The Virginia Trial Lawyers Association honored McGuireWoods partner Michael Herring with its Distinguished Service Award for his career in public service and leadership helping low-income Virginians gain access to legal services.
Herring joined McGuireWoods’ litigation practice in 2019 after serving for more than 13 years as Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney. In that role, he led high-profile criminal prosecutions and was appointed to head politically sensitive investigations involving alleged conduct of top statewide elected officials. He helped Richmond police develop strategies to reduce homicides and violent crimes dramatically and implemented groundbreaking criminal justice reforms adopted by other Virginia localities.
At McGuireWoods, Herring represents clients in commercial litigation, government investigations and white-collar criminal defense. He speaks frequently at conferences and programs devoted to improving the criminal justice system.
Herring serves as president of Legal Services Corporation of Virginia, which oversees delivery of civil legal services to the poor. During his 15 years on the organization’s board, funding for legal aid has tripled and the number of legal aid attorneys has increased 55 percent.
In announcing the award, the VTLA said, “Mike is the consummate professional and is well-respected among attorneys as a compassionate, reasoned warrior who recognizes the importance of the right to trial by jury. For nearly a half million low income Virginians who have received civil legal aid assistance thanks to his leadership, Mike’s selfless commitment to the cause of justice also makes him a Distinguished Servant.”
“There is no finer individual than Mike Herring,” said McGuireWoods Managing Partner J. Tracy Walker IV. “He is an outstanding lawyer, a leader at the bar and a tireless champion for our underserved populations most in need of legal services. Mike has seen our criminal and civil justice system from every angle, and he has helped bring about real reforms that have improved the lives of countless Virginians. We are proud and humbled to have Mike as a partner at our firm and thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.”