Wiley Reelects Peter D. Shields as Managing Partner; Firm Announces Results of Executive Committee and Management Committee Elections

January 9, 2024

Washington, DC – Wiley is pleased to announce that Peter D. Shields has been reelected as Managing Partner for his fifth consecutive term. The firm also announced the elections of Dorthula H. Powell-Woodson and Michael E. Toner to its Executive Committee (EC) and Daniel B. Hassett and Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar to its Management Committee (MC). All of those elected to firm leadership will serve a three-year term, effective January 1, 2024.

“I am honored to be reappointed as the firm’s Managing Partner and grateful for the trust our partners have in our management team. The last three years brought unprecedented challenges to our industry, and as a firm, we found innovative ways to stay competitive, provide exceptional client service, and increase our profitability,” said Shields. “I look forward to collaborating with the Executive and Management Committees to build on this growth trajectory, while continuing to bring unparalleled service to our clients.”

As Managing Partner, Shields is responsible for the firm’s overall management, strategic development, and implementation of innovative approaches to enhance superior client service, value billing, operational efficiencies, and tactical growth. Shields is active in leadership roles in the DC legal and civic communities, including serving as a longtime leader of the Board of Directors for N Street Village. 

Dorthula (Dot) Powell-Woodson is a partner and chair of Wiley’s Health Care Practice. She has previously served on both the firm’s EC and the MC. Powell-Woodson joined Wiley over 23 years ago and touts a distinguished career, having served as the governor-appointed Director of Virginia’s health care agency, as a Virginia Assistant Attorney General, and as Vice President for Legal Services for two national health care companies.

Michael Toner is a partner and chair of the firm’s Election Law & Government Ethics Practice He has previously served on the EC and MC. Toner joined the firm a dozen years ago after serving as Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. Nominated to the Federal Election Commission in 2002, Toner served as FEC Chairman in 2006 and remained an FEC Commissioner until 2007. He served as Chief Counsel of the Republican National Committee from 2001 to 2002 and RNC Deputy Counsel from 1997 to 1999. He also served as General Counsel of the Bush-Cheney Transition Team and the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign, and was counsel to the Dole-Kemp presidential campaign in 1996.

Dan Hassett is a partner and chair of the firm’s Corporate Practice. He has served on the firm’s MC in previous years. Hassett has been at the firm for over 23 years. He advises financial institutions, government contractors, software vendors, and other clients on the acquisition, protection, and commercialization of software and other technology assets.

Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar is a partner and chair of the firm’s National Security Practice. She has previously served on the firm’s MC. Nikakhtar joined the firm’s International Trade Practice as a partner in 2021. From 2018 to 2021 she served as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Industry & Analysis at the International Trade Administration. She also fulfilled the duties of the Under Secretary for Industry and Security at Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.

A roster of Wiley’s Executive Committee can be viewed on the firm’s website.