Accomplished litigator Andrew Russell has joined McGuireWoods’ Labor & Employment Department as a partner in Century City, California, bringing more than a decade of experience representing national and global companies in high-stakes employment matters. He joins McGuireWoods from Fox Rothschild.
Russell defends employers in class and individual wage and hour cases, including claims brought under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA). He represents companies in discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims and litigates matters involving trade secret misappropriation, Americans With Disabilities Act compliance, and alleged violations of state and federal background check laws.
In addition, Russell provides preventive counseling to ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and advises clients on personnel management decisions.
“Andrew’s ability to guide companies through complex and potentially costly litigation strengthens our West Coast practice and benefits our clients nationwide,” said Dion Hayes, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation.
“Andrew’s track record defending employers in class action and single-plaintiff litigation and his insight on compliance issues are outstanding, and I could not be happier to have him join us to help lead our California practice,” added Sabrina Beldner, chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department.
Before practicing law, Russell played professional volleyball in Sweden for four years and was a program associate for Enterprise Community Partners, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the supply of affordable housing.
“We are delighted to welcome Andrew to McGuireWoods,” said Richard Grant, managing partner of the firm’s Century City office. “The depth and breadth of his experience enhance our capabilities and add value for our clients.”
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 national Tier 1 rankings for labor and employment litigation and employment law in the 2022 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms.”
“McGuireWoods has a national reputation for excellence in labor and employment matters and class action litigation,” Russell said. “This is a great opportunity with a powerhouse firm and I look forward to putting my experience to work for our clients.”
