40 Facts About McGuireWoods

The Origins of McGuireWoods

McGuireWoods has a rich history that dates back nearly two centuries. Let's explore its beginnings and early growth.

1. Founding: McGuireWoods was founded in 1834 by Egbert R. Watson, who served as the private secretary to President James Monroe.
2. Early Years: Watson's practice in Charlottesville, Virginia, laid the groundwork for what would become McGuireWoods.
3. Expansion: In 1870, George Perkins joined Watson, forming the predecessor firm Perkins, Battle & Minor, marking the start of the firm's expansion.
4. Richmond Office: In 1898, Murray Mason McGuire started a practice in Richmond, which later merged with other firms to form the modern-day McGuireWoods.
5. Modern Firm: The firm as we know it today was established in 1966 when the Battle and McGuire firms merged to create McGuire, Woods & Battle.

Growth and Expansion

McGuireWoods didn't stop at its early successes. The firm continued to grow, adding new offices and expanding its reach.

6. Merger and Expansion: In 1987, a merger created McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe, adding offices in Alexandria, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond, Tysons, and Washington, D.C.
7. Further Expansion: Between 1991 and 1994, offices were added in Baltimore and Jacksonville, broadening the firm's U.S. presence.
8. Public Affairs Subsidiary: In 1998, McGuireWoods launched McGuireWoods Consulting, offering government relations, infrastructure, economic development, and advocacy expertise.
9. Global Presence: Today, McGuireWoods operates from 24 offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, showcasing its global reach.

Client Focus and Practice Areas

McGuireWoods is known for its client-centric approach and diverse practice areas. Here’s a closer look.

10. Client Focus: The firm's commitment to excellence gives its clients a competitive edge, earning their loyalty.
11. Practice Areas: McGuireWoods provides solutions across various industries, including banking, financial services, energy, healthcare, and private equity.
12. Corporate Transactions: The firm excels in handling corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory matters.
13. High-Stakes Disputes: McGuireWoods’ litigators tackle high-stakes cases in sectors like energy, commercial, fiduciary, products, consumer goods, transportation, and labor and employment.

Specialized Practices

McGuireWoods has developed expertise in several specialized areas, making it a leader in these fields.

14. Energy Industry: The Charlottesville office is crucial for McGuireWoods’ presence in the energy industry, handling litigation in natural gas, coal, alternative energy, and utilities.
15. Energy Litigation: Lawyers collaborate on energy and climate change, supply chain, resource management, and sustainability, leading in energy litigation.
16. Healthcare Practice: With 60 lawyers dedicated to healthcare, the firm partners with McGuireWoods Consulting to address complex client issues, serving a diverse roster from venture capital firms to clinical laboratories.

Commitment to Diversity and Excellence

McGuireWoods is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and excellence, earning numerous awards and recognitions.

17. Diversity & Inclusion: The firm uses engagement and accountability, supported by tailored programs and training, to make progress in diversity and inclusion.
18. Awards and Recognition: In 2024, McGuireWoods earned first-tier national rankings in 23 practice areas and was named “Law Firm of the Year” by U.S. News-Best Lawyers.
19. Best Lawyers Recognition: Over 200 McGuireWoods attorneys were included in The Best Lawyers in America, 2024, with 16 named “Lawyers of the Year.”
20. BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team: McGuireWoods ranked No. 11 on BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team list, marking the 18th time it has ranked among the top 30 in BTI’s survey.

Notable Cases and Achievements

McGuireWoods has been involved in several high-profile cases and achieved significant milestones.

21. Chambers and Partners Recognition: Chambers and Partners recognized McGuireWoods lawyers 136 times and firm practice areas 66 times, with 19 practice areas receiving nationwide recognition.
22. Thomson Reuters Rankings: McGuireWoods topped Thomson Reuters’ rankings for syndicated debt financings, placing No. 1 in deal count and sixth in dollar volume in 2015.
23. Notable Cases: In June 2017, Vice President Mike Pence retained Richard Cullen, then-chairman of McGuireWoods, as outside legal counsel related to the special counsel investigation into Russian efforts to interfere with the 2016 election.
24. Human Trafficking Case: In May 2018, Elizabeth Hutson led the team representing human trafficking survivor Kendra Ross, who was awarded an almost $8 million judgment, the largest civil single-plaintiff human trafficking award in U.S. history.
25. Warmbier Case: McGuireWoods attorneys represented Cynthia and Frederick Warmbier in their lawsuit against North Korea, resulting in a federal court ordering North Korea to pay over $500 million.
26. Collins v. Virginia: In 2018, McGuireWoods attorney Matthew Fitzgerald represented Ryan Collins in the U.S. Supreme Court case Collins v. Virginia, with the Court ruling in favor of Collins.
27. Boeing Defense: McGuireWoods lawyers were part of the defense team for Boeing in a federal criminal investigation related to the 737 MAX aircraft, leading to a deferred prosecution agreement in January 2021.
28. Asarco Cleanup: McGuireWoods represented Asarco LLC in litigation related to the cleanup of a former lead and zinc smelting site in Montana, resulting in a ruling that Atlantic Richfield Co. must pay Asarco $16 million and 25 percent of future sums.

Notable Alumni and Current Leaders

McGuireWoods boasts a long list of notable alumni and current leaders who have made significant contributions to law and government.

29. Notable Alumni: Alumni include George Allen, former U.S. Ambassador to Australia William C. Battle, Cheri Beasley, U.S. District Judge Ken Bell, and many others.
30. Current Lawyers and Consultants: The firm employs notable figures like Richard Cullen, John Adams, Scott Becker, Andrew G. McBride, former Gov. Jim Hodges, and more.

Community Involvement and Leadership

McGuireWoods is committed to community service and strong leadership, guiding the firm’s strategic direction.

31. Community Involvement: Lawyers and staff are involved in over 30 local civic, economic development, and nonprofit organizations, continuing a tradition of service to the University of Virginia.
32. Leadership: Key figures include Chairman Jonathan P. Harmon, Managing Partner J. Tracy Walker IV, and Member John D. Adams, along with the Executive Committee and Board of Partners.

Practice Groups and Client Service

McGuireWoods operates several practice groups and is dedicated to client service excellence.

33. Practice Groups: These include commercial litigation, corporate and private equity, debt finance, environmental and mass tort, financial services and securities enforcement, and more.
34. Client Service Excellence: The firm’s commitment to client service is evident in its consistent ranking among the top 30 law firms in BTI’s survey.

Public Affairs and Global Reach

McGuireWoods Consulting enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients in complex regulatory matters, and its global reach allows it to provide comprehensive solutions.

35. Public Affairs Expertise: McGuireWoods Consulting offers state and federal government relations, infrastructure, economic development, and advocacy expertise.
36. Global Reach: With offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, McGuireWoods serves clients across various jurisdictions and industries.

Historical Milestones and Recognition

McGuireWoods has achieved several historical milestones and received notable recognition for its excellence.

37. Historical Milestones: Key milestones include its founding in 1834, mergers with Chicago firms Ross and Hardies in 2003 and Gordon & Glickson in 2006, and the opening of a London office in 2009.
38. Notable Recognition: The firm was named the “2011 Insurance and Reinsurance Firm of the Year, USA” by Finance Monthly and ranked third by monetary value in the U.S. among top law firms for serving as issuer’s counsel for global equity issuances in 2009.
39. Virginia Business Legal Elite: Thirty-six McGuireWoods lawyers were included in Virginia Business’ Legal Elite in 2014, with more lawyers listed in the Bankruptcy/Creditors’ Rights category than any other firm in the state.

Legacy and Future

McGuireWoods continues to build on its legacy of excellence, providing innovative and practical solutions to its clients.

40. Legacy and Future: With a strong commitment to service, diversity, and inclusion, McGuireWoods remains a leader in the legal industry, poised for continued growth and success.

McGuireWoods: A Legacy of Excellence

McGuireWoods stands tall with a rich history and a global presence. Founded in 1834, the firm has grown into a legal powerhouse with 24 offices worldwide. Known for its expertise in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and regulatory matters, McGuireWoods serves a diverse range of industries. The firm’s commitment to client service, diversity, and community involvement sets it apart. With numerous awards and recognitions, including top rankings in U.S. News-Best Lawyers and BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team, McGuireWoods continues to lead the legal industry. Notable cases like representing Vice President Mike Pence and winning the largest human trafficking award in U.S. history highlight its impact. As McGuireWoods moves forward, its dedication to excellence and innovation ensures it remains a trusted partner for clients worldwide.