Babst Calland has been ranked in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list nationally in seven practice areas and regionally in 29 practice areas:
- National Tier 1
- Environmental Law
- Litigation – Environmental
- National Tier 2
- National Tier 3
- Litigation – Construction
- Mining Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Oil & Gas Law
- Metropolitan Tier 1
- Pittsburgh
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Energy Law
- Environmental Law
- Information Technology Law
- Land Use & Zoning Law
- 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
- Charleston-WV
- Mining Law
- Natural Resources Law
- Washington, D.C.
- Environmental Law
- Litigation – Environmental
- Metropolitan Tier 3
- Pittsburgh
- Mergers & Acquisitions Law
- Charleston-WV
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Litigation – ERISA
- Real Estate Law
- Washington, D.C.
Firms included in the 2023 “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 2023 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.
Click here to view the full ranking on U.S. News U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list.
Babst Calland attorneys celebrated the opening of the Moonshot Museum and gathered for a special tour of the new Museum housed inside Astrobotic’s headquarters facility, with Justine Kasznica, the firm’s Emerging Tech practice chair and founding board member of the Museum. Babst Calland is a founding partner of the Museum.
To learn more about the Moonshot Museum, visit https://moonshotmuseum.org/.
Attorney Justine Kasznica who is also a Founding Board Member of the Moonshot Museum, led its grand opening on October 15. Babst Calland is honored to support and partner with the museum as Pennsylvania’s first space museum and first museum in the world focused on career readiness for the 21st century space industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition
On May 11 from 12-1:30 p.m., the PLDIC will offer a CLE opportunity, “Deep Retention: Inclusion vs. Tokenism,” presented by Asta Kill, (she/hers), Esq., of the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation and hosted by Babst Calland.
Course Summary:
This course will explore and suggest how to go beyond mere number reporting in your organization or firm’s diversity efforts to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion. Traditionally employers are not required to collect statistics on the number of LGBTQ+ people. The required data collection focuses primarily on race and traditional definitions of gender. Most diversity certifications only address LGBTQ+ people in an aggregated data set with little insight as to the actual representation. This combined with only about half of LGBTQ+ people out at work shows that something is missing in attracting and retaining LBGTQ+ diverse talent.
About the Presenter:
Asta Kill (she/hers), Esq., is a corporate trainer with the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. She provides training and consultations to foster equity of gender and sexual orientation in the corporate space.
Qualifies for 1 hour of substantive PA, WV, or OH CLE credit (pending): lunch will be provided.
To register, click here.
If you have any questions about the event, please email ena.lebel@pghlegaldiversity.org.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition awarded Attorney Keith Coyle with the Shale Gas Advocate Award. This special award honors MSC members for outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to the development of Pennsylvania’s natural gas resources. Keith is very deserving of this award due to his extensive efforts in advocating for the natural gas industry, which have included testifying before the Pennsylvania legislature as well as active involvement with the MSC’s pipeline safety committee.
Congratulations to Keith for receiving such an honor from Pennsylvania’s premiere natural gas trade association.
Jessica L. Altobelli recently joined Babst Calland as an associate in the Litigation and Employment and Labor groups. Ms. Altobelli has a broad range of litigation experience in several practice areas including employment, general liability, transportation, and school district defense. As part of her employment practice, she regularly defends employers in state and federal court litigation and administrative proceedings arising out of all aspects of the employment relationship.
Prior to joining Babst Calland, Ms. Altobelli was an associate with Lewis Brisbois. She is a 2016 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law.
The American College of Environmental Lawyers
Babst Calland Managing Shareholder Donald C. Bluedorn II was recently elected as an Active Fellow to The American College of Environmental Lawyers for 2021.
The American College of Environmental Lawyers announced that this year it has elected 22 new Active Fellows and two Honorary Fellows to membership in the College. Each individual was selected for his or her distinguished experience, high standards of practice and substantial contributions to the field of environmental law.
ACOEL President, Mary Ellen Ternes, partner with Earth & Water Law, LLC, stated, “The 22 lawyers elected as Fellows to the College represent the best environmental lawyers in government service, public interest, academia, and private practice from across the country. Our new Fellows have earned this recognition based on their career achievements and as leaders in the broad and diverse areas of environmental law and policy. Our Honorary Fellows have distinguished themselves for their substantial contributions as leaders in thought and action regarding Environmental Justice.“
ACOEL Press Release
Babst Calland today published its 11th annual energy industry report: The 2021 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 collective perspectives of more than 45 energy attorneys on the current state of the U.S. natural gas and oil, coal, and renewable energy sectors. For the first time, this Report is presented as an easy-to-navigate digital site featuring 12 sections, addressing the following key topics:
- Business Outlook for the U.S. Energy Industry
- Climate Change Initiatives from the Biden Administration
- Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Priorities
- Environmental Law Developments
- Environmental Justice Issues
- Appalachian Basin Regional Developments
- Coal Mining Regulatory Changes
- Expansion of the U.S. Renewable Energy Market
- Real Estate & Land Use Developments
- Litigation Trends
- Changes in Employment & Labor Law
- Emerging Technologies Affecting the Energy Industry
Joseph K. Reinhart, shareholder and co-chair of Babst Calland’s Energy and Natural Resources Group, said, “The energy industry, once again, is at an inflection point and a moment of resiliency as it experiences a rebound in pricing and recovers from the impact of the global pandemic. Evidenced by the signing of several Executive Orders, President Biden has made climate change a focal point of U.S. energy policy. The full impact of the new administration’s “government-wide” approach to regulatory and social environmental policies will be unclear for months.
“This transformational time promises to bring significant changes for the U.S. energy industry. It is vital for any energy organization to consider the forewarnings, the risks, and the legal and regulatory implications to its business.”
Report Features Video Commentary from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin
This edition 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 June 25, 2021. A link to the webinar recording is available in this Report.
To request a copy of The 2021 Babst Calland Report, click here.
Updates on key developments in energy and natural resources law beyond this Report are available directly by the attorneys who represent clients in a wide spectrum of industry sectors and legal practice areas.
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.
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.