McGuireWoods Richmond partner Seth Schaeffer will join Smithfield Foods as Associate General Counsel – Litigation, where he will manage various litigation matters for the company. His last day at McGuireWoods is June 14, and he will begin his new role the week of June 17.
Schaeffer, who joined McGuireWoods in June 2006, has represented some of the largest banks in the nation in individual and class action litigation. He also has represented many other clients involved in general business disputes and antitrust litigation. In addition, Schaeffer advised clients on antitrust compliance, which included serving as interim chief antitrust counsel for one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paper and forest products.
Schaeffer’s honors include recognition in The Best Lawyers in America for commercial litigation and in Legal 500 United States in the Antitrust – Civil Litigation and Class Actions: Defense category.
Schaeffer received his J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. degree from Colgate University. While earning his law degree, he served as a summer student law clerk for Judge Douglas F. Eaton of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, received Fordham Law’s Legal Writing Award and was named best oralist in the William B. Spong Moot Court.
“Professionally, I grew up at McGuireWoods,” Schaeffer said. “In my 18 years with the firm, I was given the opportunity to travel all over and tackle sophisticated legal issues for our biggest clients. But what I am most grateful for is the opportunity to learn from, work with and mentor incredibly talented lawyers who became dear friends.”
Charlotte partner Robert Muckenfuss, chair of the firm’s Financial Services & Securities Enforcement Department, said: “We are grateful for Seth’s many contributions to the firm and clients for nearly two decades. While we will miss his leadership and incredible skill, we wish him continued success as he takes this new position at Smithfield Foods.”