Gerald Thomas > McGuireWoods LLP > Atlanta, United States > Lawyer Profile

Counting financial institutions and private equity firms among its key clients, McGuireWoods LLP’s tax and employee benefits group is highly specialized at handling high-value M&A and ESOP transaction, as well as having notable expertise in providing counsel on foreign law compliance in implementing global stock compensation plans, along with solving special problems involving plans for collectively bargained employees. Taylor Wedge French co-heads the team from Charlotte, focusing on representing boards of directors and compensation committees in negotiating and drafting employment and severance agreements, while co-head, Gerald Thomas operates out of Atlanta. Virginia-based Robert Cipolla concentrates on health and welfare plans, and Robert Wynne is also noted. William Tysse retired from the practice in December 2022.

The team at McGuireWoods LLP, co-headed by Michele McKinnon in Richmond, regularly acts for clients such as public charities, educational institution, and charitable trusts, on a plethora of federal tax and governance issues. Among its standout lawyers are Jean Gordon Carter in Raleigh, and Gerald Thomas in Atlanta, who heads up the overall tax team. Carter co-heads the firm’s private wealth services group, and her expertise includes estate planning and administration, supported by a strong estate planning group, allowing the team to advise on income taxation of estates and trusts.