W. Henry Lawrence

Member
Litigation
J.D. William & Mary
B.S. Duke University
Licensure: 
West Virginia
Office: 
Bridgeport, WV
(304) 933-8186
hank.lawrence@steptoe-johnson.com
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Biography

Hank Lawrence focuses his practice on energy and environmental litigation. 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 permitting, compliance, and transactional matters involving energy and environmental statutes and regulations.  Mr. Lawrence previously served as Head of the firm's Litigation Department.

Memberships & Awards

Professional
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Energy & Natural Resources (2021 – Present)
Fellow, West Virginia Bar Foundation
Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation (2008-Present), Energy Law (2009-Present), Environmental Law (2001-Present), Litigation- Environmental (2011-Present), Litigation- Real Estate (2013-Present), Natural Resources Law (2008-Present), Oil and Gas Law (2010-Present)
Best Lawyers® 2020 Morgantown, WV, Energy Law, Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers® 2018 Morgantown, WV, Litigation, Lawyer of the Year
Best Lawyers® 2016 Morgantown, WV, Energy Law, Lawyer of the Year
Super Lawyers®
Trustee, Energy and Mineral Law Foundation
The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law
Industry/Civic
Vice Chair, Board of Directors - United Hospital Center
United Way
Board of Trustees - The Nature Conservancy (West Virginia Chapter)

Key Experience

Litigated Marcellus shale well claims on surface use, ownership, drilling rights, pooling and lease interpretation
Defended gas well hydraulic fracturing damage claims
Defended major energy producers against claims that leasehold rights were limited to sands and drilling methods known in 1900

Work Experience

1982 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Speaking Engagements

“Leadership Traits,” Lawyer Leadership Institute, WV Bar Foundation (Stonewall Resort) May 2022

Lawyer Leadership Institute, WV Bar Foundation (Stonewall Resort) May 2021

“Shale Gas Law 2016 – Litigation Update”, WVU College of Law CLE (Morgantown), November 2016

“Hot Topics and Future Disputes,” Litigation Update Panel, IEL 7th Law of Shale Plays Conference (Pittsburgh) September 2016

"Litigation Update Panel," IEL 5th Law of Shale Plays Conference (Pittsburgh) September 2014

"Horizontal Well Act & the Pre-Emption Issue," WVONGA Shale Alliance/Unconventional Gas Meeting (Bridgeport) April 2014

"EPA Investigations," Energy Leadership Summit (Southpointe) September 2013
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