December 19, 2024
Stefanie Pitcavage Mekilo has been selected for the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg’s 2025 Tribute to Women of Excellence (TWE) Award as a member of the TWE Class of 2025. This regionally recognized, annual award recognizes leading female professionals and community volunteers who have devoted their time and energy to making Central Pennsylvania a better place to live and work.
An award ceremony will be held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center on March 26, 2025. This year marks the 36th Anniversary of the Tribute to Women of Excellence event, at which well over 785 outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their communities and/or organizations have been honored.
November 7, 2024
Babst Calland has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers®, nationally in 8 practice areas and regionally in 38 practice areas:
- National Tier 2
- Environmental Law
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation – Construction
- Litigation – Environmental
- National Tier 3
- Energy Law
- Mining Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil and Gas Law
- Regional Tier 1
- Pittsburgh
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Litigation – Construction
- Litigation – Environmental
- Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
- Municipal Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Water Law
- Charleston-WV
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Commercial Litigation
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- Litigation – Environmental
- Oil and Gas Law
- Regional Tier 2
- Pittsburgh
- Information Technology Law
- Labor Law – Management
- Real Estate Law
- Charleston-WV
- Arbitration
- Banking and Finance Law
- Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- Corporate Law
- Mining Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Washington, D.C.
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- Litigation – Environmental
- Oil and Gas Law
- Regional Tier 3
- Pittsburgh
- Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Charleston-WV
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Litigation – ERISA
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Real Estate Law
Firms included in the 2025 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms signifies high-quality legal practice and a depth of legal proficiency. Recognized firms, categorized into three tiers, receive acclaim on both national and metropolitan levels, reflecting the extent of their practice and geographic reach. Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, reflecting the integrity and reputation earned by law firms.
Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, integrity and reputation that law firms earn among other leading firms and lawyers. The 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. Additionally, one “Law Firm of the Year” was named in each nationally ranked practice area.
Click here to view the Best Law Firms® profile.
October 17, 2024
Latest Developments In Policies, Laws and Regulations Shaping the Future of Business and Industry
On October 16, 2024, Babst Calland hosted its inaugural Client CLE Day at Acrisure Stadium. This full-day continuing legal education (CLE) program addressed the latest developments in policies, laws, and regulations shaping the future of business and industry. Topics included challenges facing in-house counsel, climate change litigation, the politics of energy law, ethical considerations for internal investigations, the end of the modern administrative state, and much more. In addition to offering high-quality CLE programming, the event featured tours of Acrisure Stadium and a tailgate-themed networking reception.
Below are the topics discussed in the various sessions throughout the day representing the legal and regulatory perspectives of Babst Calland attorneys across a wide spectrum of legal practice areas:
- Appalachia Appeal: Pennsylvania and West Virginia Appellate Roundup
This CLE presented by attorneys Casey Coyle, Michael Libuser, and Robert Stonestreet provided a survey of important, headline-grabbing Pennsylvania and West Virginia civil appellate cases decided within the last two years or currently pending before an appellate court in either state. The topics of the appeals included nuclear verdicts, jurisdiction, venue, forum non conveniens, arbitration, environmental law, liability, royalty, and damages.
- Proactive Strategies to Prevent and Handle High-Stakes Environmental Litigation
This experienced panel, comprised of Babst Calland corporate attorney Ben Clapp, consultant Kurt Herman of Gradient, and Babst Calland litigators Jim Corbelli and Christina McKinley discussed the various considerations that inform environmental litigation concerns, from their inception (e.g., contractual negotiations and drafting) to their conclusion (e.g., through trial and appeals). The panel also discussed the implications of, and strategic calls presented by different fora, whether federal court or state tribunals. The discussion examined common and unique pitfalls in the process, as well as hypothetical scenarios.
- The Politics of Energy
A panel discussion about how upcoming elections on the national and local level may impact energy policy and development. The panel was moderated by Tim Miller, co-chair of Babst Calland’s Energy Litigation team, with analysis and commentary by Jim Curry, Managing Shareholder of the Washington, D.C. office of Babst Calland, and A. Moore Capito, recent candidate for Governor of West Virginia and former member of the West Virginia legislature.
- Breaking Down SCOTUS’ Recent Administrative Law Decisions: How (Loper) Bright Is the Future for Regulated Entities?
The final days of the Supreme Court’s October 2023 Term saw the issuance of major administrative law decisions that have the potential to reshape how the public and regulated entities interact with the federal government. Panelists Kevin Garber, Keith Coyle, and Stefanie Mekilo provided a comprehensive overview of that trio of decisions—Loper Bright v. Raimondo; Corner Post v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and SEC v. Jarkesy—and explored the new opportunities they could bring for regulated entities with robust discussion of what these decisions did (and did not) say, as well as what they mean for agency authority, adjudications, and enforcement actions moving forward.
- Key Developments in U.S. Climate Change-Related Litigation, Regulation, and Legislation
Panelists Gary Steinbauer, Varun Shekhar, and Gina Falaschi Buchman covered key recent developments in climate change law in the United States. In addition to a discussion of pending and recently decided state and federal cases, the panel discussed newly enacted and proposed climate-change legislation, proposed and promulgated regulations, rule challenges, and climate-related financial disclosure laws and regulations.
- Legal Ethics in the Age of AI: What In-House Counsel Need to Know
This session explored the intersection of legal ethics and artificial intelligence (AI) and the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for legal professionals. Panelists Chris Farmakis, Susanna Bagdasarova, and Justine Kasznica discussed the ethical challenges and opportunities facing both in-house and outside counsel when leveraging AI tools. Attendees gained practical insights into developing internal AI use policies and best practices and understanding and addressing key risks associated with AI implementation by employees and third-party vendors, including bias, intellectual property, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
- Inside the Investigation: Ethical Challenges in Internal Inquiries
“Inside the Investigation: Ethical Challenges in Internal Inquiries” was a panel discussion that delves into the nuts and bolts of internal corporate investigations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how these inquiries are conducted from start to finish. Panelists Steve Antonelli, Erin Hamilton, and Carla Castello broke down key phases such as planning, evidence collection, interviewing, and reporting, providing practical insights and exploring common pitfalls, best practices, and strategies for navigating confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and privilege issues while adhering to professional conduct standards. This session aimed to equip legal professionals with the knowledge to effectively navigate the complexities of internal inquiries with confidence and precision.
- Challenges Facing In-House Counsel
In-house legal counsel have a unique role as both lawyers and business partners with their internal clients. As a result, they must often act as both legal and business advisors in navigating the challenges faced by their businesses; often at the same time and while justifying their status as cost centers versus capital creators. This panel, led by Babst Calland’s Jim Chen, formerly VP of Public Policy and Chief Regulatory Counsel of Rivian, with panelist Sara Antol, Babst Calland corporate and commercial attorney and former General Counsel of Tollgrade Communications, and special guests Jim Miller, COO and General Counsel of Mongiovi & Son and Jessica Sharrow Thompson, Senior Counsel EHS & Sustainability of PPG, examined the unique role of in-house counsel, the challenges they face and some of the ways panelists have creatively stood up to those challenges in creating value for their companies and themselves.
As developments in policies, laws, and regulations shape the future of businesses and industries, Babst Calland’s multidisciplinary team of attorneys continues to stay abreast of the many legal and regulatory challenges. For questions about any of the topics discussed, please contact the attorneys listed above. For more information about Babst Calland and our practices, locations and attorneys, visit babstcalland.com.
October 7, 2024
Babst Calland participated in the New Jersey State Bar Association’s DEI Conference on October 7, 2024. The conference focused on recent court decisions reviewing non-discrimination training and next steps in DEI programs at law firms, corporations, and universities. Babst Calland was represented at the event by Brianne Kurdock, co-chair of the firm’s DEI Committee. For more information, click here.
September 18, 2024
Attorney Susanna Bagdasarova was recently selected to Leadership Pittsburgh Inc.’s Leadership Development Initiative program. Susanna was among a diverse group of 49 members identified as high-potential, emerging leaders in the region who are poised to create significant impact in their organizations and communities. For more information, click here.
September 12, 2024
The PLDIC’s Corporate Roundtable will present a free virtual CLE, “Remote Work/Return to Work and DEI Implications,” sponsored by Babst Calland on Friday, October 18 from 12-1:30 p.m. PLDIC Board member Don Bluedorn joins a panel discussion to discuss the webinar’s presentation about current research and data on this topic. The event will offer 1.5 hours in PA CLE Credit.
For more information, click here.
August 15, 2024
Babst Calland is pleased to announce that two lawyers were selected as 2025 Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Charleston, W. Va. (by BL Rankings). Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this accolade particularly significant.
Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity. Those named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” include:
Blaine A. Lucas, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Timothy M. Miller, Litigation – Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston, W. Va.
View the award recipients here.
In addition, 40 Babst Calland lawyers were selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, the most respected peer-reviewed publications in the legal profession:
- Chester R. Babst III – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Donald C. Bluedorn II – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Water Law
- Lisa Bruderly – Environmental Law
- Joseph G. Bunn – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Mining Law
- Dean A. Calland – Environmental Law
- Matthew S. Casto – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental
- Frank J. Clements – Corporate Law
- Kathy K. Condo – Commercial Litigation, Energy Law
- James V. Corbelli – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental
- James Curry – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
- Mark K. Dausch – Commercial Litigation
- Julie R. Domike – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Kevin K. Douglass – Natural Resources Law
- Christian A. Farmakis – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
- Kevin J. Garber – Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law, and Water Law
- Steven M. Green – Energy Law
- Jennifer Hicks – Commercial Litigation and Energy Law
- Lindsay P. Howard – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Robert Max Junker – Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law
- Justine Kasznica – Corporate Law
- Stephen L. Korbel – Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Blaine A. Lucas – Energy Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, and Municipal Law
- John A. McCreary Jr. – Labor Law – Management
- Sean M. McGovern – Environmental Law
- Christina Manfredi McKinley – Commercial Litigation
- Timothy M. Miller – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
- Matthew Moses – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Jean M. Mosites – Energy Law, Environmental Law
- Christopher B. Power – Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law
- Joseph K. Reinhart – Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law
- Bruce F. Rudoy – Corporate Law
- Charles F.W. Saffer – Real Estate Law
- Mychal Sommer Schulz – Litigation – ERISA
- Mark D. Shepard – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental, Mediation
- Steven B. Silverman – Commercial Litigation, Information Technology Law
- Laura Stone – Corporate Law
- Robert M. Stonestreet – Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Environmental Law
- David E. White – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
- Richard S. Wiedman – Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law
- Michael H. Winek – Environmental Law
View the award recipients here.
17 Babst Calland lawyers were also named to the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America which recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States:
- Susanna Bagdasarova – Corporate Law
- Mary H. Binker – Corporate Law, Energy Law, Real Estate Law
- Gina Falaschi Buchman – Environmental Law
- Carla M. Castello – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
- Andrew C. DeGory – Commercial Litigation
- Alexandra G. Farone – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Marc J. Felezzola – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction
- Michael E. Fink – Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Alyssa Golfieri – Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law
- Sean R. Keegan – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Jennifer L. Malik – Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law
- James D. Mazzocco – Construction Law, Litigation – Environmental, Transportation Law
- Daniel R. Richey – Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law
- Joseph V. Schaeffer – Commercial Litigation
- Varun Shekhar – Environmental Law
- Joshua S. Snyder – Commercial Litigation, Energy Law
- Eric Spada – Commercial Litigation
View the award recipients here.
Best Lawyers undergoes an authentication process, and inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® is based solely on peer review and is divided by geographic region and practice areas. The list has published for more than three decades, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 65 countries.
July 24, 2024
Firm Announces Strategic Partnership with Former PIT General Counsel Jeff Immel
Babst Calland announced today its plan to expand the firm’s capabilities in its Aerospace, Aviation and Airports practice through a strategic partnership with Jeff Immel, former general counsel of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), the operator of Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, and experienced aviation and aerospace attorney.
Prior to joining ACAA, Immel served as the head of U.S. aviation regulatory and legal affairs for Zipline International Inc. where he provided legal counsel in obtaining and maintaining all federal approvals necessary to begin unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) commercial package delivery operations in the U.S. He also served as the primary legal and regulatory counsel to Amazon Prime Air and Amazon Air and was an associate attorney for Jenner & Block and Jones Day where he advised clients on various aspects of aviation regulation and emerging technologies law. Prior to attending law school, Immel served in the United States Navy as a combat fighter pilot, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Led by Justine Kasznica, Babst Calland currently actively supports the mission and vision of the growing space industry in the region, and currently serves as general counsel for various aerospace contractors and suppliers and non-profit space organizations. Babst Calland is also in partnership with the Department of Defense and U.S. Space Force’s AFWERX/SpaceWERX hub in Pittsburgh, and is a founding member of the Pittsburgh-based Keystone Space Collaborative and the Moonshot Museum,
“We look forward to partnering with Jeff on many new endeavors as we forge new pathways in the aerospace, aviation and airport industries and helping our existing clients in these sectors to grow and expand,” said Justine Kasznica, shareholder, and chair of Babst Calland’s Emerging Technologies practice.
With demonstrated experience as a naval aviator flying in combat, an in-house attorney, airport general counsel, and legal and business advisor to multiple clients in the aviation and technologies industries, Immel is affiliating with Babst Calland to broaden its capabilities to meet the evolving and dynamic legal and regulatory challenges facing these highly regulated fields.
“Aviation, airport, and aerospace law are complex and rapidly evolving disciplines and demand quick answers to difficult problems. Joining forces with Babst Calland’s multidisciplinary legal and regulatory team is a welcome opportunity to focus on the complex needs and expectations of companies with emerging technologies,” said Immel.
“Partnering with Jeff further represents Babst Calland’s commitment to continue to meet the legal and regulatory needs of our clients,” said Donald C. Bluedorn II, Managing Shareholder. “Jeff is well-known in the industry and has a great reputation among local, state and federal regulatory agencies. We’re very pleased to have him as part of our team.”
July 23, 2024
Babst Calland participated in the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) Minority Law Student Job Fair in Chicago on July 23, 2024. The CCBA Job Fair attracts hundreds of law students with the of goal of connecting talented minority candidates with legal employers that value diversity. Babst Calland was represented at the CCBA Job Fair by Varun Shekhar, shareholder in the Firm’s Environmental and Pipeline Safety sections.
July 22, 2024
Morgan M. Madden recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Energy and Natural Resources, Public Sector and Employment and Labor groups. Ms. Madden represents traditional and renewable energy industry clients in land use and other local regulatory matters. She also has served as a solicitor for several Pennsylvania municipalities and municipal authorities. Ms. Madden provides a wide range of services to clients in both the public and private sectors, with an emphasis on land use, zoning, planning, labor and employment advice, and litigation.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Madden served as an associate with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. She is a 2017 graduate of Widener University Delaware Law School.
July 19, 2024
Babst Calland Attorney Christina Manfredi McKinley was recently elected to the Pittsburgh Board of Trustees of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Eastern Great Lakes Region. She will serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024.
“I’m honored to serve on the Pittsburgh Board of Trustees and am thrilled to be a part of the team. I look forward to supporting LLS in its mission to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need,” said Ms. McKinley.
According to Tina Thompson, Region Executive Director for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Eastern Great Lakes Region, “Volunteer leaders like Christina help LLS advance our mission and change the landscape for all cancer patients and are a crucial link in our efforts to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of our patients and their families.”
July 16, 2024
Babst Calland partnered with the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC) to sponsor and host an event designed for law students who identify as diverse. This event, called “Ask Us Anything,” was a panel discussion, followed by a networking reception, where over a dozen Pittsburgh law students had the opportunity to meet in-house attorneys from various companies and to ask them anything. The panelists included Ariell Antonio, Highmark Health; Jamie Fargo, PNC; David Ross, Giant Eagle, Inc.; Keysha Taylor, BNY; Tony Thompson, Dollar Bank (& PLDIC Board Vice Chair); and Chaton Turner, UPMC. For more information, click here.
June 10, 2024
Lucy E. Wiesner recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation Group. Ms. Wiesner has a broad range of experience representing corporate clients in commercial disputes, shareholder disputes, and energy and natural resources litigation.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Wiesner served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Richard A. Lloret in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She is a 2021 graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law.
June 6, 2024
Babst Calland announces that five practice areas and 14 attorneys and recognized in the 2024 Chambers USA Guide. Of those, the Firm was ranked for the first time this year in Litigation: General Commercial in Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds, and USA – Nationwide – Energy: PHMSA Specialists.
Chambers rankings are a definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry for law firms and legal professionals. A ranking from Chambers shows that the firm has stood out in the most rigorous, independent and in-depth research process and has emerged as one of the best in the field. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include: technical legal ability; professional conduct; client service; commercial astuteness; diligence; commitment; and other qualities most valued by the client.
Firm Rankings:
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh & Surrounds
- Litigation: General Commercial (Band 3)
Pennsylvania
- Environment (Band 1)
- Construction (Band 3)
West Virginia
- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 2)
- Environment (Band 2)
Lawyer Rankings:
USA – Nationwide – Energy: PHMSA Specialists
Pennsylvania – Environment
Pennsylvania – Construction
Pennsylvania – Litigation: Mediators
District of Columbia – Environment
West Virginia – Environment
West Virginia – Litigation: General Commercial
West Virginia – Energy & Natural Resources
May 21, 2024
Babst Calland has been ranked in the top 400 among the largest U.S. Law Firms. The Law360 400 features the largest U.S.-based law firms and international firms with a U.S. component as measured by domestic attorney headcount.