Member
Business
J.D. Harvard Law School
B.S. West Virginia University
Office:
Charleston, WV
(304) 353-8133
Biography
Richard Lewis practices in the areas of domestic and international business law with a focus on environmental and energy-related legal matters. He represents clients before federal, state, and appellate courts and administrative agencies in civil, criminal, and penalty proceedings. In addition, he provides client counseling and advice in general business, permitting, compliance, and transactional matters. Mr. Lewis is the former Chair of the firm's Business Department.
Mr. Lewis has represented energy companies, government entities (with an emphasis on publicly owned utilities), chemical companies, construction companies, and various other businesses in business negotiations, and environmental permitting, administrative, and civil enforcement actions. Mr. Lewis has also represented insurance companies and insureds in environmental insurance matters as well as clients in condemnation, encroachment and injunction actions. Mr. Lewis has also represented manufacturing clients in various international contract negotiations for the purchase, sale and maintenance of various heavy equipment.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law (2013-Present), Energy Regulatory Law (2020-Present), Environmental Law (2006-Present), Litigation - Environmental (2011-Present), Mining Law (2016-Present), Natural Resources Law (2012-Present), Water Law (2010-Present)Best Lawyers® 2019 Charleston, WV, Water Law, Lawyer of the YearMember, Five S Society, West Virginia Water Environment AssociationCertified Illinois Mine ManagerWest Virginia Bar AssociationGraduated magna cum laude, West Virginia University
Key Experience
Represented natural gas company in enforcement action for failing to have permit, and water quality violations
Assisted energy company in permitting requirements
Represented midstream company in two enforcement actions brought by USEPA for Clean Water Act violations
Know-How
Alert
Work Experience
1996 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
1993 Vorys, Sater, Seymore & Pease, LLP
1990 Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
1982 Shell Oil Company
1993 Vorys, Sater, Seymore & Pease, LLP
1990 Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
1982 Shell Oil Company
Speaking Engagements
Introduction to Integrated Planning, West Virginia MS4s, 2015Elk River Chemical Spill, Legal Lessons for POTWs, 2015Environmental Enforcement, Rural Water Association, 2014Environmental Issues at Oil & Gas Construction Sites, 2012Kentucky Local Government Issues Conference 2010NPDES Permit Compliance, WEA Annual Conference 2008Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Issues, West Virginia Clean Water Coalition