Hunter
Mankins
McFarland
Oakley
Wilson
CHARLESTON -– Jackson Kelly recently promoted five attorneys to membership status: Chris M. Hunter, Jennifer M. Mankins, Benjamin M. McFarland, K. Brad Oakley and Thomas A. Wilson.
"We are pleased to elevate these attorneys from associates to membership status because of their commitment to client service as well as to our firm," firm CEO Michael D. Foster said.
Hunter practices in the firm's Environmental Practice Group. His practice includes litigation and client counseling on environmental matters at the state and federal levels – with a primary focus on providing advice on permitting, surface and water pollution and other environmental mining issues.
Mankins is a member of the Health Care and Finance Group. Her practice focuses on general, medical and healthcare litigation in state and federal courts. A substantial part of her practice involves the defense of doctors, nurses, hospitals and other healthcare providers in actions brought under the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act (MPLA). Mankins has handled cases involving various medical issues and specialties and was part of the appellate team which represented the defendant hospital on appeal in MacDonald v. City Hospital, Inc., released June 22, 2011, where the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia held that the caps on noneconomic damages contained in the MPLA are constitutional. Her practice also includes general civil defense litigation.
McFarland practices in the firm's Occupational Safety and Health Practice Group and is also a member of the Oil and Gas Industry Group. Mr. McFarland's practice focuses on the representation of companies challenging enforcement actions taken by both state and federal governmental agencies. He also handles a vast array of civil litigation matters - including real estate and construction disputes, workplace accidents, professional liability, premises liability and other matters relating to workplace safety. McFarland has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts throughout West Virginia, including matters of first impression before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
Oakley is a member of the firm's Occupational Safety and Health Practice Group. His practice involves representing mining, construction and general industry clients in safety and health enforcement actions, including discrimination claims and criminal proceedings. His practice area also includes general civil defense litigation, with a focus on construction litigation, real estate litigation and medical malpractice defense.
Wilson practices in the Land and Natural Resource Development Practice Group where he focuses on energy and real estate law. He has significant experience in mineral titles and has represented energy clients in connection with financing and execution of multiple transactions, including wind energy transactions. He has also handled permitting and regulatory issues associated with coalbed methane and gas wells.
Jackson Kelly is a national law firm representing global corporations, national companies, entrepreneurs and individuals in areas of law such as environmental, business, labor and employment, federal and state workers' compensation, civil litigation and occupational safety and health. The firm has offices in Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
