President Obama on Friday nominated University of Virginia law professor and Richmond lawyer Timothy Heaphy for U.S. attorney of Virginia's Western District.

Heaphy, 44, a partner at McGuire Woods since 2006, works out of the firm's Richmond and Charlottesville offices as part of its government investigations department. Heaphy graduated from UVa and its law school.

He declined to comment Friday afternoon, saying he wasn't at liberty to discuss the nomination at this time.

Those familiar with Heaphy spoke highly of him in a release issued by the firm.

"The president has made a wise choice and has picked a terrific lawyer," said Richard Cullen, chairman of McGuire Woods and former Eastern District U.S. attorney.

"While we will hate to say goodbye to Tim, we are pleased for him and know that he will be a great United States Attorney."

As a partner with McGuire Woods, Heaphy represented a number of individuals and businesses in various white-collar criminal investigations. His experience includes matters such as securities, public corruption, fraud and conspiracy, environmental crimes and conflict of interest.

Heaphy's career includes stints as assistant U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., from 1994 to 2003 and in the Western District's Charlottesville office from 2003 to 2005.

He was awarded the John Marshall Award for Excellence in Litigation by the Department of Justice in 2006.

U.S. attorneys are the top federal prosecutors for their districts. Having been nominated by the president, Heaphy's nomination goes to the U.S. Senate for approval.