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Atty. Ernest P. Gates

Atty. Ernest P. Gates

Ernest P. Gates is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, commercial, criminal law and 5 other areas of law.

Richmond Richmond 76 yrs experience 76 year
Call (804) 566-6010 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Ernest P. Gates at a glance

Ernest P. Gates is a Partner based in Richmond, Virginia, practicing at CowanGates. They have 76+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1950. Their practice focuses on residential, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1950) and U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virgini (1982). Educated at University of Richmond (J.D., 1981) and Hampden-Sydney College (B.A., 1976). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Chesterfield and Powhatan Bar Associations Virginia State Bar Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Serands clients in Richmond, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ernest P. Gates is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, commercial, criminal law and 5 other areas of law
  • Ernest received a B.A. degree from Hampden-Sydney College in 1976, and has been licensed for 76 years
  • Ernest practices at CowanGates in Richmond, VA

Practice Areas Explained

Ernest P. Gates's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ernest P. Gates handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Residential Real Estate

Ernest P. Gates is one of 9,343 residential attorneys indexed nationally. Browse residential attorneys in Virginia →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Ernest P. Gates is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Virginia →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Ernest P. Gates is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Virginia →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Ernest P. Gates is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Virginia →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Ernest P. Gates is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Richmond are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Richmond or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ernest P. Gates

Where is Ernest P. Gates's law office located?
Ernest P. Gates's law practice is located in Richmond, Virginia. The firm is CowanGates. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ernest P. Gates handle?
Ernest P. Gates focuses on residential, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Ernest P. Gates practiced law?
Ernest P. Gates has 76+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1950.
Where did Ernest P. Gates go to law school?
Ernest P. Gates earned their education at (J.D., 1981); (B.A., 1976).
How can I contact Ernest P. Gates for a consultation?
You can contact Ernest P. Gates directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Ernest P. Gates received?
Ernest P. Gates's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of Richmond
- 1981
B.A.
Hampden-Sydney College
- 1976

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Virginia
Admitted: 1950
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virgini
Admitted: 1982

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