McGuireWoods partner Michael Herring has been selected by Virginia Lawyers Weekly for its annual Leaders in the Law list honoring prominent lawyers across the state for significant accomplishments such as changing the law, serving the community and improving Virginia’s justice system. The honorees will be profiled in a special Virginia Lawyers Weekly supplement published in October.
Herring is managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Richmond office. He represents individuals and corporations in complex commercial litigation, government investigations and white-collar criminal defense matters.
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. Herring also initiated efforts to find alternatives to criminal trials such as diversion programs and deferred prosecutions for first-time nonviolent offenders.
Herring serves as president of Legal Services Corporation of Virginia, which oversees delivery of civil legal services to the poor. In 2019, Gov. Ralph Northam appointed him to serve on the Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law, which was tasked with making recommendations to address laws that have the effect of promoting or enabling racial discrimination. Herring received the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2020 for his achievements in public service and leadership helping low-income Virginians gain access to legal services.
“Mike is an outstanding leader who has earned the respect and admiration of his peers in the legal community and the citizens he served as Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney,” said J. Tracy Walker IV, McGuireWoods’ managing partner. “We are proud to call him our friend and colleague and fortunate that McGuireWoods and our clients can benefit from his skill and leadership.”
Virginia Lawyers Weekly ’s 2021 Leaders in the Law class will be feted at an Oct. 19 reception in Richmond.
“I am honored to be part of this year’s Leaders in the Law class and grateful to my McGuireWoods colleagues for their friendship and support,” Herring said.