James Sherwood is a senior vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting, and counsel with McGuireWoods LLP. Prior to joining the firm, he served as deputy legal counsel and ethics officer for the Illinois House Republican Leader. James assists clients on a range of issues, including data privacy and security, worker classification and the gig economy, electrification of the transportation sector and the affordable housing crisis. He also counsels clients on various tax incentive programs and economic development initiatives. Most recently, he assisted an international data center client in obtaining a tax incentive for data centers located in Illinois.

As deputy legal counsel, James advised the Republican House Leader and ranking legislators on a variety of matters, including legislation that overhauled the state’s energy policies, transitioned Illinois to a statewide 9-1-1 system and dealt with the increase in heroin and opiate abuse. In his role as ethics officer, James ensured the House Republican caucus was apprised of their duties under Illinois ethics laws and regulations, and advised members to ensure compliance therewith.