McGuireWoods earned firm honors and individual lawyers were recognized eight times in the inaugural Southeastern Legal Awards, presented by The Daily Report, an American Lawyer Media publication.
McGuireWoods received more honors than any other law firm in the 2023 awards, which recognize firms and attorneys who “left an indelible mark on the legal community in the Southeast and beyond through their unwavering dedication to the profession.”
McGuireWoods was named a finalist for “Law Firm of the Year” and was among the winners in the “Most Innovative Law Firms” category. In addition, lawyers in the firm’s Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, offices earned individual honors.
Raleigh partner Jonathan Ellis is a finalist for “Attorney of the Year.” Ellis co-chairs the firm’s appellate practice and is a member of the Complex Commercial Litigation Department. Before joining McGuireWoods, he served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General of the United States. In that role, he argued nine cases before the Supreme Court. He also previously served as a law clerk to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.
Charlotte partner Kate Hardey is among the lawyers named “Most Effective Deal-Makers.” Hardey, co-leader of the firm’s cannabis, hemp and CBD practice team, advises major banks with clients involved in CBD-related businesses and assists lenders, investors, pharmaceutical manufacturers, cosmetic and supplement manufacturers navigating regulatory uncertainty.
Charlotte partners Greg Kilpatrick and John McDonald are recognized as “Distinguished Leaders.” Kilpatrick chairs McGuireWoods’ Securities & Capital Markets Department and co-founded the firm’s Black Professionals in Private Equity & Finance Initiative, which brings together professionals from across the financial services sector to network and promote change in the industry.
McDonald, former managing partner of the firm’s Charlotte office, has handled management-side labor and employment matters for more than 25 years. He regularly represents clients in sensitive employment investigations, employee mobility matters, and employment litigation, including in employment discrimination and wage-and-hour cases. He also co-leads McGuireWoods’ nationally recognized COVID-19 Response Team.
Raleigh partner Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette is recognized in the “Best Mentors” and “On the Rise” categories. She represents businesses in complex commercial litigation. A 10-year Air Force veteran, Mallette is a past president of the Capital City Lawyers Association and serves as chair of the advisory board of the Southeast Raleigh YMCA.
Charlotte associate Jasmine Gardner is an “On the Rise” honoree. She represents corporate clients throughout the country in class actions and high-stakes complex commercial litigation. She is a founding board member of Young Black Lawyers of Charlotte.
Former Charlotte partner Harrison Marshall is honored as a “Lifetime Achiever.” Marshall, who recently retired from the firm, led McGuireWoods’ education industry team. He represented colleges and universities and handled transactions for large corporations, emerging growth companies, venture capital and private equity funds.
“These awards are a testament to the outstanding leadership and depth of talent we have throughout the firm,” said McGuireWoods managing partner J. Tracy Walker IV. “We congratulate all the honorees for this recognition.”
The “Law Firm of the Year” and “Attorney of the Year” awards will be announced June 22, 2023, at a ceremony in Atlanta.