Accomplished deal lawyer Jay Hughes has returned to McGuireWoods as a partner in Houston, bringing two decades of experience assisting clients in mergers and acquisitions as well as energy transactions and financings, primarily in the oil and gas, power and renewable sectors.
Hughes advises public and private companies and has significant experience counseling utilities, developers, and private equity and infrastructure funds in transactions involving conventional and renewable power assets. His deal experience covers transactions ranging in size from several million dollars to $15 billion, including some of the most notable energy industry deals of the past decade.
Hughes returns to McGuireWoods after serving as co-chair of the power and renewable energy practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He previously spent 16 years at McGuireWoods, first in Richmond, Virginia, and then in Houston. He served as managing partner of the Houston office from 2017 to 2020.
“We are delighted to welcome Jay back to McGuireWoods,” said Richard W. Viola, deputy managing partner of the firm’s corporate practice. “He has strong relationships with our clients, a wealth of high-level deal experience and deep roots in our firm.”
The Deal selected Hughes as a finalist for “Energy & Industrials Dealmaker of The Year” in its 2020 Middle Market Awards. He has earned nationwide recognition from Chambers USA, Chambers Global and the Legal 500 United States for energy transactional work.
Said Michael Woodard, chair of the firm’s M&A and Energy Transactional Department: “Jay has been an important contributor to the growth of our M&A practice, particularly in the energy space. His skill, market knowledge and collaborative approach to client service are enormous assets for our team.”
McGuireWoods consistently ranks among the leading law firms for U.S. M&A deals in published league tables and its private equity capabilities have earned nationwide recognition from Chambers USA and The Legal 500. In addition, the firm’s multidisciplinary energy industry team brings together legal, policy, energy technology and business experience to provide integrated services to clients across sectors.
“Jay has done much to raise McGuireWoods’ profile in Houston and we look forward to tapping into his experience and insight to strengthen our presence in the Texas market,” said Yasser Madriz, managing partner of the Houston office.
Hughes added: “I am excited to come home to McGuireWoods and one of the nation’s most respected corporate practices. I look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and clients and building on the tremendous success we have had together.”