August 15, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, August 15, 2018 – Babst Calland is pleased to announce that five lawyers were selected as 2019 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” in the Pittsburgh, Pa. and Charleston, W. Va. 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 2019 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” by BL Rankings include:
Kevin J. Garber, Natural Resources Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa. – In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” award, Kevin Garber was also listed in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Environmental Law, Energy Law, Water Law, and Litigation – Environmental.
Joseph K. Reinhart, Environmental Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa. – In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” award, Joseph K. Reinhart was also listed in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Natural Resources Law, Energy Law, and Litigation – Environmental.
Mark D. Shepard, Litigation – Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa. – In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” award, Mark D. Shepard was also listed in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation and Bet-the-Company Litigation.
Timothy M. Miller, Litigation – Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston, W.Va. – In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” award, Timothy Miller was also listed in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Oil and Gas Law, and Litigation – Environmental.
Christopher B. “Kip” Power, Environmental Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston, W.Va. – In addition to the “Lawyer of the Year” award, Kip Power was also listed in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in Natural Resources Law, Energy Law, Commercial Litigation, Mining Law, Oil and Gas Law, Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, and Litigation – Municipal.
In addition, 33 Babst Calland lawyers were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America by BL Rankings, the most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, in the following 26 practice areas:
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law: Norman E. Gilkey
- Bet-the-Company Litigation: Mark D. Shepard, Timothy M. Miller
- Commercial Litigation: Steven F. Baicker-McKee, Matthew S. Casto, Mark D. Shepard, Steven B. Silverman, Timothy M. Miller, Christopher B. Power, Robert M. Stonestreet
- Construction Law: Kurt F. Fernsler, D. Matthew Jameson III, Richard J. Lolli, David E. White
- Corporate Law: Frank J. Clements, Bruce F. Rudoy, Laura Stone
- Employment Law – Management: Richard J. Antonelli
- Energy Law: Kevin J. Garber, Steven M. Green, Blaine A. Lucas, Timothy M. Miller, Christopher B. Power, Joseph K. Reinhart
- Environmental Law: Chester R. Babst III, Steven F. Baicker-McKee, Donald C. Bluedorn II, Dean A. Calland, Kevin J. Garber, Lindsay P. Howard, Janet L. McQuaid, Jean M. Mosites, Christopher B. Power, Joseph K. Reinhart, Robert M. Stonestreet, Michael H. Winek
- Information Technology Law: Steven B. Silverman
- Labor Law – Management: Richard J. Antonelli, John A. McCreary, Jr.
- Land Use and Zoning Law: Blaine A. Lucas
- Litigation – Bankruptcy: Norman E. Gilkey
- Litigation – Construction: Kurt F. Fernsler, D. Matthew Jameson III, James D. Miller, Richard W. Saxe Jr., David E. White
- Litigation – Environmental: Chester R. Babst III, Steven F. Baicker-McKee, Donald C. Bluedorn II, Kevin J. Garber, Lindsay P. Howard, Timothy M. Miller, Christopher B. Power, Joseph K. Reinhart, Mark D. Shepard
- Litigation – ERISA: Mychal S. Schulz
- Litigation – Labor and Employment: Richard J. Antonelli
- Litigation – Land Use and Zoning: Blaine A. Lucas, Christopher B. Power
- Litigation – Municipal: Christopher B. Power
- Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy): Christopher B. Power
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law: Bruce F. Rudoy
- Mining Law: Christopher B. Power
- Municipal Law: Blaine A. Lucas
- Natural Resources Law: Kevin K. Douglass, Kevin J. Garber, Christopher B. Power, Joseph K. Reinhart
- Oil and Gas Law: Timothy M. Miller, Christopher B. Power
- Real Estate Law: Charles Saffer
- Water Law: Donald C. Bluedorn II, Kevin J. Garber
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 16, 2018
Pittsburgh, PA, August 17, 2018 – Janet L. McQuaid recently joined Babst Calland as senior counsel in the Environmental and Energy and Natural Resources groups. She has experience in many environmental programs, particularly water, waste, remediation, and chemical regulation. Ms. McQuaid has represented clients in many industries, including oil and gas exploration and production, natural gas transmission, refining, chemicals, electronics, and real estate development. She has defended industry and commercial clients in these and other industries against government enforcement actions before various federal and state environmental regulatory authorities, hearing boards, and courts. Ms. McQuaid helps clients negotiate agreed orders or consent decrees, handles administrative hearings, and participates in litigation in state and federal courts if litigation is necessary to protect the clients’ interests.
Ms. McQuaid has assisted clients in preparing comments on proposed environmental rules and challenged unfavorable regulations in court, including briefing and argument before the Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal on behalf of industry trade associations. She is also highly experienced in the environmental aspects of mergers and acquisitions, having conducted environmental due diligence and drafted the environmental terms for hundreds of transactions involving industrial facilities and commercial properties. She is a 1992 graduate of the University of Texas.
July 10, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, July 9, 2018 – Babst Calland today announced the addition of three lateral moves to support early stage businesses and companies with emerging technologies.
“The addition of these technology and startup-focused attorneys supports the Firm’s strategy to expand its multidisciplinary team to serve the needs of clients developing new technologies, new companies and new ideas,” said Babst Calland’s Managing Shareholder Donald C. Bluedorn II.
Justine M. Kasznica joined as shareholder in the Firm’s Mobility, Transport and Safety and Corporate and Commercial groups. Ms. Kasznica is a technology and commercial transactions attorney who represents technology companies, investor groups, universities and research institutions seeking to commercialize new technologies, as well as innovative products and services. Her clients are customers and vendors of software, SaaS, IoT, AI and robotics products and services in the retail, aerospace, autonomous vehicle, healthcare, education, emergency management and system safety/security industries, among others. In addition, she has experience in general corporate and commercial law matters, and supports clients with their entity formation, corporate governance, venture capital and private equity investments, and commercial contract needs.
A recreational drone pilot with a passion for robotics, space and aviation, she represents commercial space and drone (unmanned aircraft systems – UAS) companies in connection with their regulatory needs, and she also advises universities and large commercial institutions with respect to their UAS operations. In this role, she regularly participates in speaking engagements and leads workshops on legal and regulatory topics related to UAS and commercial space, and serves as an advisor to various UAS and space technology companies and projects.
Ms. Kasznica has been actively involved in Pittsburgh’s innovation economy since she moved to Pittsburgh in 2008. She served as Executive Director of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law Innovation Practice Institute and remains active on the boards of several entrepreneurship-focused organizations and programs, including Ascender, an accelerator and co-working hub. She is a founding member of ReefBot, a collaborative partnership between Carnegie Mellon’s Robotic Institute, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium to develop autonomous underwater vehicles for the purpose of oceanographic exploration and coral reef conservation.
Ms. Kasznica graduated from Yale University (Branford College) with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and earned her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law-Camden. She served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas M. Hardiman on the U.S Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She currently serves as the President of the Yale Club of Pittsburgh.
Carl A. Ronald joined as shareholder in the Corporate and Commercial Group. As a highly-experienced intellectual property attorney for more than 20 years, he represents clients, large and small, in the prosecution, licensing, and enforcement of their patent, copyright, and trademark rights. As part of his practice, he counsels clients on how to strategically protect their inventive creations, domestically and in foreign jurisdictions, as well as providing advice on freedom to operate, infringement studies, portfolio analyses, and white space evaluations. He also routinely prepares and negotiates commercial and employment documentation relating to the ownership, use, transfer, sharing, and joint development of existing and new intellectual property.
Mr. Ronald also has significant expertise in dispute resolution, having represented client interests in federal and state courts, as well as before panels in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as arbitrations and mediations. He has also engaged in appellate work when necessary to protect a client’s interests, advocating client positions before the Third and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeals, as well as arguing on behalf of clients before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in Alexandria, Va. He has been actively involved in Pittsburgh’s start-up scene throughout his legal career, dating back to his own startup company, and more recently working on-site site with a medical robotics company. He also volunteers his time and expertise screening and vetting the IP portfolios of funding candidates for two local angel investment groups and often speaks on topics related to intellectual property.
Mr. Ronald graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. He is also a graduate of the Benchtop to Bedside certificate program at the University of Pittsburgh.
Michael E. Fink joined as associate in the Corporate and Commercial Group. Mr. Fink focuses his practice on technology transactions and licensing with analysis and negotiation of intellectual property. He represents clients in mergers and acquisitions in general corporate, energy, and healthcare sectors, and handles private placements involving preferred stock, convertible debt, and seed and angel financings, preparation of pro forma capitalization tables, document drafting and negotiation, and deal closings. He also counsels clients in securities compliance providing substantive and technical reviews of annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements, and registration statements, as well as disclosure research and analysis. In addition, Mr. Fink provides general corporate counsel in entity formation including negotiation and preparation of governing documents, capitalization tables, corporate governance advice including best practices and observation of formalities and fiduciary duties, and board and stockholder meeting minute drafting and review.
Mr. Fink graduated from Albright College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and earned his Juris Doctor from University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
“Justine, Carl, and Michael are well-respected, accomplished legal professionals with backgrounds and experience unique to the industries and clients they serve. They join forces with Babst Calland’s existing multidisciplinary team focusing on the needs and expectations of startups and companies with emerging technologies. They are a natural fit for our Firm as they share similar values, experience and philosophy in serving clients,” said Bluedorn.
June 21, 2018
Marcellus, Utica Shale Plays Account for 41 Percent of U.S. Natural Gas Output
PITTSBURGH, June 21, 2018 – Babst Calland today released its annual energy industry report: The 2018 Babst Calland Report – Appalachian Basin Oil & Gas Industry: Forging Ahead Despite Obstacles; Legal and Regulatory Perspective for Producers and Midstream Operators. This annual review of shale gas development activity in the Appalachian Basin acknowledges an ongoing rebound despite obstacles presented by regulatory agencies, the courts, activists, and the market. To request a copy of the Report, contact info@babstcalland.com.
In this Report, Babst Calland attorneys provide perspective on issues, challenges, opportunities and recent developments in the Appalachian Basin and beyond relevant to producers and operators.According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s May 2018 report, the Appalachian Marcellus and Utica shale plays account for more than 40 percent of U.S. natural gas output, compared to only three percent a decade ago. Since then, the Appalachian Basin has become recognized in the U.S. and around the world as a major source of natural gas and natural gas liquids.
The industry has been forging ahead amidst relatively low natural gas prices, infrastructure building, acreage rationalization and drilling plans that align with business expectations. The policy landscape continues to evolve with ever-changing federal and state environmental and safety regulations and tax structures along with a patchwork of local government requirements across the multi-state region.
Joseph K. Reinhart, shareholder and co-chair of Babst Calland’s Energy and Natural Resources Group, said, “This Report provides perspective on the challenges and opportunities of a shale gas industry in the Appalachian Basin that continues to enjoy a modest rebound. While more business-friendly policies and procedures are emanating from Washington, D.C., threats of trade wars are raising concerns about the U.S. energy industry’s ability to fully capitalize on planned exports to foreign markets.”
He added, “In a sustaining low price natural gas environment, operators in the Appalachian Basin continue to reduce operating costs and maximize capital and operating budgets by increasing efficiencies, employing new technologies and consolidating operations. As a result, drilling activity and production continue to be strong compared to a year or two ago. All indicators suggest continued growth prospects for Appalachian Basin shale despite the lingering obstacles facing the industry.”
The 84-page Report contains five sections, highlighted below, each addressing key challenges for oil and gas producers and midstream operators.
Business Outlook: Growth Prospects Continue
The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that U.S. energy consumption and production is most likely set for modest growth over the next 30 years. Henry Hub spot prices for natural gas rebounded modestly in 2017 and have tracked reasonably close in the first half of 2018. Given relatively-flat price projections, Appalachian operators’ ability to keep costs down, improve efficiency, and pursue attractive transactions remains critical. The energy industry turnaround is evidenced by the significant slowing of bankruptcy filings, from 70 in 2016 to just 24 in 2017.
Oil and Gas Regulations Continue to Evolve, Reform and Persist
Federal and state courts, legislatures and regulatory agencies are addressing various oil and gas issues and reforms. Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment (ERA) poses a new and significant legal and novel constitutional issue for operators in the Commonwealth. Recent court challenges include a sharp rise in the total dollar amount of assessed penalties based on how PADEP calculates fines and civil penalties. West Virginia’s Governor Jim Justice issued a series of executive orders that seek broad regulatory reform.
Pipeline Outlook Positive, But More Public Pressure
The pipeline industry is continuing to experience increased scrutiny from regulators at all levels of government. Much of this scrutiny is being driven by public interest groups and environmental advocacy organizations becoming more active in the pipeline permitting process and resorting with greater frequency to litigation as a means of advancing policy initiatives that are not favorable to the energy industry. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) continued to make progress in finalizing the Gas Transmission and Gathering Final Rule with the intention to divide the content of the proposed rule into three separate final rules with the hope of issuing the rules by the end of 2019.
Local Government Regulation Continues to Spawn Debate and Legal Challenges
In Robinson Township, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court invalidated two sections of Pennsylvania’s updated Oil and Gas Act (Act 13) that limited the authority of local governments to regulate oil and gas operations. This was based on a reinvigorated interpretation and application of the Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, commonly known as the Environmental Rights Amendment (ERA). On June 1, 2018, the PA Supreme Court published its long-awaited Gorsline opinion. In a 4-3 decision, the majority reversed the Commonwealth Court’s decision affirming the granting of a conditional use approval for an unconventional natural gas well pad. West Virginia’s Lincoln and Fayette counties have enacted forms of “nuisance ordinances” that could potentially be used to target oil and gas related operations. As Ohio Courts heard and decided several cases regarding the extent of local authority to regulate oil and gas development, anti-fracking groups pursued an alternative route to regulation through local ballot initiatives.
Litigation Trends
West Virginia continues to see private nuisance suits filed against both upstream and midstream companies. In the last few years, civil suit filings alleging property contamination and nuisance claims from unconventional natural gas development have diminished significantly in Pennsylvania. Articles related to claims of alleged health effects from unconventional natural gas development continue to be published in scientific journals and in the media in even greater numbers, resulting in increasing controversy and polarization.
Many of the current opportunities and challenges facing the industry are described in the pages of this Report. Babst Calland’s multidisciplinary team of energy attorneys have chronicled the legal and regulatory landscape to help inform the energy industry operating in the Appalachian Basin.
June 16, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, July 9, 2018 – Attorneys Christopher T. Bailey and Amanda T. Camplesi joined Babst Calland in the Firm’s Mineral Title department in the Energy and Natural Resources Group with focused practices counseling various energy, oil, gas and mineral-related clients on transaction matters, including title examination, title curative, oil and gas title opinions, and due diligence..
Christopher T. Bailey is a 2010 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. He previously was an associate attorney for a law firm in headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and focused his practice on oil and gas transactional matters.
Amanda T. Camplesi is a 2015 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. She previously was a participant of the General Litigation Clinic where she practiced various types of law.
June 13, 2018
Former U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA Enforcement Division Chief Will Godfrey Joins Law Firm
WASHINGTON, DC and PITTSBURGH, PA, June 13, 2018 – Babst Calland announced the addition of William L. Godfrey as Director, Mobility, Automation and Safety.
The Firm is expanding its capabilities to support the developing needs of companies with emerging technologies. It provides strategic leadership with business and legal advice for manufacturers, suppliers, start-ups, technology companies and government entities in the full-spectrum of transportation regulatory, safety, product quality, and automation matters, including those related to automated/autonomous driving systems.
“Will Godfrey’s expertise and creativity deepens our unique vision to deliver full-stack solutions to clients’ problems that integrate technical and engineering know-how with legal insight to expand business opportunities,” said Tim Goodman, Chair of Babst Calland’s Mobility, Transport and Safety Group, and former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement and Federal Senior Executive.
A former General Motors vehicle engineer, production manager and senior U.S. federal regulatory chief at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)/U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Will Godfrey will assist clients in achieving their business goals and navigating obstacles by applying a current and detailed understanding of the federal government’s approach to transportation safety regulation (particularly motor vehicles), including its programs, processes, and personnel.
Godfrey spent nearly a decade at NHTSA/DOT, where he served in various leadership capacities. Among other things, as NHTSA’s Trends and Analysis Division Chief, he led the oversight, analysis, and investigation of more than 1,100 vehicle, equipment, tire, motorcycle, and child car seat manufacturers globally, including TREAD Act/Early Warning Reporting Program and the integration of new, data-driven techniques. As a senior policy advisor to the NHTSA Administrator, he led the agency’s comprehensive reorganization of the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).
“Will Godfrey is well-regarded and uniquely qualified to serve clients with emerging technologies as a senior technical and strategic advisor, integrated with our best in class legal and technical team,” said Donald C. Bluedorn II, Managing Shareholder of Babst Calland. “We’re thrilled to have him join us.”
Prior to his federal service, Godfrey worked at General Motors as a vehicle engineer and production manager for various vehicle and equipment platforms. Among other things, he led programs in quality control, research and development, production, distribution, licensing, sales and service.
Godfrey received his Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering and Technology from Southern Illinois University. He earned a certificate from the Graduate School USA, Washington D.C. in the Federal Senior Executive Leadership Development Program in Management.
May 16, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, July 9, 2018 – Attorneys Kara M. Beck, Eric W. Deiseroth, Sarah N. Grape, Vincent J. Krawiec, and Justin H. Woolhandler joined Babst Calland in the Firm’s Mineral Title department in the Energy and Natural Resources Group with focused practices counseling various energy, oil, gas and mineral-related clients on transaction matters, including title examination, title curative, oil and gas title opinions, and due diligence..
Kara M. Beck is a 2017 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law. She previously interned as a summer law clerk with two judges: the Honorable Judge Joseph J. Matika and the Honorable Judge Steven R. Serfass in the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas Courthouse. Additionally, she also worked as a legal assistant in a small firm in downtown Pittsburgh.
Eric W. Deiseroth is a 2011 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law, cum laude. He previously worked as a manager in the Land Department of a Pittsburgh-based E&P company where he managed a diverse portfolio of assets encompassing thousands of producing wells throughout the country.
Sarah N. Grape is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She previously interned at two Pittsburgh law firms working on plaintiff’s side personal injury and employment law matters.
Vincent J. Krawiec is a 2016 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law. He previously worked as a contract attorney for Special Counsel, where he was on assignment with Babst Calland.
Justin H. Woolhandler is a 2014 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He previously examined mineral titles in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio for a large West Virginia law firm.
May 15, 2018
Pittsburgh, PA, May 15, 2018 – Russel Nakaishi recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Energy and Natural Resources Group. Mr. Nakaishi focuses his practice primarily on counseling various energy, oil, gas and mineral-related clients on transaction matters as they relate to oil and gas title issues, opinions, and due diligence. A 2010 graduate of the West Virginia University School of Law, he previously was an associate for a West Virginia-based energy law firm where he counseled energy clients on various transactional matters relating to the acquisition and development of oil and gas assets.
May 3, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, May 3, 2018 – Meredith Odato Graham, an associate in the Environmental and Energy and Natural Resources groups at Babst Calland, was selected by The Legal Intelligencer as a “2018 Lawyer on the Fast Track” in Pennsylvania.
A 2011 graduate, magna cum laude, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Ms. Graham focuses her practice on federal, state and local regulatory and permitting issues arising under the Clean Air Act. Ms. Graham regularly counsels companies in the chemical, oil and gas, cement and other industrial sectors regarding the environmental requirements affecting their operations. Her core practice involves assisting clients with day-to-day compliance and permitting needs for facilities located around the country, often in conjunction with technical consultants. She has experience with state and federal agency information requests and enforcement actions, as well as environmental litigation matters such as permit appeals and citizen suits. She also provides environmental due diligence services for corporate transactions.
The Legal Intelligencer asked the Pennsylvania legal community to submit nominations for the annual Lawyers on the Fast Track honors. After reviewing their results, a five-member judging panel composed of evaluators from all corners of the legal profession and the state selected 30 attorneys as the 2018 Lawyers on the Fast Track. This recognition is only given to attorneys under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in four categories: development of the law; advocacy and community contributions; service to the bar; and peer and public recognition.
March 13, 2018
CHARLESTON, WV, March 13, 2018 – Charles Saffer recently joined Babst Calland as senior counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources and Corporate and Commercial groups. Mr. Saffer focuses his practice on real estate and mineral title matters for corporate clients within the commercial and oil and gas industries. A 1998 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, he previously represented a multinational chemical corporation in the disposition of significant assets in West Virginia.
March 1, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, March 1, 2018 – Attorneys Nicholas F. Bunner, Brittany J. Boldt, Matthew D. Dishong, Mackenzie A. Kline, and Rachel E. Lutz joined Babst Calland in the Firm’s Mineral Title department in the Energy and Natural Resources Group with focused practices counseling various energy, oil, gas and mineral-related clients on transaction matters, including title examination, title curative, oil and gas title opinions, and due diligence.
Nicholas Bunner is a 2016 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He previously interned with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and participated in the University of Pittsburgh Health Law Clinic, obtaining special education accommodations and disability benefits for clinic clients.
Brittany Boldt is a 2015 graduate of Washington & Lee University School of Law, she previously worked as a family law attorney in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
Matthew Dishong, a 2013 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, previously worked as an associate at a Pittsburgh-based energy law firm where his practice included examining mineral titles in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Mackenzie Kline, a 2013 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, previously worked in land administration for a Texas-based oil and gas company in its Charleston, West Virginia office where he managed numerous contracts and various working, royalty, and overriding royalty interests. He has also examined mineral title in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for large firms in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Rachel Lutz, a 2012 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law, previously worked as an associate for a law firm in Wheeling, West Virginia and focused her practice on litigation matters including product liability, employment, and oil and gas matters.
February 21, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, February 21, 2018 – Eric D. Kitcho recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation and Employment and Labor groups. Mr. Kitcho focuses his practice on general civil litigation. In his labor and employment practice, Mr. Kitcho defends employers in claims arising under Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act. He also routinely handles cases involving trade secrets and breaches of restrictive covenants. Mr. Kitcho is a 2014 graduate, magna cum laude, from University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
February 15, 2018
CHARLESTON, WV, February 15, 2018 – Tiffany M. Arbaugh recently joined Babst Calland as staff attorney in the Energy and Natural Resources Group. Ms. Arbaugh focuses her practice on real estate and energy matters within the oil and gas industry. She earned her J.D. from the Appalachian School of Law in 2005.
January 23, 2018
Legal Services for Incorporation and Standard Business Agreements
PITTSBURGH (Jan. 23, 2018)— The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG) has partnered with local law firm Babst Calland to offer startup companies in the PLSG portfolio access to legal assistance regarding certain corporate governance work and drafting of certain standard business agreements, under a flat fee arrangement*. This Flat Fee Program is available to individuals and entities that come through PLSG for investment and development.
Under the Flat Fee program, Babst Calland can assist with:
• Incorporating a business, including preparing and filing with the Department of State the Articles of Incorporation, as well as preparation of other required documents.
• Assisting with the establishment of a single-member limited liability company, including the preparation and filing of a Certificate of Organization with the Department of State, and the preparation of an Operating Agreement.
• Preparing certain standard business agreements, including: (1) confidentiality agreement/non-disclosure agreement; (2) employment agreement/noncompete agreement.
“Our team can provide efficient and effective legal assistance to help companies new and old navigate the day-to-day issues commonly faced by businesses, and we look forward to working with PLSG and its exciting portfolio of emerging life sciences companies,” said Alana Fortna of Babst Calland. “The life sciences space is essential to the continued growth of our region.”
“PLSG believes in the mission of helping regional life sciences companies achieve successful commercialization, and Babst Calland’s offer to bring its legal expertise and insight to bear on behalf of our startups for a flat fee is both incredibly valuable and very much appreciated,” said Jim Jordan, PLSG President and CEO. “By developing this Flat Fee Program with Babst Calland, we can make sure that our companies have experienced counsel at a predictable cost.”
The PLSG kicks off this new program by giving away one free legal service* at a drawing during its B2B event, “Start-ups: Why and when to hire a lawyer?” scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 25, at PLSG offices on the South Side, featuring guest speakers Alana Fortna and Ben Milleville from Babst Calland. Please see the PLSG website for details and registration (www.PLSG.com).
January 22, 2018
PITTSBURGH, PA, January 22, 2018 – Anthony S. DaDamo recently joined Babst Calland as a staff attorney in the Energy and Natural Resources Group. Mr. DaDamo counsels various energy, oil, gas and mineral-related clients on transaction matters as they relate to gas title issues and opinions. Mr. DaDamo is a 2014 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.