Ernest P. “Rusty” Gates, Jr., currently serving as Powhatan Bar Association President, is 2013 recipient of the William R. Blandford Community Service Award

RICHMOND, VA (June 18, 2013) – The Powhatan County Bar Association announced today that Ernest P. “Rusty” Gates Jr., personal injury, criminal and family law attorney at the Richmond-based law firm CowanGates, is the 2013 recipient of the William R. Blandford Community Service Award. The award is presented annually to a lawyer or judge who exemplifies extraordinary benevolence in community service outside of their legal functions. Gates was also elected and sworn in as Powhatan Bar Association President on June 7th.

“I was surprised and honored when I was announced the recipient of the 2013 William R. Blandford Community Service Award,” said Gates. “It was quite an honor to receive the award in the presence of fellow bar members and judges, including my father. I really appreciate the effort my colleagues undertook to make it happen and I will always be proud that CowanGates supports community involvement.”

Rusty was presented with the Powhatan Bar Association honor as a result of his participation as President of Backpacks of Love, serving on the board and performing legal work for Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan, his active membership in the Rotary Club, supporting the Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot Athletic Foundation and hosting the Annual Powhatan Bar Association Spring Picnic.

Ernest P. “Rusty” Gates Jr. – Rusty has compiled more than 31 years of experience as a trial and business attorney. Gates practices personal injury, criminal and family law as a member of CowanGates’ litigation team, with a focus on traffic law related to violations, automobile accidents and injuries, but he also practices in the areas of estate planning and commercial and residential real estate. In 2000, Gates’ trial work as the lead attorney for Sensabaugh v. Gateway was recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, who named one of his cases among the “Most Important Decisions.”

About CowanGates

CowanGates is a full-service law firm located in Richmond, Virginia, practicing personal injury, civil and criminal litigation, estate planning and taxation, family law, employment law, real estate law, and business and corporate law. The firm’s 12-member attorney team is experienced in serving litigation and business needs of individuals and small and large businesses. CowanGates.com