McGuireWoods partner Jon Finger has been named a finalist for Attorney of the Year in the Mergers & Acquisitions Awards program, hosted by D CEO magazine and the Association for Corporate Growth-DFW. The recognition, announced on , highlights his work on notable North Texas transactions completed in .
The awards program, now in its 13th year, recognizes leading dealmakers and the most significant mergers and acquisitions activity in the region. Finalists will be profiled in the May issue of D CEO magazine and honored at a private ceremony this spring.
Finger’s practice focuses on advising clients in private equity and broader corporate transactional matters. This includes mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and corporate governance. He is based in the firm’s Dallas office and plays a key role in two innovative programs designed to support emerging investment firms: the International Independent Sponsor program and the Emerging Manager program.
These programs, according to McGuireWoods, are central to the firm’s strategy of becoming the leading legal advisor for emerging private investment fund managers. The firm’s commitment to this sector is reflected in its consistent recognition by industry publications. McGuireWoods was recently named “Law Firm of the Year” in Mergers & Acquisitions magazine’s Mid-Market M&A Awards and ranks No. 1 in Thomson Reuters’ league table for U.S. M&A transactions up to $50 million.
Finger’s expertise is frequently sought by prominent media outlets. He has provided insights on private equity deal trends to The Wall Street Journal, The Dallas Morning News, Buyouts magazine, and PE Hub. His commentary reflects a deep understanding of the evolving dynamics within the private equity landscape.
“I’m grateful for the recognition from D CEO and the Association for Corporate Growth-DFW,” Finger stated. “This reflects the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of our entire team and the trust our clients place in us to help them achieve their goals.”
McGuireWoods’ private equity practice serves a diverse client base, including institutional investors, independent sponsors, emerging managers, family offices, investment advisors, management teams, lenders, and portfolio companies. The firm’s broad capabilities and deep industry knowledge have earned it national rankings in both M&A and private equity deal work, as recognized by Chambers USA and Legal 500 United States.
The firm’s focus on independent sponsors is particularly noteworthy. Independent sponsors, which are private equity firms that raise capital for each transaction rather than managing a dedicated fund, have become increasingly active in the M&A market. McGuireWoods actively supports these firms, facilitating connections and sharing deal leads through networking groups and industry events. The firm’s lawyers are frequently invited to speak at industry conferences and contribute thought leadership articles, solidifying their position as leaders in this specialized area.
The Emerging Manager Program, specifically, was designed to address the challenges faced by new private investment fund managers. The program provides these managers with access to resources and expertise, helping them navigate the complexities of fundraising and deal execution. The program’s success is evidenced by the significant attendance at its events, including a conference in Dallas that attracted over 1,000 registrants in April .
Finger co-leads McGuireWoods’ private equity industry team, alongside Jeffrey D. Brooker, J.D. Costa, and Richard S. Grant. The team’s collective experience and dedication to innovation have positioned McGuireWoods as a key advisor for companies and investors involved in complex transactions. The firm’s ability to navigate the intricacies of fund formation, tax structuring, and exit strategies is a valuable asset for its clients.
The recognition of Jon Finger as a finalist for Attorney of the Year underscores the growing importance of the North Texas region as a hub for private equity activity. The awards program serves as a benchmark for excellence in the industry, and Finger’s nomination reflects his significant contributions to the success of numerous deals and the growth of the local economy.
