Natural Resources: West Virginia

THE FIRM This firm represents clients in every aspect of mineral-related matters, and is increasingly active in Marcellus Shale transactions. In response to this growth, the firm is moving its core energy team to Morgantown and opening a new office in Pennsylvania. Sources appreciate that many of the attorneys have backgrounds in engineering or petroleum engineering. The team's impressive client roster includes Devonian Shale LLC, CNX Gas and Patriot Coal.

Sources say: "The team's research and opinions are very reliable and accurate. It has accommodated our needs well, often working until the early hours. I have every confidence in its ability."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Graff is "extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating to clients' needs," say sources. He specializes in M&A as well as the capital funding of commercial, banking and natural resources transactions. 

Leonard Knee focuses on environmental issues, where clients rely on his "up-to-date knowledge and accuracy" in regulatory and litigation matters. 

Thomas Lane has a solid reputation as "the premier mineral attorney in West Virginia." Sources are impressed with "his extensive understanding of business, his exceptional industry knowledge and his transactional skills."

George Patterson serves as general counsel for IOGA in West Virginia, and is considered to be "knowledgeable and easy to work with." 

Seth Wilson impresses clients with his "strong business transactional background, professional attitude and very pleasant personality." His clients include Leatherwood, Range Resources and MarkWest.

THE FIRM This firm is particularly well known for its expertise in coal matters, on which it advises clients nationally. It also represents clients involved in other mineral-related activities, and handles a wide range of environmental matters. Clients include chemical and coal companies, electric utilities, and oil and gas producers and distributors.

Sources say: "The team is strongly committed to providing a great service to clients in this sector."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Flannery is praised as "an excellent environmental lawyer and the preeminent air pollution specialist in the state." His wide experience covers regulatory issues, environmental enforcement and tort cases. 

Robert McLusky is considered "among the foremost surface mining attorneys in the country." Clients praise his vast knowledge and extensive experience, as well as "his ability to develop effective strategies for litigation." 

Robert Fluharty is highlighted as "a very good transactional lawyer with significant experience of oil and gas-related deals." He specializes in commercial financing and transactional issues.

THE FIRM Steptoe & Johnson has the largest energy practice in the state and is able to advise clients on all energy-related matters, including infrastructure finance, mineral title, and transactional and litigation work. The team has recently been involved with the development of Marcellus and Utica Shale properties. Clients include Dominion Transmission, The Conservation Fund and CNX Land Resources.

Sources say: "I was amazed by the amount of work they did and how detailed it was. They are always there when I need them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patrick Deem has immense experience in the oil and gas sector, and recently worked for Dominion Transmission on all phases of its property acquisition for the construction of a $500 million natural gas extraction facility.

Sharon Flanery's petroleum engineering background informs her "exceptional understanding of the industry and how it operates." Clients are impressed with her sound judgment and proficient negotiation skills.

James Russell is another experienced energy lawyer, and also has real estate and litigation expertise. He recently advised on the disposition of a large number of Utica Shale oil and gas properties in Ohio.

THE FIRM The team here advises on all aspects of mineral transactions, from permitting and acquisitions to litigation, and represents borrowers and lenders in energy-related financing agreements. Attorneys at Dinsmore also have experience of dealing with the MSHA, OSHA and state boards.

Sources say: "They are very practical, pragmatic and knowledgeable of the coal mining industry."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Donna Kelly is "the preeminent MSHA lawyer in the state," and has successfully defended clients against alleged Mine Act violation claims in the past year.

Christopher Power is very well respected in the industry, particularly for his coal sector knowledge. He regularly defends mining corporations against allegations of flooding and subsidence-related property damage and personal injuries.

THE FIRM This team advises on all aspects of energy-related matters, from litigation to compliance, health and safety and enforcement. It also handles a broad spectrum of environmental law matters. Key clients include DuPont, Independent Oil & Gas Association of West Virginia and Chesapeake Energy. 

Sources say: "They are very industry-savvy, understand our business and have strong relationships throughout the state."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ann Bradley is highlighted for her "negotiating skills, straightforward approach and ability to recommend useful strategies." She recently represented Allegheny Energy in an appeal before the Environmental Quality Board, concerning a permit for its Harrison Power Station. 

William Herlihy concentrates on coal matters. He is "very practical and pragmatic in his dealings, and always able to reach solutions that satisfy both sides," report clients.