McGuireWoods Names New Department Chairs

Law firm appoints new leaders for Tax & Employee Benefits and Commercial Litigation practices

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a stack of legal documents, a gavel, and a pair of reading glasses, symbolizing the leadership changes at the law firm McGuireWoods.A visual representation of the leadership transition at McGuireWoods, where new department chairs will bring their legal expertise to guide the firm's continued success.Atlanta Today

McGuireWoods, a prominent law firm, has announced the appointment of two new department chairs. Taylor W. French will lead the Tax & Employee Benefits Department, while Shelby S. Guilbert, Jr. will chair the Commercial Litigation Department. The changes take effect on June 1, 2026, continuing the firm's tradition of rotating key leadership positions.

Why it matters

These leadership changes at McGuireWoods reflect the firm's commitment to maintaining strong, experienced management across its core practice areas. The new chairs bring deep expertise in their respective fields, which will help the firm continue delivering high-quality legal services to its diverse client base.

The details

Taylor W. French, a partner in the firm's Charlotte office, will take over as chair of the Tax & Employee Benefits Department. He advises clients on the design and implementation of incentive programs and tax-qualified retirement plans, as well as the benefits and compensation aspects of corporate transactions. Shelby S. Guilbert, Jr., a partner in the Atlanta office, will chair the Commercial Litigation Department. He represents businesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, and healthcare providers in insurance recovery actions, high-stakes contract disputes, and cross-border litigation.

  • The new appointments will take effect on June 1, 2026.
  • Gerald Thomas, the current chair of the Tax & Employee Benefits Department, will transition to the role of deputy managing partner of the firm's corporate practice.
  • Michael Herring, the outgoing chair of the Commercial Litigation Department, previously served as the managing partner of the firm's Richmond office.

The players

Taylor W. French

A partner in McGuireWoods' Charlotte office and the new chair of the firm's Tax & Employee Benefits Department. He counsels clients on the design and implementation of incentive programs and tax-qualified retirement plans, as well as the benefits and compensation aspects of corporate transactions.

Shelby S. Guilbert, Jr.

A partner in McGuireWoods' Atlanta office and the new chair of the firm's Commercial Litigation Department. He represents businesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, and healthcare providers in insurance recovery actions, high-stakes contract disputes, and cross-border litigation.

Gerald Thomas

The outgoing chair of the Tax & Employee Benefits Department, who will transition to the role of deputy managing partner of the firm's corporate practice.

Michael Herring

The outgoing chair of the Commercial Litigation Department, who previously served as the managing partner of the firm's Richmond office.

J. Tracy Walker IV

The managing partner of McGuireWoods.

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What they’re saying

“We thank Taylor and Shelby for taking on these important leadership roles. Their skill and insight will help us deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”

— J. Tracy Walker IV, Managing Partner, McGuireWoods

“We are also deeply grateful to Gerald and Mike for their dedicated service as department chairs. Their leadership has strengthened our practices and positioned us for continued success.”

— J. Tracy Walker IV, Managing Partner, McGuireWoods

What’s next

The new department chairs will officially assume their roles on June 1, 2026, as the firm continues to rotate its key leadership positions.

The takeaway

McGuireWoods' decision to appoint new department chairs reflects the firm's commitment to maintaining strong, experienced leadership across its core practice areas. The incoming chairs bring deep expertise in their respective fields, which will help the firm continue delivering high-quality legal services to its diverse client base.