Current association: HRJACKSONLAW PLLC
Past associations: During the last 21 years, I have worked in the energy space in various capacities; Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, PLLC and James River Coal Company are the two most relevant to the EMLF, as they were in Lexington and allowed me to be actively involved in the organization.
Law School: University of Pittsburgh
Undergraduate: Sarah Lawrence College; West Virginia University
Spouse: Steven Jackson
Children: William and Eva Jackson
Hometown: I split my Hometowns between Morgantown, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 😊
Favorite restaurant: I enjoy all food 😊 but The Grandview Saloon in Pittsburgh has always been my favorite.
EMLF Involvement: Beginning in law school at the University of Pittsburgh, I learned about EMLF through Cyril Fox, my first-year property professor. When I started as an Associate at Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, PLLC, Joe Zaluski informed me of EMLF’s incredible value and importance for the industry. Beginning during the summer of 2005, I began my involvement with speaking at EMLF conferences and assisting with drafting articles.
Helena R. Jackson, Esq.
Community Involvement: Worship leader at Faith Baptist of Myra; Member of Rotary; Member of the Pikeville Community Foundation. I enjoy giving back to our community.
Many of the cases you have handled through the years have been in mineral and natural resources law. How did you get involved in this area of law? Cyril Fox mentioned it after completing my first-year property instruction; then during the Summer of 2003, I worked as a Summer Associate, and I was assigned to work on a large coal bankruptcy. When I was hired to work in Lexington, Kentucky, I first began continuing work in the energy and mineral practice beginning in 2005, and such practice has continued during the past 20 years in various capacities.
Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? EMLF is extremely important and has maintained an incredible impact for decades. I am grateful for the friends and business connections I have made at EMLF, but also for the continued instruction regarding relevant energy topics as they have morphed and changed through the years.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? My favorite place to visit is either to an underground or a surface mine. But when I’m not working, I also enjoy any place warm. 😊
Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies? I am a singer and a worship leader. This hobby assists me tremendously with my business, as well as with stress management.
You have been practicing law for a number of years and have had substantial success. Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? My advice is to remain humble and remember that every person we meet and experience provides value, even if it is not monetary. Also, please keep growing and learning in the energy and mineral practice and never allow third-party negative voices to steer you away from your goals.