McGuireWoods partner James H. Jeffries IV, a nationally recognized leader in energy and utilities law, will retire from the firm effective Aug. 31, 2026. Jeffries has been elected to the board of directors of Atmos Energy Corporation, effective Sept. 1, 2026.
Based in Charlotte, Jeffries advises public and private companies and utilities on regulatory and enforcement matters before state public utility commissions and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In a career spanning more than three decades, he represented multiple natural gas distribution and electric utilities in general rate cases, merger proceedings and alternative ratemaking matters and advised them on business and strategic planning, upstream supply and capacity negotiation, and compliance matters.
“Jim has been an invaluable member of the McGuireWoods team, and his contributions to our energy practice and our clients have been extraordinary,” said Elaine Sanderlin Ryan, chair of the firm’s Regulatory & Compliance Department. “While we will miss his leadership and counsel, we are happy to see him take on this important role with Atmos Energy and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
Jeffries, who joined McGuireWoods in 2018, has been consistently recognized among the nation’s leading energy lawyers by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America. He is board certified as a specialist in utilities law by the North Carolina State Bar. In addition to practicing law, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
“I am deeply grateful for my time at McGuireWoods and for the opportunity to work alongside such talented colleagues on behalf of our clients,” Jeffries said. “It has been an honor to be part of a firm that values excellence, collaboration and client service. I look forward to bringing the knowledge and experience I gained over the past three decades to my new role at Atmos Energy.”
Atmos Energy Corporation, a natural gas distributor, is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas. It serves approximately 3.4 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states, primarily in the South.
“Jim is an excellent addition to our board,” said Kim R. Cocklin, chairman of the board of Atmos Energy, in a company news release. “Because of his extensive experience in advising the natural gas utility sector as well as general business and strategic planning, he will be a significant asset to our board.”