Commercial Litigator Christopher Thatch Joins McGuireWoods

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Christopher Thatch, who earned national acclaim for representing global companies in complex construction litigation matters, has joined McGuireWoods as a partner in Washington, D.C. — the eighth partner to join the office since July 2024.

Thatch represents global companies in claims stemming from high-value construction projects and provides risk mitigation advice to clients involved in building or investing in such projects. He handles major public and commercial projects, including energy infrastructure, environmental cleanup and remediation efforts, flood protection repair, power plants, liquefied natural gas facilities, aircraft development and military programs. 

Thatch also has nearly 20 years of experience litigating antitrust and mass tort cases. He defends merger challenges brought by the federal government in multiple industries and represents companies in enterprise-threatening litigation resulting from natural and man-made disasters and allegedly defective products.  

Thatch led trial and international arbitration teams for U.S.-based and foreign clients, including multibillion-dollar arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce for global aerospace companies. He also served as counsel to a major utility in a dispute related to the licensing, design and construction of the first nuclear power project authorized to be built in the United States in over 30 years.

“Chris is a nationally recognized litigator and trial lawyer whose skill, judgment and industry knowledge are enormous assets for companies, particularly those engaged in construction and infrastructure,” said Noreen Kelly, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation.

Thatch is ranked as a top construction litigator by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America. He comes to McGuireWoods from Jones Day.

“Chris’ track record helping international companies navigate complicated disputes and mitigate risk will benefit our practice and provide powerful advantages to clients,” said Michael Herring, chair of McGuireWoods’ Commercial Litigation Department. 

McGuireWoods was recognized as a commercial litigation powerhouse in BTI Consulting Group’s 2025 litigation survey, based on feedback from corporate counsel. McGuireWoods has earned BTI’s top ranking for commercial litigation for three consecutive years.

“McGuireWoods has a talented commercial litigation team with a wealth of experience representing clients from emerging companies to multinational corporations in all sectors of the global economy,” Thatch said. “I look forward to enhancing the firm’s construction litigation practice and advancing clients’ business goals.” 

The addition of Thatch continues the rapid expansion of the D.C. office that bolstered the firm’s capabilities across practices including antitrust; commercial litigation; energy regulation; government investigations and white collar litigation; healthcare; and securities enforcement and regulatory counseling. 

“We are delighted to welcome Chris and excited to build on the momentum established in Washington,” said Elizabeth Hogan, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ D.C. office.