Gerald V. Thomas II will succeed Richard W. Viola as deputy managing partner with responsibility for McGuireWoods’ transactional practices, maintaining the firm’s tradition of regularly rotating key leadership positions. The appointment takes effect June 1, 2026.
Thomas has chaired the firm’s Tax & Employee Benefits Department since 2018, leading a nationally recognized team of attorneys serving clients across the globe. Since joining McGuireWoods in Atlanta in 2014, he has advised many of the firm’s largest clients, including healthcare and energy companies, financial institutions and private equity funds, in complex M&A transactions, reorganizations, joint ventures, and public offerings.
Thomas also played a role in creating McGuireWoods’ groundbreaking Black Professionals in Private Equity & Finance initiative, which brings together Black professionals from across the investment landscape to network, cultivate relationships and explore business opportunities.
“Gerald is an outstanding lawyer and collaborative leader who excels at building and mentoring high-performing teams. He is an ideal choice to lead our corporate practice,” said Managing Partner J. Tracy Walker IV.
Thomas added: “McGuireWoods’ corporate practice thrived under Rick’s leadership, and I am proud to have the opportunity to build on that success. We’re committed to investing in the talent, tools and relationships that make us indispensable partners to our clients.”
During Viola’s tenure as deputy managing partner, McGuireWoods strengthened its position as a leading law firm for M&A, private equity, energy, capital markets and syndicated lending transactions. The firm guided transformative deals across every major sector of the economy, including healthcare, life sciences, energy and technology. Additionally, the continued growth and impact of the firm’s Healthcare Private Equity & Finance Conference, Independent Sponsor Conference, Emerging Manager Conference and other signature programs further distinguished McGuireWoods as an industry leader.
“Rick’s vision and dedication have been vital to the growth and success of our corporate practice, particularly in strategic sectors where we have market-leading platforms,” Walker said. “His contributions will benefit McGuireWoods and our clients for years to come.”
Before his appointment as deputy managing partner in 2019, Viola chaired the firm’s Securities & Capital Markets Department and was co-leader of the Financial Institutions Industry Team. Viola, based in the firm’s Charlotte office, will continue his practice representing public and private companies in securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters.
“Leading McGuireWoods’ corporate practice during this historic period has been a privilege,” Viola said. “I’m proud of what our team has built together, and I’m confident our firm’s future has never been brighter.”