2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Hall of Fame: JONATHAN P. HARMON

In 2017, McGuireWoods‘ board elected Harmon the first Black chairman of the state’s largest and most politically powerful law firm. In 2018, the firm’s previous chairman, Richard Cullen, told Virginia Business that Harmon was tapped for the job because he’s a great litigator, empathetic, skilled at motivating others and a person of character.

As chairman, Harmon, who joined McGuireWoods in 1995, is the face of the firm, responsible for its big-picture strategy and vision. A nationally known trial lawyer, Harmon is skilled at communicating complex information to juries, representing corporate clients such as Yahoo, DuPont, CSX, and UPS. Before ascending to chairman, Harmon led the firm’s business securities litigation department.

A West Point graduate, Harmon served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division during Operation Desert Storm. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

FIRST JOB: Janitor/street sweeper

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being selected by my partners to become chairman of McGuireWoods

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: If you want to lead, learn to truly serve others. The Bible says, “If you want to be great, become the servant of all.”

HOW I GIVE BACK: I have volunteered on generally a weekly basis over the last 27 years at a local prison where I teach Bible study to inmates.

TV SHOWS I’D RECOMMEND: The Amazon Prime TV series “House of David.” I recommend this show because it captures the struggles, triumphs and defeats of King David in an interesting and inspiring way.

HOBBIES: Roller-skating