Michele Satterlund, a McGuireWoods partner and a senior vice president on McGuireWoods Consulting’s state government relations team, has been recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in its inaugural class of “Influential Women of Law.”
The new award honors women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of clients, their commitment to their communities and their service to the profession. As a lawyer and a lobbyist, Satterlund has built a legislative and legal portfolio of service to clients across a number of industries.
Her legal and lobbying experience allows Satterlund to advocate for her clients by interpreting the law and securing legislation to help promote policies and regulations to advance specific business interests.
“Michele knows that her clients and our state legislators rely on her for accurate information, and that earning — and keeping — their trust requires honesty and unwavering integrity,” said Gov. James Hodges, president of McGuireWoods Consulting and former South Carolina governor. “Clients routinely praise her principled approach and top-notch client service.”
Satterlund co-founded the Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia, the first state-level organization dedicated to lobbying and advocacy for all unmanned systems industry sectors — ground, aerial and maritime. She has carved out a thriving niche in the autonomous vehicles space, while also advocating for clients on other issues, including healthcare, manufacturing and technology.
In addition to her dedication to her clients, Satterlund makes time to mentor others. She recently founded McGuireWoods Consulting’s Women in Public Affairs, a program designed to ensure that women working in government affairs and advocacy have the tools they need to succeed, as well as opportunities to share thought leadership and best business practices.
“We are beyond proud of this recognition for Michele,” said McGuireWoods Chairman Jonathan Harmon. “Not only is she a highly successful lawyer-lobbyist, but she continuously provides support systems to help other women and is hugely influential in inspiring change in every aspect of her career.”
McGuireWoods Consulting Chairman Mark Bowles echoed Harmon: “Michele’s focused approach on women working in government affairs and advocacy will help women raise their profiles and expand business opportunities. Her initiative and vision that led to the creation of MWC Women in Public Affairs is yet another example of Michele ‘paying it forward’ and giving an opportunity for other women to follow in her footsteps.”
Beginning in spring 2019, Satterlund will serve as president of the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association (MRWBA). Currently serving as president-elect, Satterlund has long been active in the MRWBA, including as a mentor to female law students through the association.
Satterlund has always found time to help her community. In 2013, she led a pro bono effort with the Richmond Justice Initiative to combat human trafficking, working to pass anti-human trafficking legislation. She also helped found and served as co-chair of the Battery Park Civic Association Neighborhood Schools Initiative, which worked to help neighborhood schools provide a safer and more secure environment.
Satterlund will be featured in the February 2019 edition of Virginia Lawyers Weekly. Honorees will be celebrated at a reception and dinner on Feb. 18.