Aaron Jaroff, Esq.

Partner at McGuireWoods LLP

Alma Mater: American University, Washington College of Law

Aaron focuses his practice on financial services litigation, advising a wide variety of commercial and investment banking institutions, corporations, and individuals in all phases of complex commercial and securities matters. He has represented financial sector clients in both class and individual actions in state, federal, and bankruptcy court, as well as in connection with regulatory and internal investigations. Aaron’s pro bono experience includes Violence Against Women Act matters, civil rights actions, legislative advising, and non-profit representation. Aaron is also a member of the Board of the Pipeline to Practice Foundation, a nonprofit which works to mentor diverse law students and early-career attorneys.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Aaron worked as a securities litigation and white collar defense associate at a major New York law firm and at an international investment bank as an in-house litigation attorney. He received his BA from Bowdoin College and his JD, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from American University, Washington College of Law, where he was a member of the editorial board of the American University Law Review and interned for the Honorable Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Get to Know Aaron

Aaron in his favorite 80s ski suit.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 21-year old self?

Try not to be concerned with the little things. It’s hard advice to follow, because when you’re in the moment anything — a work assignment, an exam, a grade, a personal or family commitment — can seem overwhelming or like the most important thing in the world. While it’s true that everything does add up, what might be stressing you out now probably won’t even be something that you remember in five years. I would tell myself at 21 (and I try and tell myself now!) to focus on the bigger picture and try not to let myself be bothered by something that, in the long run, might not have that big of an impact on my personal or professional life.

Aaron after getting sworn into the bar.

If you weren’t in your current job, what would be your dream job?

Definitely a major league baseball radio broadcaster. Not that I remotely have the talent, but I grew up listening to baseball games on the radio (and still do at work). Being paid to watch and describe a baseball game sounds like a pretty good gig to me!

Aaron after catching his first (and only) foul ball.

List one show you “binge-watched” recently and what was it about the show that captivated your attention?

The Americans. I love the depiction of life in the 80s, and despite the fact that none of us (I think!) are Russian spies living in America, the underlying theme of trying to blend into a society to which you might not fully belong I think is one to which everyone can at least partially identify.

What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you?

“Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.” — Ovid. This quote reminds me that, even though it’s easy to look at the past through rose-colored glasses, it’s important to stay grounded in the present and to try and make decisions that will positively impact your future!