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McGuireWoods Expands into Seattle with an Elite Litigation Team

On February 5, 2026, McGuireWoods announced its official expansion into the Pacific Northwest, launching a new office in Seattle. This strategic move is spearheaded by a team of nationally recognized litigators and appellate advocates, including two former U.S. Supreme Court clerks. The firm aims to enhance its capabilities in handling complex commercial and product liability disputes, not only within the United States but also on a global scale.

The Seattle office is led by nine founding partners who were previously affiliated with Perkins Coie's Seattle office. This team is set to significantly bolster McGuireWoods' reputation in handling class actions, multidistrict litigation, and antitrust cases, among other key practice areas. Jonathan Harmon, the firm's chairman, expressed enthusiasm about this expansion, noting that it fulfills McGuireWoods' objectives and strengthens its competitive position in a crucial market.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Rike Connelly, who assumes the role of managing partner for the Seattle office, previously led the business litigation practice at Perkins Coie. Known for managing large-scale commercial litigation, particularly in antitrust and intellectual property disputes, her focus will be on matters specific to Washington state and multidistrict litigation. Under her leadership, the office aims to cultivate strong relationships within the local community while delivering exceptional legal services to its clients.

The litigation team also features prominent partners such as Eric Wolff, who co-chaired Perkins Coie's appellate practice and has an impressive background that includes serving as chief litigation counsel for Boeing. Wolff, along with his colleagues, brings extensive experience to the new office, enhancing McGuireWoods' offerings in aerospace, consumer products, and various other sectors.

Mack Shultz, who has led product liability litigation across industries, including aviation, medical devices, and consumer electronics, joins McGuireWoods with a reputation for strategic risk mitigation and has been recognized nationally in aviation litigation. His expertise will be critical as he co-leads the firm's product liability practice group in Seattle.

Todd Rosencrans and Christopher Ledford will also contribute their considerable experience in complex product liability and commercial litigation. Ledford is particularly noted for his advisory role in navigating government investigations, which is increasingly essential in today’s regulatory environment.

Judge Abdul Kallon, a former U.S. District Court judge, will advise companies on a variety of litigation matters and will play a senior role within McGuireWoods' trial team, providing further depth to the firm’s already impressive roster of attorneys.

A Commitment to Excellence

As the team prepares to establish its presence in Seattle, Connelly emphasized the collective excitement surrounding the launch. She believes that McGuireWoods is uniquely positioned to deliver superior legal solutions, thanks in large part to its rich culture and commitment to community engagement. The firm's established practices align perfectly with its strategic goals, and the addition of this talented group will undoubtedly offer significant advantages to clients.

J. Tracy Walker IV, McGuireWoods' Managing Partner, commended the extensive experience and strong reputations of the new Seattle attorneys, stating that their leadership and knowledge would provide substantial value to clients navigating the complexities of modern business.

The new McGuireWoods Seattle office is located in Safeco Plaza, 1001 Fourth Avenue, a central location that underscores the firm's commitment to the region. With over 1,000 attorneys in 21 offices globally, McGuireWoods is a firm dedicated to excellence, continuously ranked among the top firms in the industry. This new venture heralds a promising future for both the firm and its clients in the Pacific Northwest as they navigate their most significant challenges in legal and business landscapes.

To learn more about McGuireWoods and its array of services, please visit www.mcguirewoods.com.