Gaela is a member of the Construction and Government Contracts practice group. She joined Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black (WRVB) in 2020, after completing the firm’s summer associate program in 2019.

Gaela received her J.D. magna cum laude from Penn State Law, where she served as the Executive Articles Editor for the Penn State Law Review and was a legal extern for Penn State University’s Student Legal Services. She is also a member of the Woolsack Honor Society.

Gaela earned her B.A. from the College of William & Mary, where she majored in Government and minored in sociology. Gaela was also a member of William and Mary’s women’s club soccer travel team during her four years.

Gaela is a longtime Virginia resident who was born and raised in Virginia Beach and attended Kellam High School.

Representative Matters

Represented general contractor and architect as a design-build team in a copyright infringement case against a developer and architect – successfully resolved through mediation.

Assisted in representation of MRI manufacturer and seller against freight forwarding company and transportation company – successfully resolved through mediation.

Assisted in successful representation of foundation contractor against homeowner regarding nonpayment.

Assisted in winning summary judgment against tax preparation franchisor in commercial dispute concerning franchise lease locations. JTH Tax, Inc. v. Shahabuddin, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 158072 (E.D. Va. 2021).

Attorney Perspectives

Speaking Engagements

  • Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar | The Bright Light of the Corporate Transparency Act
    September 20, 2023
  • National Association of Women in Construction | New Virginia Law on Contract Payments
    February 15, 2023

Seminars + Events

  • The Bright Light of the Corporate Transparency Act
    September 20, 2023

Recognition