McGuireWoods is strengthening its fiduciary litigation capabilities with the arrival of New York partner Helen Gavaris, who brings over three decades of experience representing corporate fiduciaries and high-net-worth individuals in complex disputes. Gavaris comes to McGuireWoods from Loeb & Loeb. 

Gavaris advises corporate fiduciaries in contested accounting and related proceedings involving trust diversification issues, charitable trusts, and the valuation and sale of nonpublic companies. She has counseled clients in litigation involving prominent high-net-worth individuals and families, including the estates of Leona Helmsley, Harry Winston and Thomas Carvel.

“Helen is a respected litigator and strategic adviser with a stellar reputation for helping clients resolve disputes and manage risk,” said Todd Steggerda, deputy managing partner of McGuireWoods’ litigation practice.

Gavaris joins a team of fiduciary litigators who serve as lead counsel for national, regional and local banks and other financial services clients across the country. In addition to litigation matters, McGuireWoods counsels fiduciaries on mitigating risk and provides guidance on tax, custody, distribution, and other administrative and strategic issues. The team works closely with the firm’s highly ranked private wealth services group.

“Helen’s skill, insight and strong client relationships will be tremendous assets to our fiduciary litigation team, particularly in New York,” said Robert Muckenfuss, chair of McGuireWoods’ Complex Commercial Litigation Department.

Gavaris is the second partner to join McGuireWoods’ New York office this year, following the arrival of acquisition finance lawyer Jeff Goldfarb.

“Helen is an important addition as we continue growing our client service capabilities in New York,” said Jeffrey Chapman, managing partner of the firm’s New York office.

Said Gavaris: “McGuireWoods has a deep and talented litigation team known nationally for helping clients anticipate challenges and achieve their business goals. This is a perfect fit for my practice.”