Meet the Attorneys at Lemmon & Hale

Dana B. Hale, Esq.

Partner

Credentials & Background:

• J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
• 35+ years in practice (licensed in VA, previously DC and NY)
• Former in-house counsel to Fortune 500 companies
• Past experience at Am Law 100 firm (national practice)
• Member, Virginia State Bar; local bar associations
  

Practice Focus:

Estate planning, trusts, wills, elder law, business law, corporate governance, employment counsel

Personal Note:

Dana chose Front Royal to build a law practice that puts people first. Known for her warmth and practical advice, she’s helped hundreds of local families and business owners protect what matters most. Dana believes in meeting clients where they are—she’s even made house calls for elderly or homebound clients to ensure every person gets the attention and access they need. Outside work, Dana volunteers with local nonprofits and enjoys walking in the Blue Ridge foothills.

Kari Lemmon

Client Development Manager

Kari ensures that Lemmon & Hale clients have an advocate inside the Firm walking alongside them every step of the way. With more than five years of experience supporting attorneys and clients, Kari helps keep matters organized, clients informed, and deadlines on track.

Kari’s work focuses on estate planning, court recording and filings, marketing, and event promotion. She works closely with clients to gather important information, assists with custom estate plans and special needs trusts, and helps make the legal process feel more manageable and less stressful.

Kari earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eckerd College.

Kari is the mother of five children and nine step-children, with more than twenty grandchildren. Outside the office, she enjoys hosting a local women’s book club, coaching volleyball at her children’s school, playing tennis, and planning her family’s travels.

Peter D. Lemmon, Esq.

Counsel

Credentials & Background:

• J.D., University of Richmond School of Law
• 20+ years in practice (licensed in VA and CA)
• Extensive experience in complex litigation, business counsel, public law
• Served clients in California and Virginia, including cross-state business matters
• Member, Virginia State Bar; Warren County Bar Association
  

Practice Focus:

Litigation, business disputes, public law, real estate and property law, employment litigation, municipal counsel

Personal Note:

Peter brings a pragmatic, responsive approach to every case—clients appreciate his ability to break down complicated legal issues and his relentless advocacy in and out of court. With a background spanning from local government work to representing multi-state businesses, Peter offers the perspective and flexibility clients need. He’s active in community service and is proud to call Front Royal home.

Melanie Gregory

Administrative Assistant

Melanie serves as the Administrative Assistant for the firm, bringing organization, professionalism, and a welcoming presence to every client interaction. 

As the first point of contact, she manages incoming calls and emails with efficiency and care, ensuring clients receive timely support and clear communication. She also plays a key part in planning and organizing firm events, helping promote the firm’s services and strengthen community relationships.

Melanie is an essential member of the team and a trusted resource for both colleagues and clients. She has deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley, loves animals, history and spending time with her family.

Peter Gregory

Of Counsel

Peter Gregory joined our team in early 2026 after years of practicing employment law for the federal government. Peter graduated from Marquette University in 1982 with a BA in Political Science and in 1986, from George Mason University Law School with a JD. After graduating from law school, Peter

was selected to be part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Honors Program. He initially served as a judicial clerk for the immigration judges located in Chicago, Illinois and was then selected to be an immigration trial attorney with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. In 1990, after working as an immigration trial attorney for three years, Peter transferred to INS Headquarters where he served as the lead employment law attorney.

When the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2003, Peter transferred to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. At USCIS, Peter served as Chief of the Commercial and Administrative Law Division. In this position, Peter and his team of attorneys and paralegals litigated cases and provided legal advice on a wide variety of issues including federal
employment law, procurement law, the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Freedom of Information Act. In addition, Peter was detailed on several occasions to interview refugees in Nepal, Guatemala and Honduras.