Seyfarth Names James McGrath Chair of Litigation Department

BOSTON -- (March 6, 2019) -- Seyfarth Shaw LLP today announced that James C. McGrath has been appointed chair of the firm’s Litigation department.

Comprised of more than 160 attorneys, Seyfarth’s Litigation department helps clients with every aspect of their dispute resolution needs, nationally and internationally. The talented group of litigators have significant depth and breadth of resources, a commitment to deliver high quality, cost-effective services and a detailed knowledge of clients’ industries and business concerns. The practice covers the full spectrum of litigation services, including trials and appeals in federal and state courts.

A partner in the firm’s Boston office and co-chair of the firm’s Franchise & Distribution Counseling and Litigation practice group, McGrath’s practice focuses on litigation and counseling related to franchise and distribution matters, antitrust and trade regulation issues, and complex commercial litigation. For over 20 years, he has represented clients in a variety of industries, including motor vehicle, transportation, manufacturing, financial services, retail and energy. McGrath has been named a U.S. News/Best Lawyer in the area of Franchise Law since 2010 and was selected as the “Lawyer of the Year” for Franchise Law in 2015.

“James is a terrific lawyer and possesses all the qualities necessary for this important leadership position,” said Pete Miller, Seyfarth’s chair and managing partner. “James will be at the helm of the department during a period of substantial growth for the firm. Our litigation team is well-positioned for continued success under his direction.”

“I am privileged to lead such a gifted group of lawyers and proudly step into this exciting new role,” said McGrath. “Our dedicated team of litigators have earned the respect of clients and colleagues across the globe handling their most important cases and I look forward to guiding the practice as it continues to bolster its roster of dynamic attorneys.”

McGrath is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried cases, argued appeals and appeared before a variety of federal and state courts and administrative agencies throughout the United States. He has handled matters involving a variety of issues, with a particular emphasis in the motor vehicle industry. McGrath has also obtained significant victories on issues of first impression before several federal Courts of Appeals. He regularly counsels clients on a variety of emerging regulatory and legislative issues affecting the transportation industry.

McGrath succeeds Katherine Perrelli, who served as Litigation chair for almost 10 years. During Perrelli’s tenure, the department grew strategically across key practices and industries and received numerous honors for superb legal work and innovation, including Law360’s “Transportation Group of the Year”; top rankings in Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and U.S. News/Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms; and recognition on the BTI Litigation Outlook “Honor Roll.” Perrelli is a leading authority on the law of trade secrets and restrictive covenants and a 2018 U.S. News/Best Lawyer in Commercial Litigation. She is also a member of Seyfarth’s National Trial Team, and the Commercial Litigation and Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud and Non-Compete practice groups.

About Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Seyfarth Shaw has more than 850 attorneys in 15 offices providing a broad range of legal services in the areas of labor and employment, employee benefits, litigation, corporate and real estate. Seyfarth’s clients include over 300 of the Fortune 500 companies and reflect virtually every industry and segment of the economy. A recognized leader in delivering value and innovation for legal services, Seyfarth has earned numerous accolades from a variety of highly respected industry associations, consulting firms and media.

Contacts:

Brian Kiefer, Director of Communications, (312) 460-6401, bkiefer@seyfarth.com

Martin Grego, Senior Public Relations Manager, (312) 460-6659, mgrego@seyfarth.com