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Morgan Lewis strengthens energy and infrastructure transactions and EPC capabilities with Jude Leblanc in Houston. August 03, 2026 HOUSTON, August 3, 2026: Morgan Lewis is pleased to announce the addition of partner Jude Leblanc, further strengthening the firm's global energy and infrastructure practice and EPC capabilities. Joining from McGuireWoods, Jude brings more than 25 years of experience advising clients on complex commercial transactions across the energy and infrastructure sectors, with a particular focus on engineering, procurement, and construction contracts, project development, and large-scale infrastructure projects, including nuclear generation facilities (both large-scale and small modular reactor technologies). Jude's extensive experience in Latin America bolsters Morgan Lewis's significant Houston-based corporate, private equity, finance, and trade practices in those regions. "Global demand for new energy generation, transmission, data center infrastructure, and industrial development continues to accelerate, driving the need for sophisticated counsel on increasingly complex projects," said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. "Jude's arrival enhances our capabilities at a time when clients are making significant investments across conventional (including nuclear) and renewable energy as well as data center and other infrastructure projects and seeking advisors who can help bring those projects from concept to completion." Jude represents developers, utilities, engineering and construction companies, investors, and other project participants in the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements. Beyond his extensive EPC work, he also advises on equipment supply agreements, project and corporate finance transactions, M&A, and joint venture arrangements across nuclear power, renewable energy, gas-fired power, data centers, mining, oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, carbon capture, and telecommunications. Before returning to private practice, Jude spent more than a decade in senior legal leadership roles at Fluor Corporation, a global engineering and construction company, including serving as vice president, law. "Clients developing major energy and infrastructure projects require counsel who understand not only the legal issues, but also the commercial realities of delivering complex projects," said Elizabeth Hanigan, leader of Morgan Lewis's energy and infrastructure practice. "Jude's unique combination of private practice and in-house EPC experience, together with his work advising on power generation, nuclear development, data center, and other complex energy projects, will be an immediate asset to clients undertaking some of the market's most significant infrastructure investments." Morgan Lewis's energy and infrastructure practice advises clients across the full life cycle of projects, from development and financing through construction, operation, and strategic transactions. Recognized by Chambers and The Legal 500 for its market-leading capabilities, the team counsels utilities, developers, investors, lenders, engineering and construction companies, and other industry participants across conventional and renewable power, nuclear energy, oil and gas, LNG, hydrogen, carbon capture, data centers, and other critical infrastructure sectors.

McGuireWoods lures finance pro from Kirkland & Ellis. McGuireWoods doubles down on its Houston-based energy and infrastructure growth strategy with another partner hire. Finance lawyer Michelle Williamson has drawn the curtain on an eight-year stint at Kirkland & Ellis to join McGuireWoods' Houston office as a partner. The hire was confirmed yesterday (21 July). Specialising in energy and infrastructure, Williamson represents financial institutions, private and public borrowers, sponsors and other investors on various financing transactions. Her work spans investment-grade lending, acquisition financing, cash flow-based lending, asset-based lending, private credit, mezzanine financing and subordinated debt financing. "I am very excited to be joining the collegial team at McGuireWoods," said Williamson in a statement. "I look forward to collaborating with my new partners and colleagues to help our clients achieve their business goals and objectives." Williamson's practice extends to liability management and restructuring issues, bankruptcies, workouts and recapitalisations, including exit financing and debtor-in-possession matters. Gerald Thomas, deputy managing partner of McGuireWoods' corporate practice, commented: "Michelle's experience financing transactions in energy, infrastructure and other industries will complement a host of corporate areas in Houston and around the country." "We are delighted that Michelle is joining our team," added debt finance department chair Kevin McGinnis. "She is known for mastering the details of her clients' businesses, which is a key to earning critical trust needed in complex debt transactions." Tyler VanHoutan, Houston office managing partner, said Williamson's financing and energy capabilities will add "tremendous value" for clients. The hire continues McGuireWoods' efforts to bolster its energy and infrastructure offerings in the 'energy capital of the world', following closely on the heels of the appointment of former O'Melveny & Myers partner David Aaronson and ex-K&L Gates partner Mundo de La Fuente.

Leading Virginia educator and business/civic leader Stewart Roberson joins McGuireWoods Consulting in Richmond. July 16, 2026. Roberson brings decades of experience in Virginia public sector and business to new role as senior advisor. Richmond, Va. (July 16, 2026) - McGuireWoods Consulting welcomes Stewart Roberson, a former school district superintendent and a noted business and civic leader, as a senior advisor in its Richmond office. Stewart will lead the Virginia Business K-12 Partnership focused on bringing business and education leaders together to develop a policy agenda that ensures Virginia is preparing students for in-demand college and career pathways. Roberson holds more than 35 years of public school experience, including years as a teacher, principal and leading two school districts as superintendent. Most recently, he served as chairman, president and CEO of Moseley Inc., a national leader in designing schools, government facilities and housing, for 15 years. "Stewart made a deft and enormously successful transition from education to business. He is a proven visionary leader in both fields," said Mark Bowles, chairman of McGuireWoods Consulting. "The Virginia Business K-12 Partnership will benefit from his immense talent and experience in education and business." Roberson served as superintendent of the Falls Church City Public Schools and then the Hanover County Public Schools, ending his educational career as one of the state's longest-serving school superintendents. He has taught at the University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development for over 35 years. A former member of the Virginia Board of Education, Roberson presently serves on Virginia's Commission for School Construction and Modernization, as an appointee of the state senate. He is a trustee of the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges and served on the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. "Stewart combines a bold and strategic business mind with the best teacher's qualities of listening, encouragement and leadership," said McGuireWoods Consulting president Gov. Jim Hodges. Leader of the firm's national education team, Laura Novey added: "We are thrilled to have Stewart's unique education and business experiences to lead the Virginia Business K-12 Partnership during this critical time in our commonwealth." Roberson said: "McGuireWoods Consulting is a focused and concentrated day-to-day version of what I have been doing for my entire professional life. I look forward to harnessing the diverse aspects of my background to serve our various clients." Roberson has held leadership positions with business advocacy groups in Richmond such as Chamber RVA and The Forum Club, and been included in the Virginia Business magazine's annual "500 Power List" of state business leaders. He holds a bachelor's degree in history, master's degree in administration and supervision and doctorate in leadership and policy studies, all from the University of Virginia. McGuireWoods Consulting is a national, full-service public affairs firm serving organizations across industry sectors at the local, state and federal levels. Its firm provides premier advocacy and economic development services and is affiliated with McGuireWoods LLP, offering clients a powerful combination that few firms can match.