Author: Vicki Landa

Casey Alan Coyle Selected by The Legal Intelligencer as a “2024 Lawyer on the Fast Track, Small/Midsize Winner”

Babst Calland Attorney Casey Alan Coyle was selected by The Legal Intelligencer as a “2024 Lawyer on the Fast Track, Small/Midsize Winner” in Pennsylvania.

After reviewing the results of nominations for the annual The Legal Intelligencer awards, a judging panel composed of evaluators from all corners of the legal profession and the state selected 13 attorneys as the 2024 Lawyers on the Fast Track, Small/Midsize Winners. 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.

Mr. Coyle is a shareholder and co-chair of the Firm’s Litigation Group. He is also the Managing Shareholder of the Firm’s Harrisburg Office. He concentrates his practice on appellate law and complex commercial litigation. He frequently represents clients in state and federal appellate courts, with a particular emphasis on appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Over his career, he has represented either a party or an amicus curiae in 15 appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mr. Coyle has also successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to grant review of an appeal—commonly known as “allocatur”—on six different occasions. In addition, he has presented oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Christopher Etheredge Joins Babst Calland

Christopher S. Etheredge recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation Group. Mr. Etheredge has a wealth of experience representing clients in a wide variety of high-stakes litigation and appellate matters involving state and local governments, elected and appointed government officials, complex energy and business litigation, class actions, product and premises liability, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. Recently, he served as counsel to the West Virginia House of Delegates during consecutive legislative sessions, where he drafted and presented legislation to the House Committees on Judiciary, Government Organization, Workforce Development, and Technology and Infrastructure, and regularly counseled House leadership during floor sessions.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Etheredge was an associate with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. He is a 2020 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law.

Babst Calland Attends the ACBA’s Barrister’s Ball

Babst Calland was glad to support the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Barrister’s Ball on Saturday, February 11 at the Westin Pittsburgh in downtown. Attorneys Joe Reinhart, Rick Wiedman, Christina Puhnaty, Jessica Barnes and Carla Castello attended the event.

Attorney Casey Coyle Joins Babst Calland

Attorney Casey Alan Coyle recently joined Babst Calland as a shareholder and member of its Litigation Group. Mr. Coyle will be based in Harrisburg, Pa.

Mr. Coyle concentrates his practice on appellate law and complex commercial litigation.  He frequently represents clients in state and federal appellate courts, with a particular emphasis on appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  Over his career, he has represented either a party or an amicus curiae in 15 appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Mr. Coyle has also successfully petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to grant review of an appeal—commonly known as “allocatur”—on six different occasions.  In addition, he has presented oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, and Pennsylvania Superior Court. Before entering private practice, Mr. Coyle served for over two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas G. Saylor, Chief Justice Emeritus of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

“We’re very pleased to have Casey as part our Litigation team. He is a highly accomplished litigator representing clients in matters pending before state and federal appellate courts,” said Donald Bluedorn, Babst Calland’s Managing Shareholder. “Casey’s proven experience and track record in appeals before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be an invaluable contribution to our Firm, and most importantly for our clients.”

Mr. Coyle also regularly represents businesses in disputes pending before state and federal trial courts.  His practice has focused on cases involving theft of trade secrets, non-competition/non-solicitation agreements, shareholder litigation, emergency injunctions, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duties.  In addition, he has represented clients in matters brought before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court as part of its original jurisdiction.

“I look forward to serving the expanding needs of my clients and working with a well-respected legal team who shares my values, experience, and philosophy, and a proactive approach to business-focused problem-solving and client service,” said Coyle.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Coyle was a partner at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. He is a 2009 graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law.

Amanda Brosy Joins Babst Calland

Amanda L. Brosy recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Environmental Group. Her practice involves client counseling on compliance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations, resolving liabilities under federal and state remediation programs, and advising clients on significant environmental liability and compliance issues arising in various types of transactions. Ms. Brosy also assists with administrative appeals and environmental litigation in state and federal courts.

 

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Brosy was a senior associate with McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP. She is a 2011 graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law.

Austin Rogers Joins Babst Calland

Austin D. Rogers recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation Group. Mr. Rogers practices in a variety of litigation practice areas, including commercial, employment and labor, environmental, and energy and natural resources.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Rogers was a staff attorney with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, representing the Commission’s Staff in administrative hearings regarding utility regulation. He is a 2020 graduate of West Virginia University College of Law.

Barnes, Moyer and Puhnaty Join Babst Calland

Jessica M. Barnes, Mackenzie M. Moyer and Christina M. Puhnaty recently joined law firm Babst Calland’s Pittsburgh, Pa. office as associates.

Ms. Barnes, a 2021 graduate of Duquesne University Law School, joins the Litigation Group. She practices in a variety of litigation practice areas, including commercial, employment and labor, land use, and energy and natural resources.

Ms. Moyer, a 2021 graduate of Penn State Law, joins the Environmental Group. She assists clients with matters encompassing a broad range of environmental issues, including those related to state and federal permitting and regulatory compliance.

Ms. Puhnaty, a 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, joins the Environmental Group. She assists clients with matters encompassing a broad range of environmental issues, including those related to state and federal permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental litigation.

Joseph Schaeffer Joins Babst Calland

Joseph V. Schaeffer recently joined Babst Calland as a shareholder in the Litigation Group. He focuses his practice on environmental, energy and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Schaeffer has tried various environmental and commercial cases before environmental hearings boards, courts, and juries. He has also had primary responsibility for multiple appeals and argued several cases in the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Mr. Schaeffer has significant experience working with clients on overcoming obstacles that can hinder their commercial development projects. He has served as lead trial counsel in several land use disputes involving zoning ordinances and was lead appellate counsel in a precedent-setting West Virginia Supreme Court decision that established the constitutional limits of municipal zoning. He has counseled clients on other land use disputes involving annexation, deannexation, and state and federal preemption issues. He served as co-trial counsel in successfully obtaining an injunction against a government agency’s attempt to use its eminent domain powers to take an industrial client’s facility. And he has litigated multiple property tax valuation and exemption appeals and worked on two precedent-setting West Virginia Supreme Court decisions affirming the legal structure used by state economic development authorities to offer property tax incentives.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Schaeffer was an associate with Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC. He is a 2012 graduate, cum laude, of the University of Pittsburgh Law School.

Evan Baylor Joins Babst Calland

Attorney Evan M. Baylor recently joined law firm Babst Calland’s Washington, DC office as an associate in the Environmental Group. Mr. Baylor, a 2019 graduate of Vermont Law School, provides advice to clients regarding compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

Prior to joining Babst Calland, Mr. Baylor worked as an Honors Attorney for the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), where he managed diverse assignments including performing final legal and policy review of environmental documents for the Office of the Secretary, updating DOT orders on environmental policies, advising client offices on Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments, and briefing DOT leadership on legal and policy issues.

Faas, Phillips, Yeager and Scott Join Babst Calland

Attorneys Nicholas M. Faas, Edward D. Phillips and Joe P. Yeager recently joined, and Aimee V. Scott rejoined law firm Babst Calland.

Nicholas M. Faas, a 2014 graduate of Emory University School of Law, joins the Corporate and Commercial and Emerging Technologies groups as an associate. He represents business clients in connection with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and general corporate, governance and commercial transaction matters, with a focus on technology, real estate, and energy sectors. Mr. Faas was previously with Jones Day.

Edward D. Phillips, a 2016 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University’s Dickinson School of Law, joins the Litigation Group as an associate. He has experience in all stages of litigation, from drafting dispositive motions, discovery, settlement, and trial. Mr. Phillips was previously with Fox Rothschild LLP.

Joe P. Yeager, a 2002 graduate of Widener University Delaware Law School, joins the Environmental Group as a senior associate. He provides advice and legal counsel to clients in a wide range of environmental and Delaware corporate law matters. His extensive environmental law experience includes providing clients with strategic advice regarding CERCLA (commonly known as Superfund), RCRA and state and local environmental regulations throughout all stages of the environmental law process In addition to guiding clients through the process of environmental regulatory compliance and negotiating consent decrees and other agency decisional documents, Mr. Yeager provides legal advice and guidance to clients faced with defending or pursuing third-party contribution claims and other environmental litigation at complex third-party disposal sites (e.g., hazardous waste landfills and drum handling sites).  In addition to his experience in environmental law, he provides legal and strategic advice to clients on corporate and commercial transactions, from formation to dissolution of Delaware business entities, including commercial transactional documents, supply chain agreements, and internal corporate governance advice to national and multinational corporations. Mr. Yeager was previously with McCarter & English, LLP in their Wilmington, Delaware office.

Aimee V. Scott, a 2007 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, rejoined the Energy & Natural Resources and Corporate & Commercial groups as senior counsel. Her practice includes general corporate and real estate transactions. She also concentrates on natural resources and energy issues and has experience with oil and gas well development issues, including contract drafting, due diligence and title analysis for Marcellus and Utica Shale developers. Ms. Scott was previously with Sitko Bruno, LLC.

Babst Calland named to Pennsylvania Business Central’s Top 100 Organizations

Babst Calland has been named to this year’s Pennsylvania Business Central’s “Top 100 Organizations” list and profiled in its Signature Top 100 issue. Nominations were taken throughout the publication’s 23-county coverage area, and the final organizations were selected by an editorial committee due to their positive impacts in the business community of central Pennsylvania.

For the full list, click here.

Jean Mosites named to Pennsylvania Business Central 2021 Top 100 People

This has been a year like no other! Our annual Top 100 People edition highlights the vibrant economic and social life of central Pennsylvania by honoring the people who make it happen. When goods or services are delivered in an efficient and timely manner, expertise and knowledge brought to bear on a problem, or necessary care provided, it’s not just the businesses and the institutions – but the people behind them that get the job done. We all know that powerhouse individual – the person with the vision, dedication and drive to not only complete the task, but to envision, expand and excel. We are fascinated by the impact a single individual can have on their workplace, their community and the lives of those around them. The stories of these individuals can provide instruction, inspiration and the motivation to raise our own standard of excellence. That is why we take great pride in bringing you Pennsylvania Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2021!

As always, we reached out to community leaders, local chambers of commerce, and you, our loyal readers, to identify those individuals whose unique contributions have set them apart as leaders. We received a wealth of nominations that reflect the rich diversity of central Pennsylvania and its business community. So many deserving nominations in such a challenging year, that we had to expand our list of honorees – and so we are proud to honor 120 outstanding leaders in this year’s edition!

In selecting this year’s honorees, we wanted to show the full spectrum of leadership – from the small entrepreneur to the CEO of a large corporation – that helps shape our communities and our lives. And while every story is unique, we think you’ll find that these honorees share a dedication to hard work, dynamic leadership and the pursuit of excellence.

Many of you probably know some of these distinguished honorees. These are the people who run companies, volunteer in their community and raise families – they are our neighbors and our friends – the ones who give that extra effort that makes all the difference. We hope that you will enjoy learning about them as much as we did. We are proud to honor them.

As a companion to this edition, we are looking forward to our Top 100 Organizations signature edition, which will publish in February, celebrating the best in central Pennsylvania’s businesses, non-profits and brands.

Jean Mosites is a shareholder in Babst Calland’s Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources, and Public Sector groups. She counsels clients on environmental compliance, resolves liabilities under federal and state remediation programs, and represents clients in administrative, state and federal courts. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and her J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. She is rated by Martindale-Hubbell as AV Preeminent, Peer Rated for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence, and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the Environmental Law Section. Jean serves on the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Environmental and Energy Law Section Council and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board Rules Committee. She frequently writes articles and presents educational and training programs on environmental law. She also actively supports community service organizations including the Education Partnership and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

For the full article, click here.

Explore Solvaire: Babst Calland’s Affiliated Alternative Legal Service Provider

We understand the unprecedented challenges facing our organizations. Now, more than ever, we realize how critical it is for our clients to seek cost efficiencies while making legal, operational, financial and ‘game changing’ business decisions.

Solvaire, Babst Calland’s affiliated Alternative Legal Service Provider – with its enhanced AI-enabled processes and machine learning capabilities – can help to increase efficiency, while lowering project costs. For more than 21 years, Solvaire has effectively designed, performed, and implemented complex buy-side diligence projects, discovery projects and tailored document management solutions. Solvaire’s track record and satisfied clients speak for themselves.

Check out Solvaire’s new website and request a free consultation to learn how Solvaire can work with your team to provide superior diligencediscovery and document management services – on time, with accuracy and consistency and within a budget that provides price certainty.

To stay informed about Solvaire news, latest case studies and content, as well as innovative business and technology enhancements, sign up for updates here.

Explore Solvaire, and unlock the value it provides.

On behalf of Babst Calland and Solvaire, we look forward to serving you on your next project.

Chris Farmakis
Chairman, Babst Calland
President, Solvaire

Babst Calland Names Three New Shareholders: Ben Clapp, Alyssa Golfieri and Gary Steinbauer

Babst Calland recently named Ben Clapp, Alyssa E. Golfieri, and Gary E. Steinbauer as shareholders in the Firm.

Ben Clapp is a member of the Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources, and Emerging Technologies groups. Mr. Clapp advises clients on the environmental components of complex transactions, including identifying and analyzing significant environmental liability and compliance issues arising in connection with mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, securities offerings, project financings, and corporate restructurings, and works to resolve, manage, allocate or mitigate these environmental risks in the client’s best interest.  Mr. Clapp assists buyers, sellers, financing sources, and underwriters in transactions taking place across a wide range of industries, including the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas sectors, renewable energy, real estate, utilities, chemicals, manufacturing, mining, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, and food and beverage.

Mr. Clapp is a 2008 graduate, cum laude, of the American University Washington College of Law.

Alyssa E. Golfieri is a member of the Public Sector and Energy and Natural Resources groups. Ms. Golfieri’s practice focuses primarily on municipal and land use law, with an emphasis on zoning, subdivision, land development, and municipal ordinance enforcement. Ms. Golfieri 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. Ms. Golfieri has also served as assistant solicitor for several years, and is currently the solicitor for the Borough of Ford City.

Ms. Golfieri is a 2012 graduate, cum laude, of Duquesne University School of Law.

Gary E. Steinbauer is a member of the Environmental group. Mr. Steinbauer leverages his experience as a former lawyer for the U.S. EPA to help clients on a wide variety of matters arising under major federal and state environmental and regulatory programs. He provides strategic advice on permitting matters, day-to-day compliance needs, government investigations, and enforcement actions. Mr. Steinbauer regularly works with companies in the power generation and distribution, mining, metals, chemical, oil and gas, healthcare and other industrial sectors. He also represents municipalities, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. Mr. Steinbauer devotes a significant portion of his practice to water resources and wastewater management and permitting. He regularly advises clients on issues arising under the Clean Water Act and related state programs regulating wastewater and storm water discharges, and he handles NPDES permitting matters and appeals. He also assists clients as they navigate matters involving the Clean Air Act, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Endangered Species Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and similar state laws.

Mr. Steinbauer is a 2006 graduate, magna cum laude, of the University of Toledo Law School.

Mr. Steinbauer is a 2006 graduate, magna cum laude, of the University of Toledo Law School.

Babst Calland Ranked in 2021 “Best Law Firms”

Babst Calland has been ranked in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” list nationally in eight practice areas and regionally in 31 practice areas:

  • National Tier 2
    • Environmental Law
    • Land Use & Zoning Law
    • Litigation – Environmental
  • National Tier 3
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    • Litigation – Construction
    • Mining Law
    • Natural Resources Law
    • Oil & Gas Law
  • Metropolitan Tier 1
    •  Pittsburgh
      • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
      • Bet-the-Company Litigation
      • Commercial Litigation
      • Construction Law
      • Corporate Law
      • Energy Law
      • Environmental Law
      • Information Technology Law
      • Land Use & Zoning Law
      • Litigation – Bankruptcy
      • Litigation – Construction
      • Litigation – Environmental
      • Litigation – Land Use & Zoning
      • Municipal Law
      • Natural Resources Law
      • Water Law
    •  Charleston-WV
      • Commercial Litigation
      • Energy Law
      • Environmental Law
      • Litigation – Environmental
      • Oil & Gas Law
  • Metropolitan Tier 2
    • Pittsburgh
      • Labor Law – Management
    • Charleston-WV
      • Mining Law
      • Natural Resources Law
    • Washington, D.C.
      • Oil & Gas Law
  • Metropolitan Tier 3
    •  Pittsburgh
      • Mergers & Acquisitions Law
    •  Charleston-WV
      • Bet-the-Company Litigation
      • Litigation – ERISA
      • Real Estate Law
    • Washington, D.C.
      • Environmental Law
      • Litigation – Environmental

Firms included in the 2021 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.

Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism and their integrity.

The 2021 Edition of “Best Law Firms” includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. One “Law Firm of the Year” is named in each of the nationally ranked practice areas.

Top