McGuireWoods was named the most innovative firm in the business of law and ranked third overall in Financial Times’ 2018 North America Innovative Lawyers report, continuing its powerhouse showing as a top law firm for pioneering creative solutions to meet client needs.
McGuireWoods’ private equity team earned a “Standout” ranking — FT’s highest — in the Strategy and Changing Behaviors Category for its nationwide initiative to connect independent sponsors with capital providers for specific private equity deals. Dallas partners Jon Finger and David McLean and the firm’s business development team created the initiative to share deal opportunities with clients and contacts. The team hosts events, including its signature nationwide Independent Sponsor Conference each fall, to share best practices, strategies and deal leads.
“It has forced lawyers to do things we did not learn in law school,” Finger told FT. “It’s a different approach to that which lawyers have traditionally taken.”
FT announced the award Dec. 10, with an accompanying article highlighting the firm’s efforts to expand the traditional role of lawyers, putting them at the heart of business deals and connecting their expansive network.
McGuireWoods would like to thank clients and friends for the positive response and support of the firm, and this important industry initiative. Without you, this recognition would not have been possible. There is no higher honor than the opportunity to partner with our clients and colleagues on changing the industry.
This award complements McGuireWoods being named “Law Firm of the Year” in Mergers & Acquisitions magazine’s 2017 Mid-Market M&A Awards, recognizing the growth of deal work and innovations — including its independent sponsor and women in private equity initiatives — that distinguish the firm as an industry leader. McGuireWoods also maintained top 10 rankings in M&A and private equity league tables published by Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg.