Current association: Clark Hill PLC, Pittsburgh, PA office, of counsel (working part time)
Past associations: I started with Thorp, Reed and Armstrong, LLP, Pittsburgh, PA, after law school and worked there as an associate, then partner. In 2013, Thorp Reed merged with Clark Hill PLC, and I continued as a member. A few years later, I moved from member to of counsel and have been gradually cutting back my practice.
Law School: Boston College Law School
Undergraduate: Boston College
Spouse: Debra Ries
Children/Grandchildren: David, Jr. and Christopher / 2 grandsons and 3 granddaughters
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite restaurant: Rico’s, a family run Italian restaurant (opened in 1979) in the Pittsburgh suburb in which we live.
EMLF Involvement: I became active in EMLF in the mid-1990s, attending and speaking at programs and serving on committees. In the early 2000s, I served on the Executive Committee, as Vice President (2006-2007), and President (2007-2008). I am a Trustee and continue to be active on committees and participate in events
Community Involvement: I have been active for over 20 years in InfraGard-Pittsburgh (an FBI public-private partnership to promote critical infrastructure security), including serving on the Board of Directors. I served two 3-year terms on a Hearing Committee for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. I was active in the volunteer fire company in the community in which we live for over 25 years, including serving as Fire Chief.
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? My practice over my career has been about half environmental and half technology. Shortly after I started at Thorp Reed, I started doing environmental work and litigation for firm coal and oil and gas clients and it grew from there. I’ve also done some technology work for energy clients.
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 has been a great resource for networking and education on legal and industry topics. The relationships that I have developed through EMLF have substantially helped in my career.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? I have tried to add some vacation time to travel for legal groups like EMLF and the American Bar Association (they’re often at great locations). For vacation travel, I don’t have a favorite place. I most enjoy beach resorts and occasional family trips to Disney World.
Favorite books/authors, genre? Other hobbies? I now read mostly ebooks. My favorite authors are John Grisham, Michael Connolly, and Bruce Schneier (a thought leader in cybersecurity, privacy, and public policy). I follow sports, particularly professional and college hockey and racing run by the American Rally Association, including travel to some games and events. I also enjoy learning about and working with technology.
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? First, learn about and stay current with technology, particularly AI. I agree with the view that AI is not likely to replace lawyers in the near future, except for some basic and repetitive tasks, but lawyers who appropriately embrace AI are likely to replace lawyers who do not. In addition, I suggest the standard approach of networking and knowing clients, prospective clients, and their businesses and industries. The EMLF is a great resource for this. Focus on where you are in your career, where you’re going, and where you want to be, including an appropriate work-life balance.