McGuireWoods LLP > Austin, United States > Firm Profile

McGuireWoods LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Dispute resolution > Leading trial lawyers

Ava Lias-Booker heads McGuireWoods LLP‘s Baltimore litigation team, and has a strong track record in defending clients that include major financial and energy companies in matters ranging from breach of contract allegations to accusations of racial discrimination. Lias-Booker has assisted clients in overturning considerable jury verdicts on appeal and is also well versed in tackling matters arising out of allegedly discriminatory lending practices.

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

A regular fixture on mid-market M&A deals across the US, McGuireWoods LLP handles a steady stream of transactions for public and private companies and private equity funds. Primarily recognized for its strength in the healthcare and energy areas, during 2023/24 the team additionally demonstrated strong activity in transactions involving the consumer, industrials, technology, financial services, and real estate spheres. From Richmond, Michael Woodard chairs the M&A and energy transactions areas and has a focus on representing buyers and sellers of energy assets. Pittsburgh-based Thomas Zahn spearheads the corporate and private equity department and maintains a broad transactional practice that spans deals in the healthcare, energy, infrastructure, consumer products, and technology spaces, among others. Other notable practitioners in Richmond include Joanne Katsantonis, who is recommended for energy-related M&A; Patrick De Ridder, who brings to bear significant cross-border experience; and Brian Hager, who specializes in advising private and public companies on corporate and M&A transactions. The team also includes transactional energy specialist Jay Hughes, who splits his time between Houston and Richmond, and Charlotte-based corporate and private equity partner Chris Scheurer.

Transport > Rail and road: litigation and regulation Tier 1

A key contact for the rail and trucking sectors, the McGuireWoods LLP transportation department is frequently turned to for its broad expertise in contract, commercial, torts, and real estate related matters. The team is experienced in representing both Class I and Class II railroad companies, along with financial actors in the rail market, and includes regulatory queries and disputes regarding acquisitions, independent contractor status, and intersection between real estate and rail among its portfolio of matters in the truck and rail sectors. Jacksonville-based Eric Bilik heads the team, and has strong experience in commercial litigation, commercial franchising, and representing national transportation companies before state, federal and arbitration courts. Christopher Thanner has a strong track record in railroad acquisitions, and represents railroads before regulatory agencies and local governments in various land-related disputes. Kimberly T. Mydock is also a highly active member of the team, and assists Mydock and has experience in representing clients before the federal and state courts. Richmond- based Candace Ali Blydenburgh and Pittsburgh-based Natalie Zagari are also relied upon for their expertise in mass tort litigation.

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

McGuireWoods LLP’s product liability and mass tort team has defends major companies in complex litigation, with matters frequently concerning a range of products, including automobiles, medical devices, power tools, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The team handles toxic exposure cases, recalls, labeling disputes, and investigations by regulatory agencies such as the CPSC, EPA, and CARB. Clients of the group include Fortune 500 companies, aviation industry leaders, and leading automakers including Mazda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Ford, whom the firm serve in a variety of product liability and mass tort matters. Key attorneys working in the group include Norfolk based Benjamin Hatch, chair of the environmental & mass tort department, recently involved in the defense of an aerospace manufacturer in a nationwide RICO class action lawsuit. Perry Miles is a national trial counsel frequently working on high-exposure product liability matters, with expertise in motions practice, expert testimony, and appellate work. Virginia Bondurant Price is a trial and appellate lawyer with significant experience as national coordinating counsel for a fire-safety products company and also advises clients on labeling, warnings, and strategies to reduce litigation risks. As co-leader of the group, Tysons based Samuel Tarry has over thirty years of experience representing clients in tort, environmental, and public health litigation, often serving as punitive damages counsel in state and federal courts across the country. All lawyers mentioned are in Richmond unless stated otherwise.

Energy > Energy litigation: electric power Tier 2

McGuireWoods LLP is a major player in the energy enforcement space, representing a host of electric utility clients in FERC cases in federal courts. Todd Mullins and Noel Symons are joint leaders of the department, operating from Washington DC. Mullins has long-standing experience representing clients in energy traders of the FERC and offers additional advisory guidance to electric clients on compliance programs and audit preparation. Symons is heavily active in the electric power space with traditional utility clients and operators of nontraditional transmission. Julia English also leads matters involving the development and operation of electric generation and transmission projects. Katlyn Davis Farrell and David Martin Connelly are also active individuals to note.

Energy > Energy regulation: electric power Tier 2

McGuireWoods LLP is recognized for handling complex and novel regulatory issues of high industry significance, requiring deep sector expertise. The team has played a key role in the development of new energy markets and has been involved in federal and state rate cases addressing innovative methodologies for determining a utility’s authorized rate of return on investment. The firm is also a strong player in energy enforcement matters, regularly advising clients on compliance and regulatory challenges. The practice is led by Todd Mullins, co-chair of the power sector team, who represents energy clients in FERC enforcement and compliance matters. Noel Symons, a member of the energy strategic advisory board, focuses on regulatory and appellate litigation, advising utilities on cross-jurisdictional matters. Julia English represents generation and transmission owners, developers, and utilities in regulatory and compliance matters before FERC and DOE. Katlyn Davis Farrell has broad experience in electric market regulation, while David Martin Connelly provides strategic counsel on transmission rates, interconnection issues, and regulatory policy before FERC and appellate courts. All team members based in Washington DC.

Energy > Energy transactions: electric power Tier 2

Recognised for its ‘diverse practice in the energy and power sector,’ McGuireWoods LLP is capable of handling a range of high-profile and high-value transactions on behalf of energy, infrastructure, and utility companies. The energy industry team specializes in M&A, wholesale acquisitions, and advises on power purchase agreements and hedge transactions. With deep experience in a range of energy transactions, the group continues to attract new and impressive clients to its roster which includes notable names such as Dominion Services and NRG Energy. In Richmond, Joanne Katsantonis heads up the practice and represents public utilities, investors, and independent power producers in a variety of transactional and financing matters such as public company mergers, debt and equity offerings, and auction processes. Baltimore-based Brian Kelly co-heads the department and stands out for his expertise in M&A, energy project finance, and hedging transactions. The team also benefits from the prowess of Heather Welch Arbogast who is based in Baltimore and advises developers, power purchasers, and sponsors on transactions related to solar, wind, and battery storage.

Industry focus > Education Tier 2

Government investigations, Title IV compliance, civil rights and education-related labor and employment matters, covering faculty members and student-athletes are some of the core areas of practice of the broad education group at McGuireWoods LLP. The firm routinely assists higher education institutions, K-12 schools, academic medical centers but also presidents and coaches, especially is contract negotiations. Washington DC-based Farnaz Thompson leads the department and handles litigation and investigations before federal agencies. Another highlighted contact is Chicago-based Sarah Wake, who handles both contentious and advisory mandates, and Virginia-based Michele McKinnon, who specializes in assisting universities and their affiliated foundations on tax and planned giving matters. Insurance recovery expert Shelby Guilbert in Atlanta is also noted.

Insurance > Advice to policyholders Tier 2

A sizeable chunk of Pasich LLP’s recovery team made the move to McGuireWoods LLP in the summer of 2024, with Kirk Pasich and Shaun Crosner joining Anthony P. Tatum as practice co-chairs. The team, who notably secured a significant win before the Vermont Supreme Court for Huntington Ingalls regarding their COVID-19 business interruption claims, exclusively represents policyholders in pursuit of recovery across all main commercial lines of insurance, and is regularly instructed to handle disputes connected to natural disasters, data breaches, and cyber security incidents, often communing with the firm’s London office to handle Bermuda Form arbitrations. Supporting the trio of leaders is a nationwide team that includes Atlanta-based veteran litigator Shelby S. Guilbert, who is well-versed in Bermuda and London markets, and acts for manufacturers, financial institutions, and healthcare providers in a spectrum of coverage disputes, New York-based litigator Stephen G. Foresta, Los Angeles-based Michael S. Ghert is notably busy with property and business interruption actions, as well as political risk. Joseph M. Englert handles a variety of complex disputes from the Atlanta office, and, also in Georgia, Nicholas G Hill guides various clients through contentious and non-contentious coverage issues. In LA, Craig Hirsch’s practice runs the gamut, and Christopher T Pasich handles crime and cyber claims alongside a wide range of first and third-party loss matters. Aaron F Jaroff is a key contact for clients in the financial services sector in NYC, and working between the East and West coasts, Mikaela Whitman is another cornerstone of the practice.  

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

McGuireWoods LLP excels in government investigations and white-collar defense, guiding clients through all stages of inquiries, from informal investigations to appeals. The firm’s team, including experienced former federal prosecutors, handles complex civil and criminal matters before the DOJ, focusing on areas such as anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, the False Claims Act, securities enforcement, and government contracts. Jason Cowley, who specializes in securities fraud and asset forfeiture, and Noreen Kelly, with expertise in securities and banking regulations. The firm also represents clients in areas such as healthcare enforcement, environmental investigations, and congressional matters. In 2024,the firm welcomed David Pivnick, Clint Narver, Vanessa Chen, Megan Lewis, Mike Elliott, and Mindy Sauter, bolstering its white-collar defense and investigative capabilities. All lawyers mentioned are in Washington DC.

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

McGuireWoods LLP’s seasoned litigators bring decades of success in defending leading companies in complex product liability and mass tort litigation. Recognized for its innovation, the team immerses itself in clients’ products, businesses, objectives, and regulatory landscapes to craft strategic defenses. The practice is co-led by Justin Howard, based in Richmond and Raleigh, with varied experience defending manufacturers and distributors in product liability claims, and Samuel Tarry, in the Tysons and Washington DC offices, who serves as lead trial and coordinating for pharma and medical devices companies in a variety of litigation. Another key team member, Richmond-based Davis Walsh, brings expertise across all phases of medical device litigation, having served in several capacities during trial.

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

McGuireWoods LLP handles a plethora of matters within product liability and environmental litigation, having represented clients in bet the company matters, mass tort litigation, cases arising from alleged exposure to toxic substances including PFAs, asbestos and benzene. The team is also active in providing risk management arising from issues with the state and federal regulatory inquiries, with Virginia-based Benjamin Hatch having represented a range of companies including aerospace manufacturers in connection with alleged violations of the RICO statute. Sam Tarry, in Richmond, co-leads the practice and is a commentator on professional ethics in mass tort litigation, while Gregory Evans, in Los Angeles, has negotiated EPA enforcement and CERCLA litigation matters throughout the United States. Also in Richmond, Eugene Mathews is a key name.

Energy > Energy litigation: oil and gas Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP regularly represents energy industry clients including those that explore, develop, produce, and store energy resources in high-stakes, high-profile litigation. The team is particularly strong in its catastrophic litigation work as well as advising and litigating matters related to pipeline integrity. The team is headed by Anthony Carna, and has expertise in the field of royalty and related oil and gas class-action litigation as well as natural gas litigation. Brian Jackson is noted for his success in trying high-exposure jury cases on behalf of energy clients. Greg Krock is an accomplished litigator with experience in litigating disputes that occur throughout the lifecycle of oil and gas production from access to mineral rights to supply contracts. Jonathan Blank has deep experience in natural gas mineral rights, royalties, and transportation. All mentioned individuals are based in Washington D.C.

Energy > Renewable/alternative power Tier 3

Made up of expert practitioners capable of handling development, financing, and transactions, the energy industry team at McGuireWoods LLP is a good choice for businesses seeking advice on project development, sales, and investments, as well as acquisitions, permitting issues, and construction. With a broad offering, the group continues to attract new clients to its roster which is currently comprised of notable names from the energy and financial services sectors. In Richmond, Michael Woodard and Brennen Keene co-lead the practice while in Houston, Durham McCormick heads up the department. Woodard stands out for his aptitude for M&A involving wind, solar, and battery storage, while Keene is noted for his experience advising developers, real estate holdings companies, and infrastructure developers on real estate transactions and land use matters. On the tax front, McCormick is the main contact in the team and concentrates on tax structuring, production tax credits, and investment tax credits.

Finance > Commercial lending: Advice to bank lenders Tier 3

With a broad regional presence, McGuireWoods LLP  is a strong choice for administrative agents, financial institutions, and lead arrangers. The firm’s key strengths encompass investment-grade and leveraged financing, as well as untrenched transactions. Working out of Charlotte, Kevin McGinnis leads the team and is proficient in acquisition financing, syndicated credit agreements, and multicurrency financing facilities. My Ngo is noted for his capabilities in asset-based facilities and venture financings, while in Atlanta, Gerum Yilma is versed in pro rata, mezzanine, and second-lien loans. In Chicago, Don Ensing often handles debt finance in the energy and healthcare sectors, while Atlanta-based Nick DuPuis is knowledgeable of asset-based lending and leveraged finance. Penny Zacharias, who works out of Pittsburgh, is another key member of the team.

Healthcare > Service providers Tier 3

The broad offering at McGuireWoods LLP is well-equipped to assist private equity funds, and is recommended for its expertise in the full gamut of matters concerning hospitals. Holly Buckley heads the practice from Chicago, utilizing her vast knowledge of corporate transactions within the healthcare space to assist both private equity investors and health systems. Charlotte’s Bart Walker is a key name for healthcare M&A, often representing lenders and major physician group practices and urgent care providers, while Kayla McCann Marty is noted for her strong focus on women’s health, in addition to health system and hospital ventures. Regulatory expert Tim Fry stands out due to his deep knowledge of AKS, Medicare policy, and Stark law issues, in addition to his experience in advising on the rules surrounding certificates of need in Chicago. Atlanta-based Kristen McDermott Woodrum is particularly adept at handling issues concerning the structure of healthcare joint ventures and contracting arrangements.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: design Tier 3

Acclaimed for its ‘deep technical expertise coupled with practical knowledge’, McGuireWoods LLP‘s employee benefits and tax practice covers both traditional benefit and compensation matters as well as issues demanding a broader, multidisciplinary approach. The team is led from Charlotte by Taylor French, whose expertise covers the range of benefit, compensation and retirement plan design and implementation for clients that range from large financial entities to nonprofit organizations. Also in Charlotte is Allison Tanner, who counsels clients on plan issues arising under ERISA and the IRC. The leading lawyer in the Richmond office is Robert Wynne, whose ‘ability to distill complex legal concepts into actionable advice’ makes him a specialist in plan design in the context of M&A, and Chicago’s Carolyn Trenda leads in health, welfare and fringe benefit plan design.

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

The McGuireWoods LLP team has significant experience defending clients in nationwide and state-wide collective and class actions brought under the FLSA and state wage and hour laws. Other areas of focus for the group include trade secrets litigation and employment discrimination class actions. Elena Marcus heads up the practice from the Baltimore office and frequently defends employers in federal and state courts against individual and collective claims of workplace discrimination and rights violations. Sabrina Beldner is a key figure in the Los Angeles office and brings significant experience in a broad range of employment-related litigation matters. Richmond-based Christopher Michalik has an extensive wage and hour practice, and Sarah Wake specializes in matters involving institutions of higher education out of the Chicago office.

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

Noted for its strength in healthcare private equity and independent sponsor transactions, McGuireWoods LLP is active on sponsor-side and portfolio company-side acquisitions and exits. Thomas Zahn co-leads the team from Pittsburgh and is the go-to advisor many of the firm’s most substantial financial sponsors, including Revelstone Capital Partners and Assured Investment Management. Jon Finger leads the practice from Dallas and is an experienced transactional specialist who also is highly active on fund formation and investment matters. Both based in Chicago, Geoffrey Cockrell is highly proficient in healthcare-related deals, while Gregory Hawver who oversees healthcare deals alongside his energy and infrastructure focus, is noted for his cross-border capabilities. Jeff Brooker handles early stage and late stage investments from Dallas.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP is adept at advising on the land use and zoning aspects of real estate developments such as offices, data centers, affordable housing, malls, hotels, and restaurants. New York’s Dennis Mensi heads the real estate and land use practice. In the Tysons office, Gregory Riegle assists clients with the legislative and administrative approvals required to develop land, while Scott Adams routinely advises developers and owners on rezonings, special exceptions, permits, and variances applications. Richmond’s Brennen Keene co-heads the firm’s renewable energy team, making him well-placed to advise on the land use aspects of such projects. Jacksonville’s Christopher Thanner helps clients navigate the complexities of Florida’s governmental regulations including permitting and property rights.

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

Transport > Aviation and air travel: finance Tier 3

McGuireWoods LLP is reputed for its depth of expertise in various complex aviation finance matters such as aircraft leasing, portfolio acquisition, and the modification of warehouse facilities. Out of the firm’s Charlotte office, Patricia Hosmer leads the team that frequently advises major airlines, banks, and asset management firms on the full gamut of the aviation sector. The practice possesses valuable regulatory expertise, ensuring that clients who make commercial airplane purchases comply with FAA and DOT protocols. The attorney’s expertise is not limited to aircraft matters, they frequently advise on structuring loans and financing for engines and aviation equipment. Homser represents various corporate clients on various transportation finance transactions, she excels at negotiating and drafting charter agreements. In New York, Deepak Reddy  has a broad skillset, working for clients on major lease purchases from other financial institutions. San Francisco's Peter Szurley and Charlotte's David Whepley Jr round out the practice.

Transport > Shipping: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Antitrust > Cartel Tier 4

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP‘s broad trial and appellate practice sees the firm active in both domestic and cross-border cases. The team’s expertise spans commercial, white-collar, products, securities, environmental and financial services disputes. Mike Herring leads the team and is based in Virginia alongside Jonathan Blank, who chairs the business and securities litigation team and boasts particular expertise in the energy sector. In Houston, Thomas Farrell has active plaintiff and defendants and appellate practices, representing a diverse roster of individuals, corporations, governmental agencies and foreign sovereigns, while Jeremiah Anderson is experienced in energy and construction disputes. In Pennsylvania, Alexander Madrid is a go to for financial services providers, while Houston-based Yasser Madriz focuses his practice on tech, IP and competition disputes. Also in Houston, Miles Indest represents energy and tech companies.

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

McGuireWoods LLP offers a team of seasoned product liability and mass tort litigators with experience defending leading companies in complex, high-stakes cases. The team advises on product recalls, labeling disputes, and investigations by agencies like the CPSC and EPA. The firm handles claims involving diverse products such as food, electronics, power tools, chemicals, and tobacco, as well as toxic exposure cases involving PCBs and asbestos. Norfolk based Benjamin Hatch, chair of the environmental & mass tort department, brings extensive litigation expertise from private practice and government service, representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation, criminal investigations, and appeals, while Washington DC based Sam Tarry, co-leader of the firm’s product liability & mass tort practice group, represents clients in tort, environmental, and public health litigations in state and federal courts across the country.

Energy > Energy transactions: oil and gas Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP advises major energy utilities and infrastructure funds on oil and gas transactions, including acquisitions, project development, and financings. The firm has a strong track record in midstream assets and regulatory matters, representing key industry players in complex deals and energy transition initiatives. Anthony Carna chairs the oil and gas practice from Pittsburgh. Co-leader of the firm’s Renewable Energy group Mike Woodard operates out of Richmond and has a broad practice that includes advising investors, developers and financial institutions on corporate transactions and financings. Co-head Breenen Keene, also in Richmond, is chiefly recognised for his real estate and development focused practice, while co-head Durham McCormick is a go-to for tax expertise in Houston. The San Francisco-based Evelyn Kim’s far-reaching offering combines both M&A and project finance capabilities. Pittsburgh’s Molleigh Thomas also comes recommended. Jay Hughes joined from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in January 2024.    

Environment > Environment: litigation Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP ’s diverse client roster includes clients in fields such as including energy, transportation, waste management, manufacturing, and financial services. Its clients include major corporations, government agencies, and industry trade associations. In Richmond, Eugene Matthews  co-leads the environmental litigation practice, focusing on environmental, toxic tort, and commercial litigation, with broad industry experience. In Washington DC, Makram Jaber  co-leads the evvironmental enforcement & regulatory counseling practice, specializing in the Clean Air Act and regulatory matters.

Environment > Environment: regulatory Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP‘s client roster features domestic companies from a breadth of industries across energy, transportation, manufacturing, and chemicals. Operating out of Charlotte, David Franchina is active across a breadth of regulatory issues, with his expertise spanning hazardous waste, water and air pollution, and chemical issues. Washington DC-based Makram Jaber predominantly focuses on matters relating to the the Clean Air Act, while Atlanta’s Adam Sowatzka leverages prior EPA experience to position himself as a key advisor on air, water, and waste issues. All co-lead the team. Key names in the DC office include Allison Wood, who leads the ESG Task Force, and Aaron Flynn, who aid utilities, manufacturers, and oil & gas clients on the Clean Air Act.

Environment > Environment: transactional Tier 4

Counting a number of domestic energy, manufacturing, transportation, chemicals, and real estate corporations among its client roster, McGuireWoods LLP    advises on an array of environmental matters, encompassing acquisition, sale, leasing, and financing transactions. Co-head David Franchina in Charlotte, utilizes his broader regulatory and compliance acumen, to advise clients within the real estate and commercial transaction space, while operating out of Washington DC is practice co-head Makram Jaber, who focuses his practice on the Clean Air Act. Heather Stevenson is well-equipped to aid on environmental permitting and environmental compliance reviews within transactions from the Richmond office. Charlotte’s Matthew Giordano regularly advises on the redevelopment of contaminated properties, as well as environmental conditions on transactional matters.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP’s debt capital markets group maintains close relationships with leading financial institutions, including Bank of America Corp., as well as companies in the utilities and materials sectors, continuing to serve them as issuer’s counsel in connection with a wide range of investment-grade offerings. With considerable experience handling public and private offerings, Greg Kilpatrick leads the practice. Hannah Thompson Frank in Pittsburgh plays a key role in the team, advising on debt offerings, exchange offers, and recapitalizations, among other matters. Barlow Mann is well versed in debt and hybrid securities transactions. Richard Viola is also a key contact. All lawyers mentioned are based in Charlotte unless otherwise noted.

Finance > Fintech Tier 4

McGuireWoods LLP is a strong choice for clients seeking representation in consumer compliance, litigation, and regulatory investigations. Leveraging her experience as an SEC prosecutor, Los Angeles-based practice head Molly White represents financial institutions, broker-dealers, and individuals in investigations conducted by federal agencies, while also handling commercial litigation matters. In Chicago, Sarah Zielinski focuses on class action litigation and compliance counseling, with an emphasis on federal and state consumer protection and antitrust matters, while in San Francisco, Brian Coughlan advises investment funds on transactions. Rakesh Gopalan has departed the firm.

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

The team at McGuireWoods LLP represents a broad roster of clients in complex trade secret misappropriation cases, including high-value appeals. Beyond its litigation capabilities, the team strategizes and advises on related audit, compliance, and investigations. The group is co-headed by David Finkelson in Richmond, and Houston-based Yasser Madriz, who has experience handling Federal and State court matters as well as arbitrations. Also in Houston, Meghaan Madriz is noted for her labor and employment expertise. Miles Indest—a key name in Houston—was promoted to partner in January 2025.

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

McGuireWoods LLP maintains a growing employee benefits and executive compensation practice, handling a broad range of matters for a diverse client base across industries. Led by Taylor Wedge French in Charlotte and Gerald Thomas in Atlanta, the team regularly advises on incentive compensation structures, ERISA compliance, and executive agreements. The firm’s experience spans complex benefits-related transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring mandates. Clients include major financial institutions, energy providers, and multinational corporations, with the firm frequently engaged for its ability to navigate intricate benefits programs. The practice continues to expand its national footprint, with figures such as Robert Wynne  and Allison Tanner playing a key role.

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

McGuireWoods LLP provides a comprehensive practice in data and cyber law, including advising on compliance, incident response and class action matters. The firm is well-versed in a wide range of privacy regulatory frameworks at the state, federal and globe level. Leading the team from Virginia are, Andrew Konia, who advises on outsourcing agreements, and Janet Peyton, an expert in information governance support. Ashley Matthews, in Charlottesville, regularly advises retailers and financial institutions on privacy and security issues. In April and August 2024 respectively, New York-based Nancy Ryan and Washington DC-based David Hirsh joined from in-house positions.

Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing Tier 4

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Corporations, trade associations, and individual clients frequently turn to McGuireWoods LLP for leadership in complex antitrust matters, including treble damages, indirect purchaser claims, and MDL class action litigation. The team has achieved trial success in cases involving price-fixing, monopolization, predatory pricing, and exclusive dealing. Amy Manning and Holden Brooks  co-chair the practice from Chicago, with Manning recently leading the defense in a no-poach case before the Illinois Supreme Court. Richmond-based co-chair Brent Justus has represented clients in federal courts on matters involving horizontal and vertical conspiracies. Angelo Russo, also in Chicago, has delivered favorable outcomes both in court and by persuading authorities to close investigations without action.

Finance > Project finance Tier 5

Utilities and infrastructure funds are among the clients that turn to McGuireWoods LLP for project finance expertise and its multifaceted energy industry team that encompasses M&A, development, and tax issues relating to energy projects. Renewables are the primary focus, with both onshore and offshore wind, solar, and associated battery storage facilities regularly handled. A trio of lawyers oversee the practice group: Durham McCormick, a specialist in tax advice with extensive experience of such in the energy space; Brian Kelly, who covers M&A, project development, and project financing; and Brennen Keene, a real estate and land use expert. Tim Callahan  often advises on complex financing structures in the renewables and conventional power spaces, while Doug Lamb is one of the most active practitioners across infrastructure and PPPs, commercial agreements, and project financing. McCormick is based in Houston, Kelly in Baltimore, Keene and Lamb are at the Richmond office, and Callahan is based in Chicago.

Real estate > Real estate finance Tier 5

McGuireWoods LLP‘s real estate finance team specializes in affordable housing deals and agency deals, representing lenders in the origination and sale of multifamily mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Leading the team from New York, Dennis Mensi represents institutional lenders in the originating and servicing of commercial mortgage loans. Commercial real estate expert John Grieb is experienced in the management and financing of office, multifamily and retail properties across the United States. Located in Los Angeles, Alice Youngbar represents lenders through the servicing product line and various servicer loan programs. Bill Seligman in Los Angeles and Thomas Lansen and McGuireWoods LLP in New York are key members of the team.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 7

The ‘extremely responsive’ tax team at McGuireWoods LLP splits its focus between private equity work, M&A, and energy matters, led by Gerald Thomas in Atlanta. Thomason structures transactions and acquisitions in a tax-efficient way for clients predominantly in real estate, private equity, and technology sectors. Durham McCormick advises on tax credits and treasury grants, boasting a strong track record in the renewable energy sector. Other key figures in the practice include Sabrina Conyers in Charlotte and Craig Bell in Richmond.