Jon Neal, who provided strategic guidance on business development deals as a Fortune 500 company’s tax counsel, has returned to McGuireWoods’ tax practice as a partner in Richmond.
In five years at Markel Corporation, a Richmond, Virginia-headquartered holding company for insurance, reinsurance and investment operations around the world, Neal oversaw all tax aspects of acquisitions, restructurings, divestitures, joint ventures and other major transactions. As tax counsel, he helped the company close on over $2 billion in acquisitions and $1 billion in financings.
At McGuireWoods, Neal advises businesses and their owners on federal and international tax implications of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, reorganizations and debt offerings. He also counsels clients on structuring investments that produce federal and state tax benefits, including deals involving historic, low-income housing, new markets and energy tax credits.
“Jon’s business perspective and his substantial experience in domestic and international tax issues strengthens our business tax group. Clients will benefit enormously from his insight, particularly in navigating changes under the 2017 Tax Act,” said Gerald Thomas, who leads McGuireWoods’ business tax group.
“Jon made important contributions to McGuireWoods as an associate and excelled as tax counsel at Markel,” said George Martin, managing partner of the firm’s Richmond office. “He is an exceptional lawyer and we are delighted to have him back.”
“McGuireWoods is a leader in advising businesses on sophisticated financial deals and helping them anticipate challenges,” Neal said. “I am excited to be back putting my experience to work for our clients.”
McGuireWoods’ business tax group provides guidance on federal, state and local tax laws for enterprises ranging from closely held entities to Fortune 500 companies. The firm received a national Tier 1 ranking for tax law in the 2018 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.”