Current association: General Counsel at GMS Mine Repair and Maintenance, Inc.
Law School: West Virginia University
Undergraduate: B.S. in Mining Engineering, West Virginia University
Spouse: Summer Ellis
Children: Claire Ellis
Current Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Favorite restaurant: Black Bear Burritos. It has great food and drinks, and an even better atmosphere.
EMLF Involvement: I’ve been involved in EMLF since graduating law school and have enjoyed their conferences and programs ever since. EMLF has provided a host of networking opportunities with colleagues in-house, in private practice, and at regulatory agencies. These connections have had a profoundly positive impact on my practice and career.
Andrew Ellis
General Counsel, GMS Mine Repair
Community Involvement: WVU Mining Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee Member, PA Coal Alliance Board of Directors
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? I’m originally from Chapmanville, WV, in the heart of southern WV coal country. This led me to pursue my undergraduate degree in mining engineering and sparked my desire to remain in the mining industry.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? We love to travel, although since the addition of our 16-month-old daughter, we’ve found that it requires a bit more planning. Some of our close to home favorites are Lewes, DE and Abingdon, VA.
Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies? Most of my recent recreational reading has been with our daughter Claire (I highly recommend pat the bunny and the Llama Llama series). In my little bit of free time, I enjoy football games and fishing.
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? I believe that the value of networking cannot be overstated. Find an organization (like EMLF!) with attorneys practicing in the same areas and become an active member. You’ll be amazed at how often you will cross paths with or need the expertise of colleagues you’ve met at these events.