Steptoe & Johnson Welcomes Seven New Associates to the Firm

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC welcomes seven Associates who joined the firm during the third quarter, including Brian Bailey, Marshall Kuieck, Michael Logsdon, Ryan Moore, Raymond Walters, Ira Werner, and Artichala Wise. Five of the Associates are joining the Energy and Natural Resources department, while two join the Litigation department.

Bailey practices in the areas of mineral title and energy transactional law. He drafts lease agreements and contracts, prepares title opinions, and helps clients navigate deeds, zoning issues, and construction bidding procedures. Bailey earned his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law and his B.A. from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Kuieck supports energy clients by assisting with mineral title examinations, ownership analysis, lease interpretation, and surface use conflicts. Additionally, he contributes to the drafting and review of title opinions and assists in identifying and addressing title defects and preparing curative documentation. Kuieck earned his law degree from University of Toledo College of Law and his B.A. from Ohio Northern University.

Logsdon is a trial and appellate attorney who has litigated cases at all levels of West Virginia’s judicial system, including arguments before the s. His experience includes hands-on work in constitutional law, including drafting amicus briefs for federal appellate courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his law degree from Elon University School of Law and his B.A. from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Moore’s practice includes drafting and reviewing title opinions, lease contracts, and agreements, as he helps clients navigate the complexities of mineral title and property law. As a litigator with trial and appellate experience, he offers effective representation defending clients in state and federal courts. Moore earned his law degree from University of Dayton School of Law and his B.A. from University of Alabama.

Walters uses his background as a former law clerk and landman to assist clients with developing title reports, preparing and negotiating right-of-way agreements, along with other mineral title and due diligence services for clients in the energy industry. He earned his law degree from Tulane University School of Law and his B.S. from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Werner advises energy clients on complex title histories, oil and gas leases, curative issues, and surface and subsurface ownership questions. He also has experience in litigation and regulatory matters, including drafting motions and appellate briefs and presenting arguments in court. He earned his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law, his M.A. from Carnegie Mellon University, and his B.A. from West Liberty University.

Wise is a trial attorney who represents individual and corporate clients in all aspects of civil litigation. She guides clients through hearings, trials, mediations, and depositions in defense of cases involving trucking accidents, premises liability, and general negligence claims. Wise earned her law degree from University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, her M.S. from Prairie View A&M University, and her B.A. from Iowa State University.