Ralph Bean has an extensive background in, and continues to focus his activities on state economic development, legislative and regulatory matters, energy law, and state and federal administrative matters. He is a member and past chair of the firm’s International Practice Group and Technology Advancement Group. As corporate counsel, Mr. Bean has handled regulatory litigation before the Public Service Commission of West Virginia and other administrative agencies.

Businesses seeking assistance with administrative and regulatory issues in West Virginia value Mr. Bean’s unique skills. One of the most active attorneys in West Virginia economic development, Mr. Bean contributes an in-depth understanding of the complex legal needs of international businesses, and West Virginia’s growing technology industry.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION 

• Legislative and regulatory 
• Energy
• Technology advancement 
• Economic development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1995         Steptoe & Johnson
1986-95    President, Hope Gas, Inc.
1984         General Counsel, Hope Gas, Inc.
1974-84    Corporate Counsel, Consolidated Natural Gas System
1972-74    Corporate Counsel, C&P Telephone Companies
1970-72    Elections Chief, Office of Secretary of State

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS 

• Past Chair, Young Lawyers Section, West Virginia State Bar

INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS

• Chairman of the Board, Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute
• Chair, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies & Development at West Virginia University
• Founder and past president, I-79 Development Council
• Board Member, Discover the Real WV Foundation
• Board Member, WV Chamber of Commerce
• Board Member, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
• Board Member, West Virginia University Foundation
• Board Member, Huntington National Bank WV Advisory Board
• Past Chair, WV Oil & Natural Gas Association
• Past Chair, WV State Election Commission
• Co-chaired the Economic Development Task Force for Governor Bob Wise’s Transition Team
• Member and former chair, WV Council for Community & Economic Development
• Past Chair of the WV Business Roundtable

AWARDS / HONORS

• The Best Lawyers in America® 
• 2006 Foundation Fellow by the West Virginia Bar Foundation
• 2006 West Virginia State Journal Who’s Who in Business Award
• 1993, Order of Vandalia, West Virginia University
• 1992, Most Loyal West Virginian, West Virginia University