RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – June 30, 2004 – LAWFUEL – Troutman Sanders LLP is pleased to announce that Thomas W. Wilcox, Harold E. Mesirow and Matthew J. Thomas have joined the Transportation Practice Group in the law firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
Mr. Wilcox joins Troutman Sanders as a partner after his tenure at Thompson Hine LLP where he was a partner and practice group leader. He has extensive experience counseling electric utilities, manufacturers, agricultural companies, chemical companies, and other users of surface and water transportation modes on contracting, litigation and regulatory matters. Mr. Wilcox frequently appears before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and other transportation-related agencies, and has lobbied Congress on behalf of his clients. Over the past 10 years he has represented numerous electric utilities and other railroad shippers in complex rate and rail merger proceedings before the STB. He received his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law in 1987, and graduated with a B.S. from Utah State University in 1980.
“Tom’s addition adds tremendous depth to our fast-growing transportation practice,” said Kevin C. Fitzgerald, Managing Partner for the Troutman Sanders Washington, D.C. office. “He is one of the top surface transportation regulatory lawyers in the country and we are fortunate to have him.” Mr. Mesirow, previously with Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., is of counsel at Troutman Sanders. His practice includes representing domestic and foreign companies and state and local government entities in their dealings with Congress, Executive Branch departments and federal regulatory agencies, as well as related litigation and appellate work. He is experienced in rulemaking proceedings, enforcement actions, fact finding investigations, licensing and regulatory approval actions, interpretive rulings, subsidy grants, and government financial guaranties. Mr. Mesirow earned both his B.A. and LL.B. from George Washington University.
Mr. Thomas also comes to Troutman Sanders as of counsel from Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. He advises and represents clients in transportation, maritime, and trade-related legal and regulatory matters. His recent work includes assisting clients with homeland security efforts and the development of maritime and infrastructure security rules and legislation. Mr. Thomas’ background includes positions as attorney and assistant general counsel in International Affairs for the Federal Maritime Commission, where he focused primarily on maritime law, federal regulation and international transportation policy. Mr. Thomas received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Virginia.
“We are delighted to have Hal and Matt join the Troutman Sanders team,” said C. Jonathan Benner, Transportation Practice Group Leader at Troutman Sanders. “The addition of both of these gentlemen, along with Tom Wilcox, broadens the base of our transport practice both domestically and internationally.”
The multi-modal Transportation Practice Group at Troutman Sanders assists clients with legal issues that arise anywhere on the supply chain. The group’s core consists of 24 transportation law attorneys located in Washington, D.C., Richmond, Norfolk, and Atlanta. Their broad experience in all modes of transportation representation includes aviation, customs and international trade, maritime, motor, third party logistics, and rail. The depth of that experience encompasses regulatory advice and counsel, general commercial and financial advice, and state and federal lobbying. In addition, the group’s litigators have represented clients successfully in administrative litigation and in civil litigation of all kinds in all levels of federal court.
