William C. Ballard

Of Counsel

Biography

William uses his 20-plus years of legal experience to assist clients in the ever-evolving field of energy, tax and bankruptcy litigation, including tax controversy administrative hearings and civil litigation, breach of lease agreements, breach of implied covenants, right-of-way disputes, injunctions against landowners, royalty disputes, and all types of energy-related cases. Before joining Steptoe & Johnson, he served as a West Virginia Assistant Attorney General, where he represented state agencies in tax, bankruptcy, and civil litigation. He also served as a law clerk to Judge David A. Faber and Judge Thomas E. Johnston of the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Representative Experience

Represented large oil and gas companies in Circuit Court appeals of West Virginia State Tax Division and West Virginia Board of Public Works’ property tax appraisals and obtained significant reductions in tax liability (Hope Gas/Blue Racer)
Represented coal company in request for exoneration from property taxes and obtained significant reduction in tax liability from county commission (United Coal Co.)
Represented clients in defending claims by bankruptcy estate trustees to recover alleged preferential payments and fraudulent transfers (Bankruptcy)
Represented oil and gas clients before the West Virginia Office of Tax Appeals to contest property tax appraisals and tax bills (Equinor/Stone Ridge)

Licensed In

North Carolina
West Virginia

Education

J.D. University of North Carolina School of Law

B.S. West Virginia University

Memberships

Kanawha County Bar Association
Harrison County Bar Association
Monongalia County Bar Association

Achievements

The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch- Energy Law (2026), Litigation – Bankruptcy (2026)
Chair, Weberwood Elementary School Local Improvement Council (2014-2019)
President, Judge John A. Field, Jr. American Inn of Court (2010-2011)
President, Kanawha County Bar Association (2008-2009)

Related Services

Related News & Resources

Press Release

Over 165 Steptoe & Johnson Attorneys Recognized by 2026 Best Lawy...

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is pleased to announce that 141 of the firm’...

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