In a strategic move to bolster its West Coast presence, McGuireWoods has absorbed nearly a dozen attorneys, including two founding partners from Pasich LLP, a prominent California-based boutique firm. The merger comes as Pasich LLP ceases operations on August 5. Kirk Pasich and Shaun Crosner, joined by other former attorneys of their firm, will integrate into McGuireWoods’ litigation group in Century City, California. This team, specialized in commercial insurance and recovery matters, includes partners Christopher Pasich, Michael Gehrt, Craig Hirsch, and Sandra Smith Thayer.
Mikaela Whitman, another founding partner of Pasich, had already transitioned to McGuireWoods earlier in January 2024. This move aligns with McGuireWoods’ broader strategy to expand its Los Angeles, New York, and Texas offices, as stated by managing partner Jonathan Harmon last year. The firm is actively seeking a merger and intends to grow in five key practice areas: private equity, health care, energy, high-stakes investigations and litigation, and financial institutions and alternative lenders (full statement).
Commenting on the acquisition, Tony Tatum, co-leader of McGuireWoods’ insurance recovery practice group, said, “We have assembled a deep bench of talented lawyers with unmatched experience and ability in complex high-stakes insurance recovery matters. Our new colleagues build on that strength and ensure that McGuireWoods has the dominant insurance recovery practice for policyholders.” Kirk Pasich and Shaun Crosner will co-lead the firm’s international insurance recovery practice group, with Crosner focusing on the West Coast.
The closure of Pasich LLP marks a reshuffling in the legal landscape. Partners Jeffrey Schulman and Stephen Wah have joined Blank Rome LLP, while Jacquelyn Heitman has moved to an in-house position at Seeno Homes. According to data from the American Lawyer, McGuireWoods achieved over $1 billion in gross revenue and more than $2 million in profits per equity partner last year (read more).