McGuireWoods is continuing the strategic expansion of its nationally respected energy regulatory and enforcement capabilities with the addition of partner James H. Jeffries IV, who has represented public and private companies before federal and state energy regulators for more than two decades. Both come to McGuireWoods from Moore & Van Allen.
Jeffries joins the firm in Charlotte along with counsel Melinda L. “Mindy” McGrath, whose practice also focuses on energy regulation at the federal and state level.
Jeffries serves as regulatory counsel for three natural gas distribution companies and a leading investor-owned electric utility. He handles administrative litigation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and state public utility commissions, and argues cases before federal and state appellate and trial courts. He also advises natural gas companies and electric utilities on general business and strategic planning matters.
McGrath has extensive experience before FERC and state regulators and provides compliance assistance, training and related services to energy clients.
“Jim and Mindy excel at navigating the broad range of regulatory issues that are critical to our energy clients,” said Ryan Purpura, chair of McGuireWoods’ energy industry team.
Vishwa Link, chair of the firm’s Regulatory & Compliance Department, added: “Jim and Mindy have impressive track records handling complex FERC and state-level cases. They are important additions as we continue growing our capabilities for energy sector clients.”
“These exceptional lawyers have stellar reputations for helping clients achieve their business goals and for contributing to our community in meaningful ways. They fit our practice in Charlotte perfectly,” said John McDonald, managing partner of the firm’s Charlotte office.
Jeffries has been included in The Best Lawyers in America for energy law and communications law each year since 2007. In addition to practicing law, he has served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
“McGuireWoods is well known for its business-focused, team-oriented approach to helping energy clients tackle the extraordinary challenges they face in today’s market. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success,” Jeffries said.
The Mecklenburg Times named McGrath one of the Charlotte region’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2017 and she is the recipient of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award. McGrath has an active pro bono practice. She volunteers with the Council for Children’s Rights, an advocacy and legal services program for at-risk Charlotte-area children, and partners with Safe Alliance to represent victims of domestic violence at their year-long protective order hearings.
Jeffries and McGrath arrive at McGuireWoods after John P. Perkins III, a former top FERC litigator, joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office last month.
McGuireWoods’ regulatory and compliance practice represents energy clients in proceedings before FERC, the Environmental Protection Agency, state public utility commissions and various state agencies. The firm earned rankings in six energy-related practice categories in the 2017 edition of The Legal 500 United States and received a nationwide ranking for Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation) in the 2017 Chambers USA guide, both prestigious independent guides to leading law firms and lawyers.
Source: www.mcguirewoods.com
