Jim Russell focuses his practice in the areas of natural resources (coal, oil, and gas), commercial transactions, and commercial litigation. Additionally, Mr. Russell has acted as counsel for various syndications involving the development of real estate.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
- Represented a large energy company in connection with the transfer of its oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane assets and reserves located in several states to a subsidiary entity, and assisted the subsidiary in raising invested capital
- Negotiated the disposition of thousands of acres of coal and surface properties owned by a national conservation organization in Ohio and Illinois, and assisted the client organization to convert donated assets into funds for its conservation projects
- Counseled lenders to coal mining and natural gas production enterprises, enabling the lenders to better understand the risks involved in financing mining operations, as well as the remedies available to mitigate those risks
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
Natural Resources
Mr. Russell has represented coal, oil, and gas companies in:
- Acquisitions and dispositions of assets
- Preparation of mineral title opinion reports
- Litigation of title and mining rights issues
- Debt and equity financings
- Compliance with federal and state mining laws
- Defense of claims by investors
Commercial Transactions
Mr. Russell has represented sellers and buyers of business assets, as well as lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions. His experience in this area includes the following:
- Handling acquisitions and dispositions of coal companies, oil and gas properties, nursing homes, newspapers, and shopping centers
- Forming syndicated entities to facilitate the development of various projects ranging from hotels and motels and restaurants to oil and gas drilling programs, and representing lenders in negotiating, documenting, and securing commercial loans and credit facilities
- Assisting clients in compliance with federal and state securities laws affecting small business capitalization
Commercial Litigation
Mr. Russell has handled more than 40 jury and non-jury trials involving commercial and regulatory issues. He has handled cases involving:
- Breach of contract claims
- Securities law claims
- Fraud and deceit claims
- Ownership of real estate and minerals
- Local government budget-making procedures
- Zoning and land use
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1977 Steptoe & Johnson
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS
- Morgantown Chamber of Commerce
- Vision 20/20 Riverfront Development Committee
AWARDS / HONORS
- Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Bronze Star
- Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Mr. Russell is the author of three published articles and has made presentations on various commercial and mining law topics at CLE seminars in West Virginia, Ohio, and Florida.