State Years

Maryland - MD 24 years

Dist. of Columbia - DC 25 years

Virginia - VA 36 years
Licensed for 24 years

State MD

Acquired 1998

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 25 years

State DC

Acquired 1998

Status
Good Standing No misconduct found
Licensed for 36 years

State VA

Acquired 1987

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Gorham Sharpless Clark

Elder law Attorney at Leesburg, VA

About
Contact
Reviews
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Meets clients' needs, exceeds expectations, hard working and ethical

I have retained Rory Clark several times over the past five years. His knowledge of contracts, non-profit law and elder care law is superior. His advice on issues involved in assisted living and nursing home care, Medicaid, estate planning and trust administration is invaluable. Rory listens to his clients. He is professional and compassionate. He has practical experience with many of the issues his clients face. He is able to logically analyze the facts, especially in extremely emotional situations, and thereby help his clients take the necessary actions to obtain the best possible outcomes.

An excellent attorney who is sensitive to your needs

Over the past three and a half years, Rory has assisted my wife and me on a broad range of personal, legal issues. In our first experience with him, we were being strong-armed by a big developer on a complex real estate purchase. After going through two other law firms that failed to adequately represent us, Rory established a rapport with the other side and closed the deal. Having owned several businesses, I have dealt with over thirty lawyers and consider Rory to be one of the finest. He has a unique ability to understand both the legal and emotional dynamics of the negotiation and litigation processes. It is comforting to know that I can always rely on Rory should any issues arise.

About Gorham

Learn Gorham’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Elder law

95%

Medicaid and Veteran's Asset Protection Planning, Advocacy, Disability and Supplemental Needs Benefits Planning

36 years
Estate planning

5%

Estate Planning, Elder Law, Special Needs Trusts, Estate Taxation Planning, Advance Medical Directives, Guardianships, Probate and Trust Administration

36 years

WE'VE HELPED OVER 22,500 FAMILIES PROTECT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

A native of Virginia with deep roots in his community, Rory has more than 30 years’
experience practicing elder law, estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning,
veterans' affairs, and special needs planning. Through his personal journey, Rory not only
understands the complex legal issues involved as a professional but also the intense
emotional issues as a caregiver.
Since 2000, he has held an “AV® Preeminent™″ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell,
meaning he is nationally recognized as a lawyer with the highest levels of skill and integrity
and has reached the height of professional excellence. Rory has also earned an “AVVO
Superb” rating of “10 out of 10.”
Additionally, Rory is an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution
of claims for veterans benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He is
admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.
In 2019, Rory authored The Family Estate Planning and Elder Law Guide. Rory is sought
after as a frequent public speaker on issues of elder law, special needs, and taxation.
A longtime resident of Loudoun County, Rory was re-appointed Vice Chairman of the
Loudoun County Zoning Board of Appeals in 2020 after many years of serving on the Board.
A member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), in 2021, Rory was
elected to the Board of Director for the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA)
where he serves as Chair of the Member Relations and Communications Committee.

Photos and videos

Contact Gorham

The Legacy Elder Law Center

(703) 260-8690 Office

(703) 443-1081 Fax

108 South St S.E.

Suite 212

Leesburg, VA, 20175

legacyelderlaw.com/

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Legacy Elder Law

4410 East Claiborne St

Suite 334

Hampton, VA, 23666

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Legacy Elder Law

969 2nd Street SE

Charlottesville, VA, 22902

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Legacy Elder Law

6802 Paragon Place

Suite 410

Richmond, VA, 23230

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Legacy Elder Law

2700 Neabsco Common Place

Suite 101

Woodbridge, VA, 22191

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Legacy Elder Law

199 East Montgomery Ave

Suite 100

Rockville, MD, 20850

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Reviews

Write A Review

5.0 / 5.0

8 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Pat | January 20, 2014

Meets clients' needs, exceeds expectations, hard working and ethical

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Posted by FM | August 1, 2011

An excellent attorney who is sensitive to your needs

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Posted by Michael | March 18, 2014

Excellent lawyer

I was referred to Gorham (Rory) 16 years ago for advice and counseling and I still can recall the mannerisms and comfort level that Rory displayed in his ability to ease my perspective on the dilemma at hand. Through his guidance and recommendations, I was so very pleased on that initial meeting that I retained his expert analysis on more than three occasions since then! One can find answers to a question but to solve and construct a working plan that achieves these goals in an expedient and precise fashion is truly a gift that Rory possesses! I would and do recommend Gorham S. Clark to my friends, family and colleagues.

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Posted by J | November 20, 2013

My best business relationship

I have worked with Rory Clark for more than 3 years to resolve multiple matters that include estate planning, commercial real estate and business contracts. Mr. Clark has a superior command of the law relative to these matters, knowledge of the jurisdictions involved and defined effective strategies that resolved the matters with unexpected speed and affordability. His sense of fairness minimized the opposition's "fight". His professionalism in contested matters has helped me preserve business relationships when possible. The Business Contract work resulted in my capturing and retaining more profits without exceeding the standards of my market. I am pleased to recommend Mr. Clark and his Associates to anyone in need of legal representation.

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Posted by J.K., President and CEO | March 10, 2011

Hard working and ethical

Rory Clark served as counsel to ZyLAB International, Inc. skillfully guiding the company through a wide variety of complex situations. During a significant private placement, he and his associates’ persistence and persuasive negotiating skill prevailed in many situations that may have otherwise deteriorated, scuttling a very critical deal. He also represented our company in an intellectual property suit in Federal Court. He provided strategic planning and consistent vigilance on behalf of ZyLAB International, Inc’s interests that proved decisive. ZyLAB prevailed in the case. While I could continue with many more examples the illustrate our board’s appreciation I will simply conclude by stating that Rory is one of the hardest-working, brilliantly strategic, articulate, and - most importantly – ethical people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

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Posted by Charles | March 2, 2011

Review of Gorham Clark's Legal Firm

I have had the pleasure of Gorham (Rory) Clark's counsel for 15 years now. Initially for wills and estate planning, but eventually for the purpose of incorporating my business. Rory is professional and knowledgeable. His high standard for ethics and service are unmatched. I have recommended him to others on numerous occassions and without any hesitation, and will continue to do so.

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Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2011

I really recommend Rory Clark

Rory helped me buy my business 13 years ago and he has been by my side ever since. Resolving disputes, writing policies and contracts, collecting money owed, handling trademark and copyright issues and counseling me on how to grow in good times and survive in tough times, there is no way my business would be the success it is today if it weren't for his good sense and great advice. I recommend him highly.

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Posted by B.S., VP & CFO, publicly-traded software company | February 24, 2011

Excellent Intellectual Property and Business Lawyer

Rory is easily accessible, always friendly, calm under pressure and a steady source for sound judgement. He possesses a unique combination of legal skill, ability to communicate and an understanding of how business operates that make him a valuable asset to any business seeking counsel.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Founder
The Legacy Elder Law Center
2013 - Present

Escheator for the 20th Judicial Circuit
Commonwealth of Virginia
2010 - Present

President
The Clark Law Firm
2005 - Present

Vice-Chairman
Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals
2005 - Present

Director and Committee Co-Chairman
Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
2021 - 2022

President and Chairman
George C. Marshall International Center, Inc.
2012 - 2016

Chairman, Planned Giving Ministry
St. James Episcopal Church
2008 - 2015

Treasurer
George C. Marshall International Center, Inc.
2006 - 2012

Managing Partner
Foust & Clark, P.C.
1992 - 2004

View all work experience

Education

Washington and Lee University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987

University of Virginia
BA
1984

Legal Cases

Salvatore Palumbo v. Joan Palumbo et. al.
Rulings in favor of our client on all issues.

Associations

Catoctin Estate Planning Council
Member
2014 - Present

National Association of Estate Planners and Councils
Member
2014 - Present

Elder Care Education Council
Founder
2014 - Present

WealthCounsel
member
2014 - Present

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
2013 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
2013 - Present

ElderCounsel
Member
2013 - Present

Loudoun County Bar Association
Member
2005 - Present

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Board Member
2021 - 2022

American Bar Association
Chairman, LSD
1986 - 1987

American Bar Assoication
Governor, LSD
1985 - 1986

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Qualified Master Counselor in Trust and Estates
Virginia Law Foundation
2022

Washington DC Area's Top Rated Lawyers
ALM
2014

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2000

Jefferson Scholar
Jefferson Educational Foundation
N/A

Westmoreland Davis Scholar
Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation
N/A

View all awards

Publications

How to Keep Tax-Exempt Organizations in Compliance
Maintaining Tax Exempt Status
2011

Speaking Engagements

Dad Couldn't Remember How to Get Home.
Medicaid Asset Protection Planning
2014

Collaboration of Transactional and Litigation Attorneys in Their Practices
Lawyer Cooperation
2013

Processing the Estate - Enrolled Agents and Lawyers Working Together
Estate Administration
2012

What Caregivers need to know, II
Tax and Estate Planning Issues
2011

How to Keep Tax-Exempt Organizations in Compliance
Maintaining Status and Unrelated Business Income
2011

What Caregivers Need to Know
Legal Issues facing aging parents and their caregivers
2011

Enrolled Agent Seminar
The Life of an Estate
2011

Building a Team for Survival
Liability, Liability, Liability: How to recognize it and minimize it.
2010

Member Information Seminar
Asset Protection and Premises Liability
2010

Law School Course on Lawyering
Lawyering and Work/Life Balance
2010

Historic Restoration & Tax Credits: A Seminar
Virginia and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits
2009

Historic Preservation Issue Day
Historic Preservation Credits for Nonprofits
2009

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)

Given (12)

Endorse Gorham

James Allen

Elder law Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of being law partners with Rory for 3 years, and have the utmost respect for him as a lawyer and as a person. Rory does not stop until he has exceeded his client's needs and expectations. In fact, I have gone to Rory with my family's own personal estate planning issues."

Deborah Johnson Wilson

Elder law Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an asset to the community."

Andrew Meyer

Elder law Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rebecca Evans

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear from Mr. Clark's answers on Avvo that he is very knowledgeable in the area of estate planning and able to guide his clients in the right direction for their needs. He has a superb rating on Avvo which demonstrates his ability to work with clients to meet their desires."