Natalie M. Lagunas 
Associate – McGuireWoods

Description of field of expertise

Natalie Lagunas, a McGuireWoods associate in Los Angeles – Century City, focuses her practice on employment litigation.  Natalie represents employers in wage and hour class, collective and representative actions, as well as in state and federal litigation of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and FMLA/CFRA claims.  Her practice also includes counseling clients on a variety of employment matters.   

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

California employment law is nuanced and fast-paced.  I would therefore encourage new attorneys to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing employment litigation landscape in California by reading, attending seminars and finding mentors in the field.  I would also remind new attorneys to build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors.  These relationships will change your practice, and will serve as an advisory board as you progress in your career. 

Final Thoughts..

Natalie works to champion diversity in the legal industry.  She was the first in her family to go to college, graduating from Northwestern University where she played Division I soccer.  Natalie earned her law degree from Pepperdine University where she served as senior staff editor for the Pepperdine Law Review.

April Jones 
Associate – McGuireWoods

Description of field of expertise

April Jones focuses her practice on advising electric and gas utility clients in complex regulatory proceedings and litigation before state utility commissions, primarily representing regulated utilities before the Virginia State Corporation Commission. She represents utilities in proceedings involving affiliate transactions, applications for transmission line certificates of public convenience and necessity, and demand-side management and energy efficiency programs. She also advises utility clients in emerging areas within the energy industry such as battery storage systems and programs. April supplements her practice by counseling clients on retail supplier regulations, environmental regulatory compliance matters and real estate issues involving leases and titles/surveys. In her practice, April assists clients with every aspect of the administrative proceeding including preparation for initial filings, discovery and public hearings. She also maintains an active pro bono practice and represents clients in various family law matters including guardianship and conservatorship.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Regulatory and compliance is a specialty field and is very nuanced. I would encourage new attorneys who may have an interest in this type of law to seek out as many observational and writing opportunities as possible. Do not be afraid to look for a mentor or ask for guidance when necessary, as this law is fast-paced and ever-changing. It is important to gain the skills necessary to understand how all the minor subparts of the law and industry work to understand the big picture behind each moving part. The regulatory and compliance field can be very fact-specific depending on the regulations applicable to each corporation/utility. There is a steep learning curve in this type of law requiring patience, consistency and adaptability, but it is interesting to see how the rules transfer and operate in real life.

Final thoughts…

The regulatory and compliance field continues to develop, and there is still room for more diversity. It is a good field for diverse, new attorneys to consider when making career choices.

Deleyla A. Lawrence 
Associate – McGuireWoods

Description of field of expertise

Deleyla Lawrence, a McGuireWoods associate in Los Angeles – Century City, focuses her practice on commercial litigation and consumer finance law. Deleyla has extensive experience defending and advising financial institutions in state, federal and bankruptcy matters. She successfully advocates for her clients throughout various stages of litigation in individual and class action lawsuits. Deleyla is a strategic litigator who consistently achieves favorable resolutions for her clients, including court judgments and settlement outcomes.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Be flexible so that you can develop an array of experience. Having the chance to work on several different matters will give you the opportunity to practice and sharpen your skills. As a litigator, I recommend taking whatever opportunity—no matter how small—to appear in court as well as watch seasoned attorneys in action. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to colleagues and mentors for help and guidance—these are some of your best resources as you are learning your practice. And of course, always be responsive, take initiative and work hard.