Meet Jennifer French: Another “Floyd Girl” Attorney Helping Families and Businesses Across Southwest Virginia
I met Jennifer French through a networking group that I am a part of that meets on Wednesday mornings in Salem. As we chatted one day, I mentioned I was from Floyd and she said, “Really? I live there, too!”
I’ve been attending this networking group for about a year. It’s ran like many network groups where you get to do a “commercial” about who you are what you do. This year, Jennifer’s commercial changed! As of January of 2026, she and a partner launched their OWN firm, Di Risio & French.
Jennifer and her family call Floyd home, but her impact extends far beyond our county line. She is local professional making a real difference in the lives of people throughout our region. As a partner at Di Risio & French PLLC, Jennifer helps clients across Southwest Virginia navigate some of life’s most difficult legal challenges—from contested wills and probate disputes to guardianships, business transactions, and civil litigation.
And after spending time talking with her, one thing became very clear: Jennifer is the kind of attorney you want in your corner when the stakes are high!
A Virginia Attorney Through and Through
Jennifer jokes that she is “Virginia through and through.”
She was born in Virginia, attended Virginia Tech for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, and earned her law degree from University of Virginia School of Law.
She has been practicing law for approximately 15 years and has built a reputation for taking on complex legal matters that many attorneys simply don’t handle.
And while her office is located in the Roanoke area, Jennifer has long worked from her home in Floyd, allowing her to stay connected to the community she loves.
Serving the Communities Often Overlooked
Jennifer serves clients from Floyd and throughout rural Southwest Virginia, including:
- Galax
- Grayson County
- Carroll County
- Patrick County
- Wytheville
- Bland County
Some of these areas are considered “legal deserts,” meaning there are very few attorneys available—especially for highly specialized or litigation-heavy cases.
In fact, Jennifer shared that Bland County has had only one licensed attorney listed in the entire county.
That means when families face complicated legal matters, they may not know where to turn, and Jennifer helps fill that gap. Many attorneys handle only the uncontested paperwork. Jennifer often steps in when cases become contested or headed to court.
A Powerful Example of Fighting for What’s Right
During our conversation, Jennifer shared one case that perfectly illustrates the kind of advocate she is.
A father was rushing his seriously ill child to the hospital while speaking with 911 dispatch. He informed officers that his daughter was having trouble breathing and that he was heading directly to the emergency room.
Despite that, he was confronted at gunpoint in the hospital parking lot and initially faced a felony charge.
Jennifer carefully reviewed the evidence, including dash cam audio, and uncovered critical facts that had been omitted.
The truth mattered.
The felony charge was ultimately dropped, and the case was reduced to a simple traffic matter.
More importantly, the resulting court opinion helped clarify the limits of qualified immunity and reinforced that public officials can be held accountable when they overstep their authority.
That story says a lot about Jennifer.
She digs deep, follows the facts, and fights for what is right.
Practical Help with a Personal Touch
One thing I loved hearing was how Jennifer works to make things easier for clients who live in more remote communities.
If someone in Carroll County or Grayson County needs to drop off documents, she may arrange to meet closer to home—or even allow clients to leave paperwork for her in Floyd so they don’t have to drive all the way to Roanoke.
That kind of flexibility and care is rare.
It’s also exactly what you would expect from a fellow Floyd resident.
A New Firm Built on Experience and Teamwork
Jennifer and her law partner, Chris Di Risio, launched Di Risio & French PLLC on January 1 after deciding in late October that they were ready to build something of their own.
Together with two trusted staff members, they spent nights and weekends preparing for the launch.
The result is a firm that combines deep legal experience with personalized service.
Chris focuses on family law, including divorce and custody matters, while Jennifer concentrates on estate litigation, fiduciary matters, business law, and civil litigation.
Why I’m Proud to Highlight Jennifer French
As someone who loves supporting local businesses and professionals, I’m always excited to introduce people to talented individuals who live right here in Floyd.
Jennifer French is smart, compassionate, and incredibly thorough.
She handles complex legal matters with both technical skill and genuine care for her clients.
Whether you need help with estate planning, a probate dispute, guardianship, or a business transaction, Jennifer brings the kind of expertise and integrity that gives people confidence during difficult times.
And at the end of the day, she’s one of us—a Floyd neighbor who understands the value of trust, relationships, and doing right by people.
Contact Jennifer French
If you’re looking for an experienced attorney serving Floyd, Roanoke, and the surrounding Southwest Virginia region, Jennifer French is an excellent resource.
Di Risio & French PLLC
3130 Chaparral Drive, Suite 102
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
Phone: (540) 600-4941
Website: www.dirisiofrench.com
Legal Services Provided
Estate Planning and Probate
- Wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Advance medical directives
- Probate administration
- Will contests
Fiduciary Litigation
- Misuse of powers of attorney
- Executor disputes
- Guardianship and conservatorship matters
Civil Litigation
Business Law
- Business formation
- Buying or selling a business
- Contract review
Landlord-Tenant Law
- Residential and commercial matters
- Representation for both landlords and tenants
