McGuireWoods Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

McGuireWoods has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, executive management, administration, and marketing.

Focused on delivering premier legal and public affairs solutions, McGuireWoods maintains a long-standing commitment to excellence. This firm empowers clients with a competitive edge through sophisticated legal strategies and global service capabilities.

Leadership Roles at McGuireWoods

  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeffrey Connor
  • Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner - Katie Studer
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Francis Zeiger
  • Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer - Clara Rodriguez
  • Jeffrey Connor - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffrey Connor, the Chief Operating Officer at McGuireWoods, directs the firm's internal operational infrastructure to ensure seamless service delivery. Overseeing the integration of legal technology and process optimization, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of efficiency across all practice groups. This leadership role involves managing resource allocation to support complex litigation and corporate transactions on a global scale. By streamlining administrative workflows, Jeffrey Connor directly impacts the firm's ability to provide rapid, high-quality legal counsel. Connor monitors performance metrics to align operational output with the overarching goal of maintaining a competitive edge for clients. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for sustained growth. This focus on operational excellence allows the firm to navigate intricate regulatory environments while delivering consistent value to corporate and nonprofit clients worldwide.
    Jeffrey Connor

    Katie Studer - Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner

    Katie Studer, the Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner at McGuireWoods, coordinates strategic initiatives between the executive leadership and the broader firm. Managing the flow of critical information, the Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner facilitates decision-making processes that define the firm's long-term trajectory. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various practice areas to support the Managing Partner in executing firm-wide objectives. Katie Studer ensures that executive priorities remain synchronized with the firm's commitment to excellence in legal and public affairs. By managing high-level projects and cross-departmental communication, Studer drives organizational alignment. The Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner monitors the implementation of strategic goals, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the firm's market position. Through this central coordination, Studer enables the leadership team to focus on delivering superior legal solutions to a diverse, global client base.

    Francis Zeiger - Chief Administrative Officer

    Francis Zeiger, the Chief Administrative Officer at McGuireWoods, manages the firm's administrative framework and support services. Overseeing the physical and digital infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all professional staff possess the tools required for high-level legal practice. This role involves optimizing office operations and support systems to maintain the firm's reputation for excellence. Francis Zeiger directs the allocation of administrative resources, ensuring that the firm's global presence remains supported by robust internal policies. By refining support structures, Zeiger enhances the productivity of legal teams handling complex corporate and individual matters. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that administrative functions align with the firm's broader strategic vision. Through meticulous management of firm-wide services, Zeiger provides the foundation for the firm's continued success in providing legal and public affairs solutions to clients worldwide.

    Clara Rodriguez - Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

    Clara Rodriguez, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at McGuireWoods, architects the firm's brand strategy and client acquisition efforts. Driving growth through targeted market engagement, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer identifies new opportunities for the firm to provide legal and public affairs solutions. This role involves managing the firm's reputation and ensuring that the value proposition remains clear to corporate and nonprofit clients. Clara Rodriguez oversees the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the firm's 200-year history of excellence. By analyzing market trends, Rodriguez aligns business development activities with the evolving needs of the global legal landscape. The Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer collaborates with practice group leaders to expand the firm's reach across key sectors. Through strategic outreach and brand positioning, Rodriguez secures the firm's status as a premier provider of legal services, directly contributing to the firm's competitive edge.
    Clara Rodriguez

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding McGuireWoods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads McGuireWoods?
    McGuireWoods is led by Jeffrey Connor (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Katie Studer (Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner) and Francis Zeiger (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of McGuireWoods’s executive team?
    The executive team of McGuireWoods includes leaders such as Jeffrey Connor (Chief Operating Officer), Katie Studer (Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner), Francis Zeiger (Chief Administrative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does McGuireWoods have?
    McGuireWoods has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in McGuireWoods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of McGuireWoods includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff To the Managing Partner, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.