McGuireWoods Names New Office Managing Partner in Jacksonville

February 17, 2011

McGuireWoods LLP announced today that Eric Bilik, a partner with the firm’s Complex Commercial Litigation Department, has been appointed as the new office managing partner of the firm’s Jacksonville office. He succeeds partner Scott Cairns, who recently accepted a temporary assignment to work out of the firm’s London office.

In addition to serving as the office managing partner, Bilik will continue representing clients, focusing his practice on complex business litigation matters. His practice also includes financial services, franchising and distribution, real property and mass environmental toxic tort litigation. His career with McGuireWoods spans almost two decades. He began as a summer associate in 1992, and joined the predecessor firm of Mahoney Adams & Criser as an associate in 1993 after graduating from Duke Law School. In 2000, he left the firm to serve as in-house litigation counsel for Michelin North America, Inc., where he was responsible for managing commercial litigation and franchising matters. He rejoined McGuireWoods in 2001 and was elected partner in 2003.

“I’m excited about this opportunity and the future of the Jacksonville office,” Eric said. “We are fortunate to have great people and great clients. We will certainly miss Scott’s leadership and presence here in our office, but I will do my best to ensure the continued growth and success of our office.”

“When Scott agreed to transfer to London, we knew we needed a strong hand at the helm in Jacksonville, and we found that in Eric,” said Tom Cabaniss, managing partner of the firm. “He’s a respected leader in our office with deep ties to the community, and we’re grateful that he has so enthusiastically stepped up to accept this role at the firm.”

Cairns said he is looking forward to moving to London, but admitted he will miss Jacksonville. “My 30 years with the firm have offered many challenges and opportunities, but the assignment in London is very exciting,” Cairns said. “I look forward to getting to know our London colleagues and clients, and am fully confident that the Jacksonville office is in good hands with Eric.”