Demonstrating ‘absolute commitment to being the client’s best advocate’, the team at McGuireWoods LLP is regularly engaged in the defense of discrimination and wage and hour class actions. The group, which has additional expertise in health and safety, whistleblower, and trade secret litigation, is directed by Los Angeles-based Sabrina Beldner, who is knowledgeable on both advisory and contentious labor and employment mandates. Richmond-based all-rounder Christopher Michalik represents management in union negotiations and routinely appears before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Over in Chicago, Sarah Wake garners client praise for her ’problem-solving … pragmatic approach’, and contributes significant Title IX experience.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Practical advice that fits the situation. Regardless of the circumstances, the lawyers are always able to find resources to support decision-making.’
‘Sarah Wake is extraordinarily knowledgeable on all topics of labor and employment law, and particularly in the higher education setting. I particularly appreciate her recognition of the importance of diversity and her very practical approach. I find her approach and the group's practice accessible, transparent, and pragmatic.'
‘Sarah Wake is by far the best attorney I have ever worked with. She is very knowledgeable, goes above and beyond, and takes a problem-solving perspective. I appreciate Sarah's outside the box and pragmatic approach.'
‘McGuireWoods brings best in class sensibility to its work. Clear presentations, deep awareness of the diversity of institutions within the higher education landscape, absolute commitment to being the client's best advocate.'
‘Sarah Wake represents McGuireWoods's professional ethos extremely well. Very conscientious, very honest, can give hard news when appropriate, and absolutely tenacious when representing the client.’

Key clients

Alliance Source Testing, LLC
Cargill Incorporated
Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.
International Paper Company
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
General Dynamics
IMERYS
PGA Tour, Inc.
Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants
Constellis Group LLC
The Hertz Corporation
Compass Group
Restoration Hardware
GROWMARK, Inc.
Philips Electronics North America

Work highlights

Defended Centerra Group in a wage and hour class action.
Defeated class certification in a putative wage-and-hour action brought by two Dollar General store managers.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sabrina Beldner

Other key lawyers

Christopher Michalik, Sarah Wake