
Timothy M. McKeen
Chair, Energy & Natural Resources Department / Member; Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Current association: Chair, Energy & Natural Resources Department / Member, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
Law School: Washington and Lee University School of Law
Undergraduate: Wheeling University
Spouse: Lindsay
Children: Olivia (13), Claire (11) and Lincoln (8)
Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio
Favorite restaurant: Generations in Wheeling, West Virginia
EMLF Involvement: I have attended many EMLF meetings and have been a speaker at past events.
Community Involvement: I coach my children’s softball, baseball and basketball teams and stay actively involved in my community. I serve as a trustee for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and on the board of directors for my church in St. Clairsville, Ohio. I am a member of various community non-profits, including serving as a commissioner for the Wheeling Landscape Commission.
How did you get involved in mineral and natural resources law? I began my legal career in 2006 with Steptoe and Johnson’s litigation department, where I primarily handled insurance defense work. Due to demands in our Energy practice, I had the opportunity to work on a coalbed methane title project in Marshall County, WV. That experience sparked my interest in mineral law, and I’ve been drawn to the area of practice ever since.
Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? EMLF has been an invaluable resource throughout my career. Involvement in EMLF is one of the best ways for a lawyer to deepen their understanding of energy and mineral law while staying current on industry developments.
Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? Absolutely, in both professional growth and the relationships I’ve built. I think it is critical to continue to grow and learn throughout one’s career and EMLF provides meaningful opportunities for development as well as a tremendous network of practitioners across the industry.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? Yes, our family loves to travel and we love all things Disney, especially Disney World.
Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies? I enjoy a wide variety of books, particularly those focused on leadership and self-improvement, as well as American history. I’m also a fan of John Grisham novels. Outside of reading, I am an avid Pittsburgh sports fan (this is the year for the Pirates!) and a fan of “The” Ohio State football team.
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? One of my original mentors in the law firm, Kristian White, told me that the practice of law is a marathon, not a sprint. That advice has stayed with me. I have found that over the course of my career there will inevitably be a lot of ups and downs, but persistence and commitment to continuous learning are key to long-term success. I would also emphasize to young lawyers the importance of the people you work with. They can make all the difference in your career. I’ve been very fortunate to spend my entire career at Steptoe & Johnson, where I have had the absolute best mentors, colleagues and friends any lawyer could hope to ever have.
