Labor & Employment: West Virginia

THE FIRM This labor and employment team is a clear leader in the state, impressing clients with its business acumen and professionalism. It has recently successfully defended clients against age, disability and sex discrimination claims, and in deliberate intent cases.

Sources say: "They have sound understanding of our business and what we need to do." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bryan Cokeley is renowned for his excellent general labor advice, and for representing clients in a variety of employment litigation matters. "He knows the industry, understands the language and terminology, and provides a calming influence on the people he works with," clients say.

Sources note David Morrison's "engaging personality," and describe him as "bright, articulate and responsive to clients' needs."

Robert Steptoe is praised for his communication skills and highlighted as "a phenomenal lawyer with a great legal skill set." He has 40 years' experience of dealing with labor management relations, wrongful discharge and employment discrimination matters. He is also an AAA arbitrator, and has represented ski industry clients in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Rodney Bean represents clients in state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies, including the EEOC and the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. According to sources, he is "practical, timely and delightful to work with." 

Christopher Slaughter provides labor and employment litigation advice to clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing.

David Dick's experience of working in human resources managerial positions informs his practical approach to labor and employment law. His expertise covers OSHA, discrimination claims, labor contracts and labor arbitration.

Trial lawyer John Merinar represents clients in the leisure, media and education industries. He is praised for his legal knowledge and people skills, and for his "ability to explain legal intricacies to a layman."  

THE FIRM The labor and employment team at Dinsmore & Shohl handles a wide range of matters for larger and smaller companies, and for nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and nursing homes. Clients highlight the firm's great resources and significant business knowledge.

Sources say: "The attorneys' responsiveness and availability are great. They are easily reached, even out of office hours or on holiday."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Carter is singled out as "the man to call for very difficult and complicated labor law issues." He recently represented Greenbrier Hotel and Sysco Cincinnati in labor-related arbitration.

Forrest Roles is "a natural born mediator" and stands out for his ability to "get to the heart of the problem, come up with solutions and get others to agree." He focuses on helping clients deal with unions and labor organizations. 

According to clients, Anna Dailey "epitomizes the professionalism that all lawyers should have, and is balanced and thorough in her assessment." She recently successfully defended West Virginia American Water in a sex discrimination claim.

THE FIRM This 30-strong team handles a mix of employment and labor work, and is particularly active in the energy, healthcare and chemicals sector. Key clients include Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Fairmont General Hospital and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The team has also successfully defended DuPont and Novartis in discrimination matters over the past year.

Sources say: "The firm provides excellent client service and keeps me updated on legal developments in my sector."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Woody concentrates on employment litigation work and has significant trial and appellate experience. His clients include Tethys Bioscience and Chase Investment Services.

"Outstanding employment lawyer" Kevin Carr has recently represented ICL Supresta and Fairmont General Hospital in collective bargaining negotiations.

Eric Iskra is praised as being "incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic." In the past year he represented Lockheed Martin in a high-profile wrongful discharge matter.

THE FIRM Despite the departure of a few lawyers, this labor and employment team continues to represent clients in a wide spectrum of matters, including labor arbitrations and jury trials. It acts for businesses in a number of sectors, including education, banking and healthcare.

Sources say: "The attorneys are familiar with the judicial system and the local Bar, which adds great value on top of their legal expertise." "Excellent attention to clients' needs and unfailing responsiveness."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Dellinger concentrates on employment litigation. His recent highlights include successfully defending United Bank in an alleged discrimination matter, and acting for Daniels Electric on wage claims.

THE FIRM In addition to advising on a broad range of employment litigation and labor law matters, the attorneys at Jackson Kelly also provide arbitration and mediation services. They act for clients from the healthcare, chemical and banking industries.

Sources say: "I like the team's tremendous knowledge base. All the attorneys make themselves available, and are very prompt and timely in answering any questions. "

KEY INDIVIDUALS Erin Magee focuses on labor and employment matters, ERISA and coal-related litigation. She is praised as "an excellent lawyer with the client's best interests at heart." 

Roger Wolfe impresses clients with his "outstanding knowledge of employment law, vast experience of labor negotiations and very good business skills." He has represented clients before the NLRB, the EEOC and the West Virginia Human Rights Commission.

Al Sebok's practice combines litigation and traditional labor work, with a particular emphasis on the coal industry. He frequently represents clients in both federal and state courts, in wrongful discharge and employment discrimination claims.

THE FIRM This compact practice represents clients in discrimination and contract-related matters, and also advises on a variety of labor matters. The group acts for clients in state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies such as the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, the Charleston Human Rights Commission and the West Virginia Division of Employment Security.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Skilled practitioner" Stephen Weber concentrates predominantly on labor and employment as well as litigation, acting for clients in the healthcare, media and construction sectors. 

Constance Weber has experience in employment and insurance litigation, and is described by peers as being "very capable."