Podcast Summary

Becker Business with Scott Becker

Episode: Legal Trends, Deal Activity, and Chicago Sports with David Pivnick of McGuireWoods LLP
Date: November 21, 2025
Guest: David Pivnick, Partner at McGuireWoods LLP

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Scott Becker talks with David Pivnick, a respected partner at McGuireWoods LLP, about pressing legal and business trends as 2026 approaches. The conversation spans the Department of Justice’s enforcement priorities, government shutdown impacts on legal proceedings and dealmaking, the evolving M&A market, and then shifts to Chicago sports—with detailed takes on the promising seasons for the Bears and Blackhawks. The episode balances sharp professional insights with a friendly, conversational tone—perfect for both business-minded and sports-enthusiast listeners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Enforcement Priorities and Legal Trends

[00:53 – 02:39]

• Focus on DOJ’s enforcement:
  David is actively monitoring Department of Justice (DOJ) activities, especially:

  • Shifts in enforcement focus following changes in administration and office turnover.
  • Ongoing prioritization of opioid-related cases.
  • A spike in investigations related to billing, reimbursement, and the use of COVID-related funds.
  • How pandemic-era services and funding are motivating new government scrutiny.

• Quote:

  “I’m always interested in where the DOJ is focusing its enforcement actions...there’s been some changeover in different offices...coming off the heels of a government shutdown that delays some cases and backs things up, I think it will be interesting to see where enforcement priorities lie.”
  — David Pivnick [00:53]

2. Impact of Government Shutdowns on Legal Proceedings

[02:39 – 04:30]

• No upside for clients:

  • Most clients are not happy about the delays caused by government shutdowns.
  • Two main attitudes: Some are indifferent (not in a hurry); others are frustrated because delays prolong uncertainty and hinder critical transactions (like sales or refinancing).

• Quote:

  “I don’t think there’s anyone who’s really happy…I think clients sort of fit in two buckets...some who are not looking to rush things…and there are clients who are annoyed because they are looking to get things done...I think those are the dynamics that come into play.”
  — David Pivnick [03:08]

• Host’s perspective:

  “If anybody runs a company and is planning to exit or sell or refinance...not having resolution can cause trouble with those situations.”
  — Scott Becker [04:30]

3. State of the M&A and Deal Market

[04:30 – 06:13]

• Deal volume is rebounding:

  • After a lull earlier in the year, deal activity is picking up significantly towards the end of 2025, especially in corporate, M&A, and healthcare transactions.
  • This uptick reflects optimism among both clients and law firms.

• Quote:

  “If our sort of internal team is any indication, I think the deal market is getting busier…There had been some softness…earlier in the year…but things seem to be bubbling up and getting busy again now, which is great...”
  — David Pivnick [05:19]

Chicago Sports: Insight & Analysis

4. Chicago Bears: Surpassing Expectations

[06:13 – 07:47]

• Surprisingly strong season:

  • David is “cautiously optimistic”—despite initial skepticism, the Bears have shown real growth with 4th-quarter comebacks and clutch performances.
  • Not yet convinced they’re Super Bowl material but views this as a breakthrough year in the team’s development.

• Quote:

  “My biggest take is they’re better than I expected…I’m starting to become more optimistic. I’m not convinced that they’re fully legit…I think this is a very promising year in the development of the team…”
  — David Pivnick [06:36]

5. Chicago Blackhawks: Bright Future Ahead

[07:47 – 10:39]

• Exciting turnaround:

  • The Blackhawks are more competitive than in recent years and may clinch a playoff spot.
  • Young players—especially Connor Bedard—have improved dramatically, with Bedard making “superstar” strides both physically and skill-wise.
  • Veterans are contributing, and the team’s salary cap flexibility and strong farm system bode well for years to come.

• Quote:

  “They look really good. They’re playing competitive hockey night in and night out...Bedard is becoming an absolute superstar...He spent this offseason adding about 10 pounds of muscle but also really focusing on his skating. And this year, he’s been a top 5% skater...”
  — David Pivnick [08:25]

• On the prospects and roster:

  “Our farm system is absolutely loaded with basically all of our top prospects having incredible seasons...”
  — David Pivnick [09:40]

6. Blackhawks Organizational Strength

• Host’s wrap-up:

  • Scott notes the unprecedented list of prospects and the impressive management of team dynamics, linking the team’s rejuvenation to both youthful talent and veteran performance.

• Quote:

  “Between Conor Bedard coming back at a whole different level…Frank Nizar playing good, good hockey, the defense being managed well and playing well, and the goaltending being great, it’s a whole different game.”
  — Scott Becker [10:39]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• David on government shutdowns:

  “Not a lot of folks who are sort of excited about it because they were…hoping for the delay.” [03:08]

• On the Blackhawks’ rebuilding success:

  “The future is incredibly bright, you know, for the next decade plus…Everything else is trending unbelievably favorably in the right, right direction.”
  — David Pivnick [09:55]

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:53 | DOJ Enforcement & Legal Trends | | 02:39 | Impact of Government Shutdowns | | 04:30 | M&A/Deal Market Status | | 06:13 | Chicago Bears Analysis | | 07:47 | Chicago Blackhawks Breakdown | | 10:39 | Blackhawks Team & Developmental Strengths |

Episode Tone

The conversation flows naturally, blending informed legal analysis with genuine fandom for Chicago sports. The tone is conversational, engaging, and alternates between detail-driven business commentary and lively sports banter—capturing both the professionalism and personal interests of the guests.

For listeners:
Whether you’re tracking legal and business trends or just want the latest on Chicago sports, this episode delivers a compact yet thorough snapshot of what’s in motion as 2026 approaches—punctuated with expert takes and plenty of local color.