McGuireWoods LLP > Austin, United States > Firm Profile

McGuireWoods LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: middle-market (sub-$500m) Tier 1

Serving clients in sectors ranging from industrials and information technology to real estate, McGuireWoods LLP‘s M&A practice operates across the middle-market spectrum. The team has developed a particular market reputation for its in-depth understanding of the energy and healthcare sectors, with the practice a key destination for advising major solar and wind developers on transactional matters and joint ventures. In Richmond, Michael Woodard heads up the M&A and energy transactions group, while the corporate and private equity team is steered by the Pittsburgh-based Thomas Zahn. Also in Richmond, Joanne Katsantonis has a proven track record in energy sector M&A, Patrick De Ridder's practice extends to working with businesses connected to South America, Europe and Asia, and Brian Hager maintains close relationships with the firm's manufacturing and construction clients. Charlotte-based lawyer Chris Scheurer guides national, regional and local clients through acquisitions and divestitures.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 1

The cross-disciplinary transportation team at McGuireWoods LLP represents both Class I and short line railroads on a diverse range of issues. The rail group has extensive experience in the implementation of federal policies, regulations and laws concerning railroad operations, property management and cargo transportation. On the disputes front, it routinely acts in commercial litigation involving federal preemption, real estate, private and public crossings, cargo transportation claims, and contract enforcement and interpretation issues. The practice is also experienced in defending railroads against environmental enforcement actions. In the world of trucking, the group acts in state and federal courts across the country, as well as before the National Transportation Safety Board and in investigations involving the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Bryan Brantley leads the firm-wide transportation industry group from Pittsburgh, where the primary role of product and consumer litigation specialist Natalie Zagari is serving as national coordinating counsel for a major transportation company. The practice also showcases longstanding commercial litigation expert Eric Bilik; and Christopher Thanner, whose track record includes representing railroads in disputes with state agencies and local governments over vested railroad rights in state-owned and public lands. All attorneys named are based in Jacksonville unless otherwise mentioned.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: automotive/transport Tier 2

Co-led from the firm’s Virginia stronghold by Justin Howard and Samuel Tarry, McGuireWoods LLP‘s product liability and mass tort practice group has garnered a strong reputation for defending large regional, national and global companies in high-stakes litigation throughout the country. The firm’s versatility across subject matters is a strength, with transportation clients – both automotive and aviation – providing a regular source of work. As well as litigation, the team also excels in providing risk management guidance. Recent highlights include Tarry’s work for CSX Transportation, when he secured summary judgment in a case involving medical-leave discrimination and retaliation claims brought by dozens of CSXT employees. As part of his wide-ranging product liability expertise, Perry Miles has gained strong experience advising automotive manufacturers in class actions and MDLs throughout the country, achieving success across a myriad of alleged defect claims (including those relating to airbags and high pressure fuel pumps). Former practice head Dianne Flannery retired in December 2023.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 2

Handling the full gamut of FERC enforcement proceedings, McGuireWoods LLP‘s varied workload extends to disputes related to reliability-must-run (RMR) units, the transition from stated transmission rates to forward-looking formula rates, and the unauthorized use of transmission systems. Todd Mullins excels in enforcement and compliance disputes involving various regulators such as FERC and NERC, and related private litigation. Mullins leads the Washington DC-based practice alongside Noel Symons, whose capabilities encompass disputes arising from cross-jurisdictional matters, the design of markets for energy, transmission planning, and cost allocation. With particular proficiency in matters related to the development, ownership and operation of electric generation and transmission projects, Julia English regularly represents electric generation and transmission owners, developers, financial institutions and investors, while Katlyn Davis Farrell is well versed in handling matters regarding cost-based and market-based rates, generator interconnection, and RTO/ISO tariffs.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

McGuireWoods LLP fields a practice with a varied caseload that encompasses rate cases, obtaining FERC approvals for transmission financing, the formation of new energy markets and regulatory litigation. FERC enforcement cases are another area of strength for the team jointly headed by a duo of energy experts: Todd Mullins chairs the firm’s energy enforcement group and has extensive experience in compliance and enforcement matters before FERC, the CFTC, and NERC, while Noel Symons’ advisory portfolio comprises RTO tariffs and market design, rate matters, and compliance, among others. Katlyn Davis Farrell is another key name to note with a broad practice that encompasses generator interconnection, cost allocation, and transactional support. FERC approvals, regulatory compliance and the development and ownership of electric generation and transmission projects fall under the umbrella of Julia English‘s areas of focus.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

McGuireWoods LLP is regularly sought out for its expertise handling heavyweight transactions concerning energy companies and assets, providing trusted counsel to some of the largest retail electricity providers in the country. Beyond transactional expertise that encompasses both conventional energy portfolios and a growing volume of renewable and clean energy developments, the firm demonstrates notable energy regulation expertise and regularly drafts, negotiates and advises on supply and partnership agreements. Team head and Richmond-based Joanne Katsantonis continues to be a key contact for a range of clients that include public utilities, financial sponsors, and independent power producers, most recently overseeing transactions involving nuclear, LNG and renewable assets. Operating out of Baltimore, Brian Kelly chairs the firm’s energy industry team and often receives multiple instructions from clients looking to capitalize on his M&A, project development, and commercial expertise, while Houston-based Edmund Daniels is particularly revered for his strong track record on joint venture mandates. Baltimore’s Heather Welch Arbogast is regularly engaged by retail energy providers for complex, multi-faceted transactions. Emilie McNally has been predominantly active on LNG and battery storage mandates, advising clients from Richmond.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

Praised as ‘masterful at getting to know and understand their clients’ needs’, the ‘knowledgeable’ lawyers at McGuireWoods LLP assist higher education institutions, K-12 schools, school board, academic medical centers, and foundations with the range of education mandates. Core areas of practice for the group include representing universities in government investigations and Title IX litigation, corporate governance, and education-related labor and employment mandates. Washington DC-based Farnaz Thompson steers the practice and handles litigation, investigations, and due diligence in education-related transactions, including in the edtech industry. Additional key contacts include Chicago-based Sarah Wake, who takes on both contentious and advisory mandates, and Virginia-based Michele McKinnon, who majors on providing tax compliance assistance to universities and their affiliated foundations. In Atlanta, Shelby Guilbert routinely works on insurance recovery actions, contract disputes, and cross-border litigation.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 2

McGuireWoods LLP specializes in exclusive policyholder representation, covering a broad spectrum of insurance recovery disputes including property and business interruption losses from natural disasters, legal action coverage disputes, and claims related to regulatory violations. With extensive experience in international insurance arbitrations in Bermuda and litigation/arbitration in London for policies subject to both English and US law, the team’s four co-heads are found positioned across the country. Anthony P. Tatum, experienced in complex commercial disputes, serves as co-head from Atlanta, while Candace Blydenburgh, a specialist in product and environmental liability, supports from Virginia. In New York, the practice is headed by litigation expert Stephen G. Foresta, experienced in trying numerous cases in state and federal court and before arbitral panels in the US and abroad, along with Scott Oostdyk, who specializes in a range of commercial insurance disputes. Other notable figures in the practice include Shelby S. Guilbert in Atlanta, known for handling high-stakes contract disputes and cross-border litigation, as well as skilled litigators Nicholas G Hill and Joseph M. Englert, whose focus primarily lies in representing policyholders in complex commercial insurance coverage disputes.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

In addition to having a strong track record advising financial institutions facing investigations by regulatory authorities, McGuireWoods LLP frequently advises corporations across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and energy.  The team also regularly represents politicians and senior executives who are accused of insider trading, money laundering, and bribery. The firm houses a capable team of lawyers in Washington DC, which includes John Moran, Ben O’Neil, and Louis Greenstein. O’Neil focuses on cross-border FCPA matters, while Moran is especially adept at handling cases relating to false claims. Greenstein has deep experience representing clients before the SEC and DOJ. The government investigations and white-collar litigation team is headed by Noreen Kelly in New York.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: pharmaceuticals and medical devices Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP‘s broad-based product liability team has a strong pedigree representing drug and medical device manufacturers in single plaintiff and aggregated litigation, regularly securing jury trial wins, as well as acting as regional and national co-ordinating counsel on MDLs. As well as the team’s core litigation prowess, which includes the use of ADR techniques, should the need arise, the team is also noted for its deep understanding of the underlying product and the regulatory framework. Consequently, it is very effective at providing risk management strategies as well as handling product recalls. In relation to core products litigation, as well as being able to draw upon the strength of a number of highly skilled trial litigators, it also regularly achieves vital early victories at a motions stage, including as it relates to lack of jurisdiction and in Daubert challenges. Sam Tarry co-heads the overarching products liability and mass torts team alongside Justin Howard , and is noted for his aptitude at helping to develop expert witnesses as well as to explain complex scientific/medical concepts in a cogent way to juries at trial. Davis Walsh  is also a key member of the team and is particularly adept at advising on infectious disease litigation. Diane Flannery recently retired.    

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: toxic tort Tier 3

Drawing upon experts from within the firm’s product liability and broader environmental offering, McGuireWoods LLP is well-positioned to represent clients facing down high-profile private mass tort litigation, as well as to advise on accompanying regulatory issues and governmental investigations and enforcement. The firm is also adept at providing a crisis management service in the aftermath of environmental accidents, quickly mobilizing resources to deal with often multi-pronged state and federal regulatory inquiries, as well as ensuing private litigation which invariably occurs in its wake. Atlanta-based Adam Sowatzka excels in this kind of circumstance and has expertise handling environmental matters in all media, including air, water, and waste. Los Angeles-based Gregory Evans, who co-heads the environmental litigation practice alongside Eugene Mathews in Richmond, has excellent trial credentials, including securing recent federal court successes which have helped clarify and affirm key aspects in the US federal environmental laws promoting early cleanup of the environment.  

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

Alongside its expertise in handling major catastrophic litigation cases, McGuireWoods LLP stands out for its team’s focus on complex regulatory matters, internal investigations, and royalty litigation. Charlottesville’s Brian Jackson acts as a key contact for a range of energy clients in catastrophic events across the United States and has considerable experience with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration corrective action orders and NTSB investigations of these events. Pittsburgh’s Greg Krock is well-versed in contract disputes, toxic tort cases and royalty litigation, an area in which Charlottesville’s Jonathan Blank is also particularly active. From the Pittsburgh office, Anthony Carna chairs the firm’s oil and gas practice, routinely handling disputes arising from oil and gas leases and pipeline right of way agreements.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

As a go-to for energy project developers in the Southeast, McGuireWoods LLP frequently assists with the acquisition, development and construction of major projects in the region, with Dominion Energy among its regular clients. The practice is well versed in first-of-their-kind developments and financings, and assisting new participants in the renewable energy market. Three lawyers jointly lead the practice group: Richmond-based M&A specialist Michael Woodard and projects and real estate development expert Breenen Keene, and Durham McCormick in Houston, who is a key contact for tax matters relating to renewable energy projects. At the San Francisco office, Evelyn Kim counsels clients on development, financing, acquisition and sale of solar, wind, battery energy storage and biomass projects. A further name to note is Chicago-based projects partner Timothy Callahan. Houston lawyer Jay Hughes, formerly of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, joined the team in January 2024 and regularly advises infrastructure funds on corporate finance and M&A.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP‘s debt finance team includes leading banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo in its client roster, regularly handling investment grade, leveraged, middle market and troubled credit profiles. The practice is also highlights for its ‘unparalleled knowledge of the sports finance sector for bank lenders‘, as well as for its experience handling ABLs and matters related to the healthcare finance industry. Practice head Kevin McGinnis is a key name in the Charlotte office for his extensive experience handling credit facilities in the context of professional sports franchises. The team is ably supported by Don Ensing in the Chicago office whose expertise lies in the healthcare and energy sectors. June 2023 saw the departure of Hamid Namazie.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 3

The ‘extremely professional‘ team at McGuireWoods LLP maintains a private equity focused practice, handling transactions for health systems and hospitals. The group also acts in a range of FCA cases and investigations. In Chicago, practice head Holly Buckley is a corporate healthcare specialist who advises private equity funds and physician owned hospitals. Also based in Chicago, associate Amanda Roenius regularly assists clients with regulatory matters involving state corporate practice of medicine. Working out of the North Carolina office, Bart Walker leads the firm’s dental services organization team, while Kayla McCann Marty primarily acts for women’s health providers and hospitals, and is also active on mandates involving the dental industry. Kate Hardey left the practice in 2023.

Labor and employment > Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) Tier 3

Demonstrating ‘absolute commitment to being the client’s best advocate’, the team at McGuireWoods LLP is regularly engaged in the defense of discrimination and wage and hour class actions. The group, which has additional expertise in health and safety, whistleblower, and trade secret litigation, is directed by Los Angeles-based Sabrina Beldner, who is knowledgeable on both advisory and contentious labor and employment mandates. Richmond-based all-rounder Christopher Michalik represents management in union negotiations and routinely appears before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Over in Chicago, Sarah Wake garners client praise for her ‘problem-solving … pragmatic approach’, and contributes significant Title IX experience.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Private equity buyouts: middle-market (Up to $500m) Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP is noted for its high-level expertise in healthcare transactions, representing a series of middle-market sponsors in their platform acquisitions, add-on transactions, and exits in addition to handling recapitalization and joint venture work. The team, which is headed up by experienced Pittsburgh-based M&A expert Thomas Zahn, is also very active in the growth equity space and places a focus on advising independent sponsors and growth companies on the launch of investment and fundraising rounds. Dallas lawyer Jon Finger is a key contact for this line of work and handles transactions across a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, tech, and energy. Further key contacts in the team include Geoffrey Cockrell, who primarily handles middle-market healthcare deals from the Chicago office, and Gregory Hawver, who is also based in Chicago and focuses on public and private M&A as well as governance matters.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 3

Tax > Not-for-profit (Fortune 1000 private foundations, national trade associations, and charities) Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP acts on behalf of a range of prominent charitable organizations and nonprofits as well as numerous high-net-worth donors is active across Virginia and the Southeast. Gerald Thomas is an Atlanta-based expert in corporate transactions and restructurings and co-leads the department alongside the highly experienced Michele McKinnon, who works from Richmond and advises on governance, endowment and investment matters. Also key are Jean Gordon Carter in Raleigh, who is former co-chair of the firm’s private wealth services group, and Bradley Ridlehoover of Richmond, who works closely with McKinnon and is active in both contentious and non-contentious tax matters.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP‘s aviation group has a strong market reputation for its assistance with corporate aircraft-related financing, leasing, purchases and sales. The group is also consistently mandated to act on the acquisition, disposition and management of commercial aircraft portfolios. It additionally advises major public companies on their company-owned aircraft fleets. Also of note, the team routinely structures the ownership, acquisition, leasing, sale and financing of fractional interests in aircraft. In Charlotte, Patricia Hosmer represents borrowers, lenders, lessors, lessees, equity participants and agents in aircraft financings; and M&A and corporate transactions expert David Whelpley Jr. likewise has notable aircraft sector experience. Also integral to the department are New York-based Deepak Reddy, an adviser to airlines, aircraft leasing companies, financial institutions and investment funds on commercial aircraft-related M&A, financing, restructuring and leasing deals; and Peter Szurley in San Francisco, whose wide-ranging practice encompasses aircraft finance and sales.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP‘s ‘consistently available’ transportation, shipping, maritime and regulatory team acts for terminal operators, transportation authorities, beneficial cargo owners, commodity traders, carriers, financial institutions, and vessel owners and charterers on a vast array of shipping matters. The team consistently advises on regulatory compliance with the Jones Act, as well as shipping-related international trade issues (including the shipping regulations that determine how shippers and carriers can interact). Its practice also encompasses assistance to retailers with licensing and regulatory issues, in relation to Ocean Transportation Intermediaries-related matters; and it assists beneficial cargo owners with new enforcement remedies, which are available through the Federal Maritime Commission and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. Heading up the team, Norfolk-based John Padgett is experienced in representing tug boat companies, freight forwarders, freight consolidators, and shipping and trucking companies; and Bryan Brantley in Pittsburgh is an experienced transportation-related litigator. In September 2023, Jeanne Noonan left the firm.

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP advises on all aspects of cartel investigations, including dawn raids, leniency applications, negotiation of plea agreements and responses to subpoenas by the government, and is also adept at follow-on class actions and opt-out cases. The practice is led by Amy Manning, whose recent caseload extends to an amnesty application in a no-poach antitrust investigation conducted by the DOJ, and the representation of a company in an investigation related to antitrust violations in government contracting. Angelo Russo is proficient in both criminal antitrust investigations and civil antitrust regulation, with his areas of expertise encompassing price fixing, bid rigging, wage-fixing and no-poach agreements. Richmond’s Brent Justus has a track record of representing corporate clients and individuals in global antitrust cartel investigations. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Chicago.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 4

Counting trade associations, corporations, and individual executives from a broad range of industries among its clients, McGuireWoods LLP’s antitrust and competition team regularly handles disputes alleging price-fixing, no-poach agreements, and wage-fixing issues. Amy Manning, based in the firm’s Chicago office, now heads the team; Manning acts for individual executives and corporations in cases alleging no-poach agreements, as well as wage- and price-fixing claims, with particular industry expertise in the life sciences sector. Further key individuals in the Chicago team include Angelo Russo and Sarah Zielinski; Russo is also recommended for his expertise in defending corporations accused of no-poach conspiracies, while Zielinski takes point on cases concerning anticompetitive information exchanges and wage-fixing allegations. Brent Justus, in Richmond, has a particular focus on merger clearances and cartel defense.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 4

Led from Virginia by Justin Howard and Samuel Tarry, McGuireWoods LLP handles single plaintiff, mass tort, and class action product liability actions brought against a range of consumer product manufacturers including brands within the auto, electronic devices, and food and beverage spaces. The scope of the firm’s work runs the gamut from risk management counselling and product recall matters, through to notable litigation brought in state and federal courts relating to alleged product defects, as well as other broader consumer protection infractions.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP’s oil and gas practice acts for a variety of clients in the oil and gas sector on a number of complex matters both in the transactional and regulatory space which include advice on exploration, development and production. From the firm’s Pittsburgh office, practice head Anthony Carna is a key contact for publicly traded and privately held energy companies on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and project development matters, while associate Molleigh Thomas is noted for her expertise in reviewing and drafting oil and gas lease transactions, mineral conveyances, and oil and gas title opinions. Houston lawyer Jay Hughes is noted for his experience guiding infrastructure funds through their transactional activities and joined the team from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in January 2024.

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

Clients look to the environmental & mass tort department at McGuireWoods LLP for its experience handling climate change matters relating to air, water, waste and natural resources law. The deep bench fields Benjamin Hatch of the Norfolk office, who is known for representing manufacturing, transport and aerospace clients with regard to environmental law violations, Gregory Evans in Los Angeles, who handles environmental issues within the energy and infrastructure sectors, in addition to Eugene Mathews, who, based in Richmond, is a key contact for clients in the agriculture, waste management and chemicals industries. The Washington DC-based Makram Jaber’s focuses on the Clean Air Act, while over in Atlanta, Adam Sowatzka forms part of the crisis management & incident response team and handles environmental health and safety matters. David Franchina, of the Charlotte office, also navigates matters related to environmental incidents.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

The environmental enforcement and regulatory counselling practice group at McGuireWoods LLP handles compliance, permitting and auditing for land use, natural resources development and energy projects. The team is home to David Franchina, of the Charlotte office, who regularly handles regulatory and compliance for solid and hazardous waste as well as matters related to water and air pollution and Makram Jaber, who is a key contact in Washington DC for his deep experience handling Clean Air Act issues. With the hire of Adam Sowatzka from King & Spalding LLP, whose practice spans across air, water and waste issues, the firm has also strengthened its offering in Atlanta.  

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP continues to be actively involved in a variety of environmental matters, ranging from site remediation and closure to environmental litigation and due diligence for commercial, energy and real estate transactions. Co-head David Franchina in Charlotte is regularly assisted by fellow co-head Makram Jaber in Washington DC, an expert on the Clean Air Act. Richmond-based counsel Heather Nixon Stevenson is known advising on environmental permitting and compliance matters, as well as business transactions. Atlanta’s Adam Sowatzka recently joined the team from King & Spalding LLP, bringing new expertise in investigations of catastrophic accidents and environmental crisis management matters.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP  has a significant presence in investment grade and high-yield debt, along with a growing reputation in sustainable finance, including green and blue bonds. It has close links to financial institutions and energy utilities as issuers, notably Bank of America. Pittsburgh partner Hannah Thompson Frank is a key member of the team, alongside Charlotte’s Greg Kilpatrick and Barlow Mann.  

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

Noted for its consumer compliance and litigation capabilities, McGuireWoods LLP is commended as ‘highly experienced’ and often advises financial institutions on loans falling under the Paycheck Protection Program. Based in Charlotte, co-head of the practice Rakesh Gopalan is particularly well-versed in cloud-computing solutions, SaaS, and software licensing. Also co-lead of the team, Molly White in Los Angeles is vastly experienced in representing broker-dealers, individuals, and investment companies in investigations conducted by the FINRA and the SEC. In Chicago, Sarah Zielinksi is highlighted for her antitrust litigation expertise, notably in market and customer allocation, price fixing, and unfair competition. Charlottesville-based Ashley Matthews is a key port of call for financial institutions and retailers on consumer financial service and governance matters.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP‘s trade secrets collective is headed up by Richmond-based David Finkelson and the ‘outstanding’ Yasser Madriz who works from the firm’s Houston hub. Also based in Houston are standout attorneys Meghaan Madriz who has a particular focus on assisting employers with employment-related matters at the range of court levels, Wolfgang McGavran and associate Miles Indest who has experience representing clients in high-stakes litigation. Representing clients in the range of business disputes including those regarding alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and misappropriation is the routine workload of the practice; the litigation the team handles long-standing and complex cases.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP’s tax and employee benefits team provides advice concerning implementation and compliance of various executive compensation, retirement, and health and benefit plans. Atlanta-based Gerald Thomas co-heads the practice with Taylor French, who works from the Charlotte office. In Chicago, Carolyn Trenda is a key point of contact for businesses which want to check their compliance with the SECURE 2.0 act. Also in Chicago, Katie Rak is adept in representing both government and private clients in implementing pension plans and initiatives. In the Charlotte office, Allison Tanner advises employers on employee benefit and executive compensation matters which relate to ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP manages employee-related aspects in business acquisitions and dispositions, including the termination, integration, and spin-off of benefit plans. Gerald Thomas leads the firm’s wider tax and employee benefits department from Atlanta, while Charlotte-based Taylor Wedge French co-chairs the employee benefits and executive compensation division, advising clients in the pharmaceutical, financial services, and industrial sectors on stock and asset purchases. In Richmond, Robert Cipolla assists clients with the integration of employee benefit plans post-corporate transactions, while Robert Wynne offers expertise in both equity and non-equity-based incentive schemes. Carolyn Trenda, operating from Chicago, supports clients in restructuring retiree medical programs and consolidating employee benefit plans. In Charlotte, Allison Tanner offers her experience in navigating ERISA and Internal Revenue Code issues.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 4

The data privacy and security team at McGuireWoods LLP is recommended for its ‘depth of knowledge‘, experienced in the development and implementation of privacy policies along with incident response and planning. Andrew Konia heads the Virginia-based team from Tysons, with Janet Peyton among the team members in Richmond. The pair are described as ‘exceptional’; Konia focuses on preventative measures to protect against breaches, while Peyton combines intellectual property and data privacy expertise. In New York, Anne Peterson handles breach response matters along with regulatory compliance.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP’s practice displays demonstrable strengths in advising on the tech and IP elements of M&A and private equity transactions. The firm also counsels clients from the fintech, industrial, and automotive sectors on various procurement matters, including in relation to SaaS business models and cloud computing. Rakesh Gopalan heads the offering from Charlotte and advises companies on corporate tech deals and tech platform implementations. In Richmond, James Anderson concentrates on representing private and public entities in a range of corporate transactions.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 5

McGuireWoods LLP has a strong track record at trial and on appellate matters, handling the full spectrum of business-critical disputes for a roster of financial institutions and major corporates. In Charlotte, Mark Kinghorn chairs the antitrust, trade and commercial litigation department. Jonathan Blank heads up the business and securities litigation team from Charlottesville, while Charlotte's Robert Muckenfuss spearheads the firm’s complex commercial litigation offering. From the Atlanta office, Cheryl Haas leads the financial services litigation practice, while in New York, Noreen Kelly is the government investigations and white collar lead. Norfolk's Benjamin Hatch rounds out the leadership group as chair of the environmental & mass tort litigation practice. Houston lawyer Jeremiah Anderson comes highly recommended by clients for handling ‘complex matters involving unusual fact patterns and sensitive indemnification easily and professionally’.

Finance > Project finance Tier 5

McGuireWoods LLP delivers astute project finance expertise amongst the wider M&A, development, and tax work that an array of infrastructure funds, energy operators, and utilities seek assistance with. Renewables continue to be the main focus of the group, with both onshore and offshore wind, solar, and associated battery storage facilities regularly at the fore. The practice is led by tax specialist Durham McCormick; Brian Kelly, whose practice balances M&A, project development, and project finance instructions; and Brennen Keene, who has been predominantly active on wind and solar projects over the past twelve months. Timothy Callahan has overseen a variety of financing structures in recent work highlights, including portfolio financings, collateralized construction-term financings, back-leveraged financings, and refinancings, for the most part in the renewables space. Doug Lamb has a far-reaching practice that sees him handle infrastructure and PPP mandates, commercial agreement negotiations and reviews, and project financing, including tax credit work. Keene and Lamb operate out of Richmond, whereas McCormick and Kelly sit in the Houston and Baltimore offices, respectively. Callahan is based in Chicago.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 5

Real estate specialist McGuireWoods LLP represents lenders in various financings, such as multifamily mortgage loans, bridge financing, and acquisitions. Dennis Mensi leads the practice from New York, focusing on advising lenders on originations and servicing of commercial mortgage loans. He is key to originating multifamily loans intended for sale to Fannie Mac and Freddie Mac. In Richmond Craig Harmon is the go-to for mortgage lending, while Los Angeles-based Alice Youngbar assists with financing multifamily properties. Bill Seligman is also based in Los Angeles and is well-versed in representing mezzanine lenders and institutional investors in financing transactions. Lease financing and financing of hotels and healthcare are handled by Nancy Little from Richmond.

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers Tier 6

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 7

McGuireWoods LLP‘s non-contentious tax offering is particularly strong in the energy and private equity spaces. Practice head Gerald Thomas in Atlanta advises on public offerings and M&A across a wide range of industries, including private equity, healthcare, tech, energy, and real estate. Houston’s Durham McCormick focuses on the tax structuring of renewable energy transactions, with an emphasis on production tax credits, investment tax credits, and Section 1603 Treasury Grants. Craig Bell in Richmond offers state and local tax expertise, while Sabrina Conyers in Charlotte advises public and private corporations, investment banks, and private equity funds.