Accomplished litigator Gretchen E. Woodruff has joined McGuireWoods as a partner in Pittsburgh, bringing 14 years of experience advising companies on complicated employment and business disputes and compliance matters.
Woodruff represents employers across industries, including financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare and communications. She litigates collective and class action wage-and-hour lawsuits under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage-and-hour laws; disputes involving restrictive covenants or injunctive relief; and single and multiplaintiff actions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Woodruff also works closely with in-house counsel, human resources professionals and company executives on wage-and-hour compliance, recruitment and hiring, performance management, employee discipline and discharges, leave and accommodations, reductions in force, enforcement of noncompete agreements and trade secrets protection. In addition, she helps clients navigate complex crisis management issues, including protecting employees from stalking and harassment. She comes to McGuireWoods from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Pittsburgh.
“Gretchen is a skilled litigator and trusted adviser who understands her clients’ novel legal and compliance challenges and excels at delivering practical, business-focused solutions,” said Noreen Kelly, deputy managing partner of McGuireWoods’ litigation practice.
Among her many honors, Woodruff was named to Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch” list each year since 2021.
“Gretchen’s track record helping companies navigate complex and potentially costly disputes enhances our capabilities in Pittsburgh and benefits clients nationwide,” said Baltimore office managing partner Elena Marcuss, chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department.
Penny Zacharias, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Pittsburgh office, added: “Gretchen is an important addition whose extensive litigation experience and in-depth industry knowledge complement our client service strengths in Pittsburgh.”
McGuireWoods’ labor and employment lawyers advise local, national and multinational employers — including small businesses, government entities and Fortune 500 companies — on compliance with state, federal and international law; internal investigations; federal contracting; and executive compensation. The firm earned a nationwide ranking for labor and employment in the 2024 “Chambers USA” guide and national Tier 1 rankings for labor and employment litigation and employment law in the 2025 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms.”
“McGuireWoods has a well-earned national reputation for excellence in labor and employment law and class action litigation and powerful capabilities to address clients’ legal challenges wherever they arise,” Woodruff said. “The firm’s robust national platform, dedication to excellence, and culture of collaboration make it an ideal fit for my practice.”