Member, Executive Committee
Energy
J.D. West Virginia University
B.A. Swarthmore College
Office:
Charleston, WV
(304) 353-8144
Biography
Ryan J. Morgan’s practice involves representation of upstream exploration and production companies, investors, and private equity clients in negotiating complex transactions, operational agreements, and managing strategic business issues. Mr. Morgan’s practice focuses on acquisitions and divestitures of upstream energy assets, regulatory guidance, and oil and gas transactions, including joint ventures, participation agreements, joint operating agreements, exploration and development agreements, private equity financing transactions, and related industry contracts. He has also led and managed large teams conducting asset diligence on significant transactions. Mr. Morgan is the leader of the firm’s Energy Transactions Practice Group.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law (2012-Present), Natural Resources Law (2021-Present)Mountain HonoraryThe State Journal, Generation Next 2010Real Estate, Zoning & Land Use Committee, West Virginia State BarWest Virginia Law ReviewOrder of the CoifSt. George Tucker Brooke, Fellow
Key Experience
Represented Fortune 500 energy client before regulatory agencies and provided key guidance in developing process to establish pooling units for largest active coalbed methane production program in state
Assisted in multi-million dollar sale and purchase of coal assets and related facility, sales and distribution contracts
Developed guidelines, led due diligence teams, and prepared transactional documents for several multi-million dollar acquisitions of upstream oil and gas assets, involving review of title, environmental issues, property rights, liability and litigation matters, negotiation of contract terms and drafting of necessary documents
Know-How
Work Experience
2008 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
1998-2008 Solo practitioner
1999-2007 Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Tyler County
1998-2008 Solo practitioner
1999-2007 Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Tyler County
Speaking Engagements
"An Update on Appalachian Shale Transactions," TerraLex Global Meeting, Energy Practice Group, October 2012 "Shale Transactions in Appalachia: Key Transactional Documents," EMLF Annual Institute, July 2012"Overview of Pooling Affecting Appalachian Shale Development," EMLF Annual Institute, May 2011"Lease Maintenance Challenges," The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law/Energy & Mineral Law Foundation Joint Conference on Development Issues in Major Shale Plays, 2010"East Meets West: An Overview of Operational Differences in Appalachia," NALTA Annual Conference 2010"Special Provisions for Pooling and Horizontal Drilling," Michael Late Benedum Chapter, AAPL, Spring Meeting 2010"Degasification of Coal Seams in Advance of Mining: Technical & Legal Issues," WV Coal Mining Institute Fall Meeting 2009"Coalbed Methane Gas & WV Law," WV Desk & Derrick 2009 AIMEE Award of Merit"Basics of Oil & Gas Leasing," Michael Late Benedum Chapter, AAPL, Spring Meeting 2009"Legal Issues on the Horizon," North American Coalbed Methane Forum Annual Meeting 2009"Due Diligence Transactions: Energy Acquisitions and Divestitures," WV Desk & Derrick Annual Meeting 2009Recent Developments in the Oil & Gas IndustryAn Overview of Industry and Legal Issues Affecting the Coal IndustryPooling Under West Virginia's Coalbed Methane ActLegal Issues with Leasing and Drilling Horizontal WellsLegal Issues Associated with Coalbed Methane DevelopmentUpdate on Pennsylvania Royalty Cases and Legislative Issues