Sean McGovern was selected to Leadership Pittsburgh 2022-2023 Cohort. Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. is the local independent nonprofit that is best known for serving as the region’s premier
community leadership, identification, connection and development organization.
It’s the 39th cohort to take part in the flagship, highly-selective program, which includes 10 months of curriculum focused around examining the region’s most pressing issues. The program will kick off in mid-September with a reception at the Duquesne Club, followed by an opening retreat later in the month. Then, the class will convene monthly for daylong sessions. The program will wrap up in June 2023.
“The participants selected for LP XXXIX represent a diverse cross-section of our community at significant levels of influence,” Jenn Beer, CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh, said in a release. “We are honored that leaders of this caliber believe that civic leadership engagement in our community matters. The commitment to participating in Leadership Pittsburgh will strengthen bonds and networks between the participants, their organizations and the region.”
In total, 58 individuals were named to the cohort.
Attorneys Susanna Bagdasarova and Joseph A. Pope recently joined Babst Calland.
Susanna Bagdasarova joins the Corporate and Commercial and Emerging Technologies groups as an associate. She represents business clients in connection with a broad range of general corporate and commercial law matters, including entity formation, corporate structuring, corporate governance, commercial contracts, and mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on the technology sector. Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Bagdasarova was an associate with Jones Day. She graduated summa cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University, The Dickinson School of Law in 2015.
Joseph Pope joins the Corporate and Commercial Group as senior counsel. Mr. Pope’s practice focuses on corporate and transactional matters, including corporate and commercial finance transactions, with a particular focus on transactions involving commercial real estate. Prior to joining Babst Calland, he was a senior attorney with Hergenroeder Rega Ewing & Kennedy. Mr. Pope graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 2008.
Emily A. Davis recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation and Energy and Natural Resources groups. Ms. Davis has experience in federal and state courts and arbitrations, litigating complex matters for oil and gas producers and midstream companies. Her practice includes representing clients in litigation concerning a variety of matters including class actions, royalty disputes, title disputes, claims concerning underground storage and pipeline operations, and trespass claims.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Davis was an associate at Reed Smith LLP. She is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Attorney Alex Farone who is also the Co-Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Communications Committee of the Young Lawyer’s Division and the Editor and Chief of its “Point of Law” Newsletter led the newsletter to receive a 2022 American Bar Association Award of Achievement. This award is presented to projects submitted by local, state and national ABA YLD Affiliates for well-planned, and executed, programs that contribute significantly to the public and the betterment of the legal profession. Recognition is determined by a jury of their peers.
View the “Point of Law” Newsletter, here.
View the Spring 2022 issue, here.
Babst Calland is pleased to announce that three lawyers were selected as 2023 Best Lawyers “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 2023 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” include:
Blaine A. Lucas, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning “Lawyer of the Year” in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Timothy M. Miller, Oil and Gas Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston, W.Va.
Mychal Sommer Schulz, Litigation – ERISA “Lawyer of the Year” in Charleston, W.Va.
In addition, 31 Babst Calland lawyers were selected for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America (by BL Rankings), the most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession:
- Chester R. Babst – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Donald C. Bluedorn II – Environmental Law, Water Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Dean A. Calland – Environmental Law
- Matthew S. Casto – Commercial Litigation
- Frank J. Clements – Corporate Law
- Kathy K. Condo – Commercial Litigation
- James Curry – Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law
- Julie R. Domike – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Kevin K. Douglass – Natural Resources Law
- Christian A. Farmakis – Corporate Law
- Leonard Fornella – Admiralty and Maritime Law
- Kevin J. Garber – Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Energy Law, Water Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Steven M. Green – Energy Law
- Lindsay P. Howard – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Blaine A. Lucas – Energy Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning
- John A. McCreary – Labor Law – Management
- Janet L. McQuaid – Environmental Law
- James D. Miller – Construction Law and Litigation – Construction
- Timothy M. Miller – Energy Law, Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Oil and Gas Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Jean M. Mosites – Environmental Law
- Christopher B. Power – Environmental Law, 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, Litigation – Municipal
- Joseph K. Reinhart – Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental
- Bruce F. Rudoy – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Corporate Law
- Charles F.W. Saffer – Real Estate Law
- Mychal Sommer Schulz – Litigation – ERISA
- Mark D. Shepard – Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation – Environmental
- Steven B. Silverman – Information Technology Law, Commercial Litigation
- Laura Stone – Corporate Law
- Robert M. Stonestreet – Environmental Law, Energy Law, Commercial Litigation
- David E. White – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
- Michael H. Winek – Environmental Law
11 Babst Calland lawyers were also named to the 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America list which recognizes associates and other lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States:
- Mary H. Binker – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
- Katrina N. Bowers – Energy Law and Environmental Law
- Carla M. Castello – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
- Nicholas M. Faas – Administrative / Regulatory Law and Government Relations Practice
- Marc J. Felezzola – Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Construction
- Alyssa Golfieri – Land Use and Zoning Law and Municipal Law
- Sean R. Keegan – Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Jennifer L. Malik – Land Use and Zoning Law and Municipal Law
- James D. Mazzocco – Litigation – Environmental and Transportation Law
- Joshua S. Snyder – Commercial Litigation and Energy Law
- Benjamin R. Wright – Commercial Litigation and Construction Law
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.
West Virginia Attorney Joseph Bunn has joined Babst Calland’s Charleston office as a shareholder and member of its Corporate and Commercial practice group.
Mr. Bunn focuses his practice in financial transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He also counsels clients in other strategic areas such as corporate governance issues and miscellaneous contracts. Over the course of his practice, Joe has negotiated and drafted numerous transactions for buyers and sellers ranging in size from approximately $10 million to $325 million.
“Joe Bunn is well-known in industry in West Virginia and across the country. We’re very pleased to have him as part our team,” said Don Bluedorn, Babst Calland’s Managing Shareholder. “His proven experience in working with clients in the energy industry is a great fit for our Firm, and most importantly for our clients.”
“I am excited to be joining a well-respected legal team in West Virginia representing such a wide range of clients in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said Bunn.
Mr. Bunn earned his J.D. from West Virginia University, and received his undergraduate degree from William & Mary. He is a member of the American Bar Association, and is the Chairman of the Coal Subcommittee of the West Virginia State Bar.
Prior to obtaining his law degree, he worked for a Fortune 500 company and a middle market company where he served numerous roles involving strategic planning, capital raises, and acquisitions and divestitures.
Janet K. Meub recently joined Babst Calland as senior counsel in the Litigation and Employment and Labor groups. Ms. Meub has significant experience in the areas of employment and labor law, professional liability defense, insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, toxic tort litigation, nursing home negligence, and medical malpractice defense. She has a diversified practice that includes defending employers, healthcare providers, law enforcement and other professionals, and non-profits, at all levels of civil litigation through trial. She routinely counsels non-profit clients on employment matters including discrimination, wage and hour, FMLA and represents employers in PHRC/EEOC matters and at unemployment compensation hearings.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Meub was a principal at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote. She is a 2001 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law.
Babst Calland congratulates Attorney Tim Miller as the recipient of this year’s Energy & Mineral Law Foundation John L. McClaugherty Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the Foundation and the field of energy and mineral law. Each year, EMLF recognizes leaders who have shaped EMLF, and who are recognized as industry and community leaders.
To view the EMLF award presentation, click here.
Melissa M. Rounds recently joined Babst Calland as senior counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources Group. Mrs. Rounds has represented clients in the oil and gas industry for more than 15 years and has assisted producers in a variety of transactional matters, including real estate closings, preparation of documents for leasing purposes and examining and certifying title. Her work includes resolving complex title defects, coordinating urgent title projects, working in-house with major energy producers to provide comprehensive lease analysis and assistance with mineral purchases, and providing legal analysis for changes in statutory and case law.
Mrs. Rounds’ work on behalf of the oil and gas community is primarily focused in Morgantown, West Virginia. Her representation in the Morgantown area includes working with operators to reach drilling commitments, and interactions with county officials in major producing counties in northcentral West Virginia.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mrs. Rounds was the owner and attorney for Melissa Rounds Law. She is a 2006 graduate of West Virginia University College of Law.
Babst Calland today published its 12th annual energy industry report: The 2022 Babst Calland Report – Legal & Regulatory Perspectives for the U.S. Energy Industry. Each of our nation’s energy sectors is impacted by local, state and federal policies, many of which are addressed in this inclusive report on legal and regulatory developments for the energy industry in the United States.
The Babst Calland Report represents the timely and insightful perspectives of the firm’s energy attorneys on some of the most critical issues facing the industry, including climate change, cybersecurity, ESG and environmental justice, hydrogen and carbon capture sequestration, pipelines, and renewables.
Joseph K. Reinhart, shareholder and co-chair of Babst Calland’s Energy and Natural Resources Group, said, “The U.S. energy industry, and the U.S. economy as a whole, is reacting to shifting market forces and potential significant new changes in laws and regulations. Importantly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year and the resulting worldwide shortage of oil and gas has spotlighted the world’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and reinforced the value of America’s relative energy independence even as the nation and the world continue to seek alternative energy sources.”
Report Features Video Commentary from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin
This edition of The Babst Calland Report also features commentary from Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, who spoke with Babst Calland energy clients at a special briefing on May 26, 2022 called “A Perspective on U.S. Energy Policy with Senator Joe Manchin.”
To request a copy of The 2022 Babst Calland Report, click here.
The Babst Calland Report is provided for informational purposes for our clients and friends and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Legal Intelligencer
Alyssa Golfieri is a shareholder in the firm’s public sector and energy and natural resources groups. Her practice focuses primarily on municipal and land use law, with an emphasis on zoning, subdivision, land development and municipal ordinance enforcement.
Practice Profile:
Golfieri is a shareholder in the firm’s public sector and energy and natural resources groups. Her practice focuses primarily on municipal and land use law, with an emphasis on zoning, subdivision, land development and municipal ordinance enforcement.
She represents the firm’s municipal clients on a wide array of local government issues, including the preparation of zoning and land development ordinances pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the processing of land development applications, responses to record requests submitted under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, navigation of public bidding matters, abatement of property maintenance issues, defense of notices of violations before zoning hearing boards and magisterial district judges, and compliance with both the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
Leadership Activity:
Golfieri is an active leader within the firm, having served on the associates, summer associates, recruiting, technology and carpetmaster’s committees. She also serves as a mentor to future generations of attorneys outside the firm.
Pro Bono and Civic Work:
She frequently volunteers as an alumni judge for Duquesne University School of Law 1L appellate oral arguments, a juror for Allegheny County High School Mock Trial Competition, a panelist for Allegheny County Bar Association’s young lawyer’s division roundtable discussion titled “Preparing for the Bar Examination,” and a coordinator for Allegheny County Bar Association’s young lawyer division holiday toy drive.
Experience:
Current employer, May 2011-present, summer associate, 2011, associate, September 2012-December 2020, shareholder, Jan. 1, 2021-present.
Education:
The Pennsylvania State University, B.S. in crime, law and justice, 2009; Duquesne University School of Law, J.D., 2012.
To view the full article, click here.
Reprinted with permission from the June 17, 2022 edition of The Legal Intelligencer© 2022 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All rights reserved.
Babst Calland continues to support the Allegheny County Bar Association and 2021-2022 Law Firm Leadership Circle campaign to continue to provide much-needed support to our community and profession. For more information about ACBA and its Pro Bono Center Gratitude Report, click here.
Babst Calland Attorney Christina Manfredi McKinley, has been selected to Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, 2022 Rising Stars for Business Litigation. Only a few attorneys from each state are selected to Super Lawyers designation for any given year. The multi-factor selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and evaluations, as well as professional achievement in legal practice.
Babst Calland Attorney Gina Falaschi, selected to Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, Rising Stars for 2022. Based in the Firm’s Washington, DC office, she provides legal services for issues involving Environmental law. Only a few attorneys from each state are selected to Super Lawyers designation for any given year. The multi-factor selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and evaluations, as well as professional achievement in legal practice.
Babst Calland is pleased to announce that Bruce F. Rudoy has been elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). Membership is limited to just one percent of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Members are nominated by their peers and selected by the ABF Board.
The ABF Fellows is a global honorary society that recognizes attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities. ABF Fellows hail from nearly 40 countries and hold a wide variety of influential roles.
Mr. Rudoy is a shareholder and co-chair of Babst Calland’s Energy and Natural Resources and Renewables groups and Land and Energy Title Department. Mr. Rudoy concentrates his practice in the areas of Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, and the associated business transactions, corporate and real estate law. He counsels various clients on title, transaction and regulatory matters. Those matters are diverse and include title issues and opinions, purchase and sale of assets and equity, due diligence examination and analysis. Transactional matters related to energy contract matters include Joint Ventures, Farm-Outs and Farm-Ins, Power Purchase Agreements, Equipment Supply Agreements, EPC Contracts, Offtake Agreements, leases and licensing, secured lending, and litigation related to all of the foregoing. Mr. Rudoy is also a member of the Firm’s board of directors.
Mr. Rudoy is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Alaska, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming. He is also a member of the bar associations in each of those states. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Finance. He attended the London Metropolitan University (formerly City of London Polytechnic) in London, England in 1986 where he studied law and economics. Mr. Rudoy received his J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1992. During law school, he served on the Cleveland-Marshall Journal of Law and Health. Mr. Rudoy was also a visiting student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Mr. Rudoy is past chair of the Oil and Gas Committee of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources and a current member of the Environment and Energy, Business Law, Real Property, and Probate & Trust Law sections of various states’ bar associations. He is a Trustee-at-Large on the Trustees Council and serves on the Programs Committee of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (fka Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation). He is also a member of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF), National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA), American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) (including the Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the AAPL), Houston Association of Professional Landmen (HAPL), Permian Basin Landmen’s Association (PBLA), New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA), Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), Northern Appalachian Landman’s Association (NALA), Energy Bar Association, Solar Energy Professionals, Solar Energy Network, Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Mr. Rudoy has been listed by BL Rankings in The Best Lawyers in America© in the Mergers and Acquisitions Law Section since 2012 and Corporate Law Section since 2013. He was elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation in 2022. Mr. Rudoy was selected to the 2015-2016 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) lists for Energy & Natural Resources. He has also been named in the Pittsburgh Business Times Who’s Who in Energy.
About the ABF Fellows
Notable Fellows include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Former United States Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton.
The ABF Fellows serve as stewards of the American Bar Foundation, an independent, nonprofit research organization which conducts short- and long-term socio-legal research projects. The ABF’s mission is to serve the legal profession, the public, and the academy through empirical research, publications, and programs that advance justice and the understanding of law. The ABF’s research falls under one of three categories: learning and practicing law; protecting rights and accessing justice; and making and implementing law. The Foundation is committed to broad dissemination of research findings to the organized bar, scholars, and the general public. For more information about ABF Fellows, contact: Nina Darner at ndarner@abfn.org or (312) 988-6512.