And what you do now matters.

Call me at (540) 343-1173 or email me (gary@garymbowman.com)—the sooner you get answers, the better you’ll feel.

EFFICIENT RESOLUTION OF BUSINESS DISPUTES

No business exists to fight in court to recover money and property legally owed to it or to defend itself from claims by customers, other businesses, or the government. When a business encounters legal uncertainty or challenge, it needs immediate clarity on the nature and scope of the problem and to resolve the problem as quickly and cheaply as possible, minimizing financial cost and exposure, operational disruption, and reputational harm.

Legal brief preparation showing thorough case research and trial-ready documentation

I AM HERE TO HELP YOU THROUGH ALL YOUR TRIALS

Most people, including people in business, don’t expect to need a lawyer. They don’t expect a problem that may lead them to a courtroom. I specialize in guiding people through their unexpected trial in court. I also represent businesses.

The solution to most legal problems is unique and does not fit into a one-size-fits-all category. I have been a lawyer for a long time and have successfully guided all kinds of clients through all kinds of cases in many different settings: in the legal department of one of the world’s largest corporations, in a law firm, in the Army Judge Advocate General corps, and as a law clerk for a judge.

I seek unusual and difficult cases that intersect the “specialties” that separate other lawyers into stovepipes and prevent them from solving their client's whole problem. I can often see solutions that other lawyers don’t see. I may be able to help you through your trial—and get you justice—even if you have a difficult or complex legal problem.

I am selective in taking cases, but if I take your case I will personally do or review all of the work on your case and be available to speak with you or immediately respond to your texts and emails. I will be with you through your trial.

Call me at (540) 343-1173 or email me (gary@garymbowman.com) — for a free analysis of your problem.

Experienced trial attorney presenting compelling arguments in Virginia courtroom proceedings

Attorney reviewing complex litigation files demonstrating attention to detail and case preparation

MY SPECIALTY IS TRIALS

I am not a legal jack-of-all-trades. I specialize in winning trials. That doesn’t mean that I try every case. But you obtain the best settlement by showing the other side that you are genuinely prepared to win at trial.

Trials are not won by eloquent speeches to a jury or confessions on the witness stand. Speeches are made at trial. And witnesses break down on the stand. But trials are governed by the rules of evidence and detailed procedural rules and the art of litigation is demonstrating the truth with evidence by obtaining, and preventing, the admission of evidence, which takes careful planning. I specialize in applying the rules of evidence and court procedure.

I also have expertise in accounting and economics that allow me to understand the financial aspects of complicated disputes and to prove my clients’ cases by the numbers.

Practice Areas

Battle Tested

Lawyers often say they “fight” for their clients. But I know that a real battle involves gaining intelligence about the other side’s strengths, developing a strategy, preparing for the expected and unexpected, rehearsing, red-teaming, knowing when to fight and when to avoid a fight, and—when committed to trial—resolving to win regardless of the hostility and resistance you may encounter in the courtroom.

(540) 343-1173

Local magistrate courtroom for preliminary hearings in criminal defense cases

Client Testimonials

"I hired Mr. Bowman to represent me in a slip-and-fall case. I hired him on the recommendation of my best friend, who is also an attorney. He is unlike other attorneys because he is so direct and plain-spoken. He accurately assessed my case, did not make any promises that he did not deliver on, and immediately began preparing the case for trial. He quickly settled the case for more than he forecasted and more than I expected. I could not be more pleased."

Albert Y.

When I was unlawfully and violently detained by a company greeter, it left me with significant physical injuries and a great deal of emotional distress. The incident was traumatic and left me feeling hopeless. My belongings were seized and never returned, I was assaulted, and the entire event was incredibly humiliating.
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As an attorney myself, I had begun to lose faith in the system when every attorney I spoke with was unwilling to take my case. The company’s reputation for aggressively litigating cases made most attorneys reluctant. But by God’s grace, Mr. Bowman found my case, saw the similarities to another he had, and was willing to fight for me.

Because of Mr. Bowman’s exceptional work, we were able to bring our case to trial and a jury awarded me not only compensatory damages but also punitive damages. This wasn’t just a monetary victory; it was a vindication of my rights and a powerful statement that unlawful corporate behavior will not be tolerated. Gary M. Bowman is more than just an attorney; he is a tireless advocate for his clients. I am forever grateful for his dedication, legal expertise, and for helping me find justice. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney to truly fight for them.

S. J.

"Mr. Bowman is a brilliant and effective attorney. He took over my personal injury case when I fired my previous lawyer, prepared for trial from the beginning, and settled the case for more than I expected the case could be worth because the insurance company knew that he was serious about taking the case to a trial. He has also successfully represented my company in business disputes in other states. He is tough, no-nonsense, down-to-business, and does not put on any airs. I highly recommend him."

Douglas J.

Criminal defense lawyer reviewing case files for adult defendants facing serious charges

Meet Gary M. Bowman: Your Trial Lawyer

I'm from Roanoke and graduated from Cave Spring High School. I graduated with Distinction from Virginia Military Institute. I served as a Field Artillery officer in the Army before attending law school at the University of Virginia, where I also earned a Ph.D. in government. I wrote the book on Highway Politics in Virginia. I clerked for Judge Norman Moon in Lynchburg and practiced with a Roanoke law firm. I remained in the Army Reserve, was often called back to active duty, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and I concluded my military career as a Colonel of Field Artillery.

(540) 343-1173

Trial exhibit preparation showing organized evidence presentation for courtroom proceedings

FAQs

Here are some common questions I receive from clients seeking legal assistance.

What do you charge?

I try to charge an amount that the client can afford, that is proportionate to the problem the client faces, and that adequately compensates me. So my fee arrangements with clients vary depending on the case. I try to find a way for my clients to pay nothing out-of-pocket. For example, I often represent clients on a contingent fee basis so that they only pay me if they win their case and they pay me from their winnings. I also often recover my attorney fees from the other side when my client wins their case. My standard hourly rate is $350.00 per hour for attorney work and $90.00 per hour for paralegal work.

What types of legal work don’t you do?

I don’t represent juveniles charged with crimes. I don’t practice family law (divorce, custody, adoption, etc.) except for military divorces. I don’t do workers compensation cases or real estate closings. I don’t do estate planning, living trusts. I don’t write transactional documents (such as contracts) or practice bankruptcy law.

Can I meet with you in person?

I look forward to talking with you, but I prefer to discuss a prospective client’s case on the telephone or video call before meeting in person because the person may not need a lawyer, I can give them advice about how to address their problem on their own, I might not be able to represent them, or their problem may not involve an area of the law in which I practice. I will make an appointment to meet you at my office before I agree to represent you.

Do you have a standard written Representation Agreement?

I do not represent any client without a written Representation Agreement signed by the client, emails confirming the terms of representation (in an emergency), or a court Order appointing me to represent the client. I write a Representation Agreement for every client describing the particular goals, definitions and expectations of success, and financial terms we have agreed upon.

Still have questions?

(540) 343-1173