McGuireWoods Adds Veteran Federal Prosecutor to Government Investigations Department

September 1, 2009

McGuireWoods LLP announced today that former federal prosecutor Kenneth D. Bell has joined the firm as a partner in its Charlotte office. Bell works in the firm’s rapidly growing Government Investigations Department, where he represents clients on a variety of matters involving white collar crimes and business-related investigations. As part of his practice, he routinely represents several Fortune 500 companies facing a variety of federal and state grand jury investigations.

He previously worked in private practice in Charlotte, after serving as an assistant U.S. attorney for 18 years, including 10 years as the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. As a federal prosecutor, he had trial responsibility for more than 200 criminal cases, and was the counsel of record in more than 100 cases before the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. Most recently, he advised clients on a range of issues, including representing the then-Speaker of the House of the North Carolina state legislature on dual federal and state investigations.

“Ken is a superb attorney and has a great reputation, not just in North Carolina, but throughout the country,” said Richard Cullen, chairman of McGuireWoods. “His significant experience, his ability to handle complex investigations and trials, as well as his reputation for getting the job done right will serve our firm and our clients very well.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Ken to our office,” said Scott Vaughn, office managing partner in the Charlotte office of McGuireWoods. “His experience as both a prosecutor and as a litigator in Charlotte is an exciting move for us as we continue to grow our presence in this market.”

“I am proud to join McGuireWoods,” Bell said. “I’ve worked with many of their lawyers over the years and know their reputation as the go-to firm for clients with complex and sensitive matters. I’m looking forward to being a part of that team, and helping the practice grow.”

Bell received his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. He is a past recipient of the U.S. Justice Department’s John Marshall Award of Trial Litigation – one of the most prestigious awards given to DOJ employees. For several years, he has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, as a member of North Carolina’s “Legal Elite,” and a North Carolina SuperLawyer ©.