Current association: Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Past associations: CONSOL Energy Inc., Dominion Resources, Inc.

Law School: West Virginia University College of Law

Undergraduate: West Virginia University (B.A.)

Spouse: Steve

Children: 2 Sons: Tyler (29) and Tanner (25)

Home: Bridgeport, WV

Favorite Coffee Shop in Bridgeport: Almost Heaven (The Best Biscotti)

EMLF Involvement: Board of Trustees; co-chair conferences; presented at various events

Earlier on, you worked for Alamco, Inc.  How did it happen that you went to work for Alamco? Graduated college with B.A. in Political Science.  My first “real” job was bartender/server at a country club, and one of the members invited me to apply to work for Alamco, which was a small, public oil and gas E&P company.  I worked in various areas of the company until it was sold.

You spent a number of years as an in-house lawyer at Alamco, and then later at Dominion and then CONSOL, but now you have been in private practice for a while. How do the two compare? I loved being both an in-house, and now “out-house” energy lawyer. Having only one client and being part of the business team was great.  However, contrary to popular belief, it is demanding and requires one to be more of a generalist and analyze and respond to a variety of issues promptly.  Working in a firm allows me to work with a variety of clients, with the benefit of having the knowledge and resources of other lawyers.

You have been involved in EMLF, and also have been involved in other industry organizations. Has your involvement in those groups had a positive effect on your career? Absolutely! There are so many wonderful people who work in the energy field, particularly oil and gas, who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. I have learned so much from folks in the industry, many of whom continue to be my friends and colleagues.

Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? I love to travel anywhere with my family and friends. Bonus points if there is a beach! My favorite place is Destin, Fl. If you go, be sure to stop by McGuire’s Irish Pub and have a key lime pie martini.

Any hobbies? I have taken up golf in the last few years. I love being on a golf course and really enjoy the game, but I would like it a lot better if my scores were lower.

You have been practicing law for a while now and have had success. Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? Be curious and work hard. I think really good lawyers are naturally curious, and are willing to take the time to analyze both the questions and the answers. Perhaps this need not be stated, but always be honest – your reputation depends on it!