Steven G. Popps, an accomplished litigator and counselor who recently served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has returned to McGuireWoods as a partner in Richmond and co-leader of the firm’s State AG Investigations & Enforcement team.
As Chief Deputy Attorney General from 2024 to 2026, Popps led an office of more than 600 employees and set legal strategy for the Commonwealth’s agencies, boards, and officials on civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. He also served as the Deputy Attorney General in charge of the office’s civil division from 2022 to 2024. During his time in government, Popps served as the state’s top litigator, working closely with both the Governor of Virginia and the Attorney General of Virginia on the Commonwealth’s most important and sensitive legal matters. He brings that experience and judgment back to McGuireWoods to help individuals, businesses, and boards navigate high-stakes issues.
Popps joined the Virginia Attorney General’s office after more than a decade at McGuireWoods, where he represented clients in complex disputes. His return enhances the capabilities of McGuireWoods’ State AG Investigations & Enforcement practice area, which includes high-level veterans of multiple state attorney general administrations from both political parties. The team interacts with attorneys general across the country, including multistate coalitions, on investigations and in civil and criminal matters. The team’s leaders include partner Erin Ashwell, who was Virginia’s Chief Deputy Attorney General from 2020 to 2022.
“Steven brings an extraordinary depth of experience from his leadership roles in the Virginia attorney general’s office and his prior tenure at McGuireWoods,” said Noreen Kelly, the firm’s deputy managing partner for litigation. “His insight into government investigations, regulatory enforcement and complex litigation enhances our ability to deliver strategic, results-driven counsel in an increasingly challenging legal landscape.”
Popps joins a deep bench of former high-ranking government officials and senior enforcement leaders in McGuireWoods offices throughout the country, including former federal prosecutors, Department of Justice lawyers and a state solicitor general who came to the firm in the past year.
“Steven understands the priorities and processes of state attorneys general and is uniquely positioned to help clients anticipate developments, manage risks and navigate investigations,” said Michael Herring, chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department.
Janet Peyton, managing partner of the McGuireWoods’ Richmond office, added: “Steven distinguished himself in public service and as a litigator in state and federal courts. He is a valued member of the McGuireWoods family, and we are thrilled to welcome him back.”
Before joining McGuireWoods, Popps clerked for U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson of the Eastern District of Virginia. In law school, Popps was lead articles editor of the William and Mary Law Review, and before law school, he worked on the staff of former United States Senator John W. Warner of Virginia.