Energy LitigationAs one of the largest and most diverse energy practices in the region, Steptoe & Johnson is uniquely positioned to assist clients facing conflicts and issues between parties. The firm’s Partner-Smart ® work approach also allows lawyers to take a proactive stance on behalf of clients to work with governmental agencies to design solutions to prevent issues from arising. Nearly 30 of the firm’s litigators frequently represent clients on a wide range of energy-related litigation matters in state and federal courts, in arbitration and mediation proceedings, and before federal and state administrative agencies.
The Energy Litigation Practice also has extensive experience in risk management strategies, training and contract and policy consulting with a unique and in-depth understanding of the industry. In addition, firm lawyers provide litigation avoidance advice designed to develop alternative courses of action for clients seeking to reduce the threat of litigation.
Representative Experience
The firm’s energy litigators have extensive experience in a broad range of proceedings affecting the oil and natural gas industry. Relevant examples include:
The Energy Litigation Practice also has extensive experience in risk management strategies, training and contract and policy consulting with a unique and in-depth understanding of the industry. In addition, firm lawyers provide litigation avoidance advice designed to develop alternative courses of action for clients seeking to reduce the threat of litigation.
Representative Experience
The firm’s energy litigators have extensive experience in a broad range of proceedings affecting the oil and natural gas industry. Relevant examples include:
- Defended multi-million dollar breach of contract claim and tortious interference claim against a major coal company Received a favorable ruling from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals on a petition for writ of prohibition involving a complicated discovery issue in a multi-million dollar condemnation case
- 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, enabling the subsidiary to raise a substantial amount of invested capital.
- Represented a natural gas company in suit alleging property contamination
- Received favorable ruling in bench trial to halt interference with gas transmission pipelines
- Investigated, including on-scene legal assistance in collection of evidence and crisis scene management, and successfully defended death action and cross-claims in connection with the collapse of a coal silo
- Reached jury verdict in favor of energy client against claims of property damage allegedly resulting from drop in natural gas pressure
- Negotiated a complex condemnation action involving permanent easements for the storage of natural gas, permanent well roads, and permanent pipelines
- Defended companies involved in extractive resources industry in trial of lawsuit stemming from widespread flooding in Southern West Virginia
- Represented international electrical manufacturer in successfully halting records subpoena from state attorney general, and obtained attorney general’s agreement not to further pursue action against product at issue
- Obtained preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent interference with gas company rights of way and major transmissions lines
- Successfully defended silica cases for major energy corporation brought by underground coal miners.
The firm’s energy litigators understand the ever-changing industry and successfully develop approaches that are in line with each client’s litigation, regulatory, and strategic objectives.
