Representative Experience
- Represents employers on MSHA matters and before state safety agencies relating to significant citations and orders, accident investigations, special investigations, and employment discrimination cases related to safety
- Maintains extensive trial practice before federal and state courts in commercial disputes
- Represents employers in deliberate intent and other personal injury matters
- Represents numerous business clients in federal and state governmental relations matters
- Drafts and promotes legislation and administrative rules before the West Virginia Legislature and Executive Branch in areas of financial, health care, mining, and other industries
Government Experience
- Vice President of Legal Affairs, West Virginia University, 2007 - 2008
- Chief of Staff to the Office of Governor Bob Wise, 2003 - 2005
- General Counsel to the Office of Governor Bob Wise, 2001 - 2003
Education
- West Virginia University, B.A. in Political Science and German, summa cum laude, 1985
- George Washington University, J.D. with honors, 1991
Admissions
- West Virginia State Bar
- United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia
- United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals
Affiliations
- Energy and Mineral Law Foundation
- Member, Executive Council of the West Virginia Bar Association
- West Virginia Coal Association
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Board of Directors, 2007 - 2008
- Governor Joe Manchin's Transition Team, Steering Committee, 2004 - 2005
- West Virginia Investment Management Board, 2001 - 2005
- West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board, 2001 - 2003
- West Virginia Law Institute, 2001 - 2003
- Counsel to Transition Team of Governor Bob Wise, 2000 - 2001
Awards & Distinctions
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Fulbright Scholar to Universitaet Bonn, Germany, 1985 - 1986