McGuireWoods Richmond associate J. Scott Thomas will join the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the Environmental and Natural Resources Division on Sept. 14, 2020. His last day with McGuireWoods is Sept. 11.
In his new role, Thomas will represent the United States in state and federal courts across the country. His work will include protecting national parks and monuments as well as the government’s interest in vital water resources; defending against claims by private property owners for alleged government takings; and defending agency decisions under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Thomas, who joined McGuireWoods’ Products, Environmental & Mass Tort Litigation Department in 2019, assists clients in large-scale disputes involving products and consumer goods, environmental issues and toxic substances. He has represented a Fortune 100 construction machinery and equipment company in two separate products liability cases, including a nationwide class action; a chemical company and an energy company in more than a dozen premises liability actions; and several Fortune 500 companies before the Consumer Product Safety Commission. He also maintains an active pro bono practice. Before joining McGuireWoods, Thomas clerked for three federal judges and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia.
“I first came into contact with McGuireWoods’ lawyers when they taught my third-year seminar on higher education law. After that incredible experience, I knew I wanted to join the McGuireWoods team,” Thomas said. “My experience over the past year has confirmed everything I knew about the firm: McGuireWoods demands excellence for its clients, but does so in a collegial and supportive environment.”
“Scott was certainly an asset to our team and will be missed,” said Diane Flannery, chair of the Products, Environmental & Mass Tort Litigation Department. “We are incredibly proud that he will help carry on the firm’s commitment to public service in his new role.”