Woods Rogers Recognized Across Seven Practices in 2026 Chambers USA Guide

Woods Rogers earned broad recognition from Chambers and Partners in its 2026 guide, with rankings across multiple practice areas in Virginia, including bankruptcy and restructuring, construction, labor and employment, litigation, government and special investigations, and real estate. Principal Beth Burgin Waller earned a national honor, placing her among the leading cybersecurity and data privacy attorneys in the United States. In total, 13 Woods Rogers attorneys were individually ranked for their legal results and client service. The 2026 Chambers USA guide is available today at chambers.com.

Ranked in 2026 for the first time is Woods Rogers’ Government & Special Investigations Practice in Band 2, with attorneys Justin Lugar and Kristin Johnson debuting their individual recognitions in Band 2. One source remarked of the team, “The firm’s strengths lie in its lawyers, who possess outstanding expertise in their respective areas and are committed to working collaboratively with clients to develop optimal strategies.”

Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Practice Chair Michael E. Hastings is honored individually in Band 1, with the practice earning a Band 4 ranking. A client told Chambers, “Woods Rogers houses an experienced bankruptcy and restructuring group. The firm also provides transactional advice and assists with distressed M&A, debt and corporate restructuring mandates.”

Woods Rogers’ Construction & Government Contracts Practice is ranked in Band 4, with Chair James R. Harvey ranked individually in Band 3, an elevation from last year’s list. William E. Franczek (Band 1) is ranked again in 2026 for his skills as a mediator in construction matters. A client noted, “The team at Wood Rogers includes industry veterans and knows not only our business but the region very well.”

The firm’s Commercial Real Estate Practice was ranked in Band 2 for the Southern portion of Virginia. One source remarked, “Woods Rogers is excellent, has technical competency, and provides timely responses and favorable results.”

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Practice Chair Beth Burgin Waller earned a Band 5 ranking in the nationwide cybersecurity category. Beth is respected for providing “the right level of oversight of our work and is cost-conscious and client-centered. Her breadth of knowledge is remarkable.”

New to the 2026 list is Principal Leah Stiegler, who is ranked individually in Band 3 for Labor & Employment, which secured a Band 1 practice ranking. Also honored by Chambers are Principals and Practice Co-Chairs Anne G. Bibeau (Band 3), Victor O. Cardwell (Band 1), and Thomas M. Winn III (Band 2), and Principal King F. Tower (Band 2). The group is respected for its “deep bench of lawyers handling all aspects of labor and employment law, with deep Virginia experience.” Additionally, the team’s agility and ability to “meter guidance to an ever-changing landscape” is noted.

Woods Rogers’ Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice again secured a Band 3 recognition, with individual honors for James W. Jennings Jr., who is noted among the guide’s Senior Statespeople, and Mark Loftis (Band 3). One source commented, “Woods Rogers has both a heightened sense of urgency in response to our inquiries and a deep bench of talented lawyers to aid, depending on the scope of the matter at hand.”

Chambers and Partners is one of the most respected legal directories in the world. Individual lawyers are ranked in their practice area(s) based on their legal knowledge, experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service. Law firm practice areas are ranked on the quality of their lawyers and the effectiveness and capability of the department.