Shook Expands D.C. Business Litigation Practice With JAG

Retired Lieutenant General Stuart Risch has joined Shook as partner in the Business Litigation Practice in Washington, D.C. During his tenure as The Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Army, Risch led the activities of the JAG Corps’ licensed attorneys and certified paralegals worldwide, in addition to acting as the senior military legal advisor to the civilian Secretary of the Army and the Four-Star Chief of Staff of the Army. 

“What I enjoyed most about serving in our nation’s Army and leading the JAG Corps was our people,” said Risch from Washington, D.C. “In Shook, I found the same positive culture focused on the welfare of our people and commitment to clients—demonstrating that a law firm can, in fact, have it all—achieving unbridled success for its clients in and out of the courtroom, while simultaneously caring for its people through compassionate leaders and mentors at every level.”

Risch entered active duty with the JAG Corps in 1988, serving in a succession of leadership roles throughout his military career, including as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, where he oversaw representation of the Army in civil matters before federal, state and foreign courts, and as Chief Judge for the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. Risch brings his experience leading and managing the JAG Corps to Shook’s clients in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing and technology and transportation industries.

“Stuart leads by example, bringing together the highest levels of service, leadership and legal excellence,” said Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough. “Not only will he leverage his understanding of complex legal, regulatory and administrative issues for Shook’s clients, but he has a reputation for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of lawyers. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm.” 

Shook service members comprise more than 4% of the firm’s 540 attorneys. In 2023, Shook welcomed Frederick Rudesheim, a former civil litigation attorney for the United States Army Legal Services Agency.