Paul M. Schoenhard, an accomplished trial and appellate litigator who represents emerging and multinational companies across the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, has joined McGuireWoods as a partner in Washington, D.C.
Schoenhard serves as lead counsel in high-stakes disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights and unfair competition. He has argued appeals before U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal and Ninth Circuits and handled patent infringement matters before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). His work covers pioneering advances, from artificial intelligence and e-vapor products to cancer treatments and collision detection systems. He notably defended innovators in three of the first copyright cases involving generative AI. He joins McGuireWoods from Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson.
“Paul is an exceptional litigator whose strategic vision and courtroom prowess will be tremendous assets to our clients,” said Noreen Kelly, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation.
Schoenhard has earned widespread recognition for his legal acumen.
“The depth of Paul’s experience across all facets of IP litigation, including ITC cases, makes him an ideal addition as we expand our capabilities in D.C. and continue growing our national practice,” said David Finkelson, co-leader of McGuireWoods’ Intellectual Property Practice Group.
McGuireWoods’ intellectual property team helps clients develop, protect and commercialize valuable assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. The firm also represents multinational companies in IP disputes before federal courts and key tribunals, including the ITC, PTAB and TTAB.
“Paul’s impressive track record in complex IP disputes and commitment to client service align perfectly with our team’s strengths,” said Lucy Jewett Wheatley, co-leader of the Intellectual Property Practice Group. “He will enhance our ability to deliver impactful solutions to protect clients’ valuable IP assets.”
McGuireWoods earned a nationwide ranking for intellectual property and trade secrets litigation from the Legal 500 United States. The firm received a Managing IP Americas Award in 2025 for its pivotal role representing Penn State in a closely watched trademark infringement dispute that was named “Impact Case of the Year.”
“I am thrilled to join McGuireWoods at such an exciting time for the firm’s intellectual property practice,” Schoenhard said. “The team’s reputation for excellence and client-focused approach makes this an ideal platform to continue advocating for innovators and creators across all areas of IP law.”
Beyond his intellectual property work, Schoenhard maintains a robust pro bono practice representing disabled veterans in cases before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the Federal Circuit. He is the author of the seminal casebook Veterans Affairs Law and served consecutive terms on the Rules Advisory Committee to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
“Paul’s arrival continues our commitment to attracting top-tier talent to our D.C. office and throughout the firm, and we are delighted to welcome him,” said Elizabeth Hogan, managing partner of McGuireWoods’ D.C. office.
McGuireWoods LLP is a leading international law firm with 1,000+ lawyers in 21 offices worldwide. It continuously ranks among the top firms in Financial Times’ prestigious North America Innovative Lawyers report. The firm has been recognized 19 times on BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team — elite firms singled out for client service excellence based on unprompted feedback from clients in major companies. Its full-service public affairs arm, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC, offers infrastructure and economic development, strategic communications and grassroots advocacy, and government relations solutions.
