J. Phillips
S. Phillips
Johnson
Bowling
Lycan
CLARKSBURG -– Steptoe & Johnson is opening an office in Lexington, Ky., its first in the Bluegrass State.
One of the region's top business-focused law firms, Steptoe & Johnson opened the Lexington office June 1. The firm now has eight offices in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.
Jeffrey K. Phillips, who has 18 years of practice in Steptoe & Johnson's Charleston office, has been named managing member of the Lexington office and has relocated to Lexington with his family.
Phillips earned his law degree at the University of Pittsburgh and practices in Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania focusing on the natural resources industry and mine safety issues. Phillips is recognized by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America as outstanding in his field.
Susan O. Phillips, who has 20 years experience at Steptoe & Johnson, will join the Lexington office with her husband, Jeff.
Currently, Phillips serves as the firm's Pro Bono Director. Phillips earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kentucky.
In addition, the Lexington-based legal team of Gillard B. Johnson, Michael D. Bowling and D. Eric Lycan, formerly practicing as Johnson, Bowling & Lycan, will join the Steptoe & Johnson firm.
Johnson has been practicing law in Kentucky for more than 30 years. He brings an extensive background in tax-exempt and industrial development bond financing, and experience in mergers, acquisitions, and commercial/corporate litigation. He is a former law clerk with the U.S. Tax Court and tax attorney with Ashland Oil Inc. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Louisville -– Louis D. Brandies School of Law and was a member of Law Review and editor of Louisville Lawyer.
Bowling earned his juris doctorate degree from Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law, and he has been in private practice since 1985. Bowling served as the State Representative for the 87th Legislative District between 1991 and 1998. During such time, Bowling was actively involved in major legislation, which included provisions for legal services to aid the less fortunate. He focuses on a broad spectrum of government relations services.
Lycan graduated from Centre College in 1992 with a B.A. in Economics and Government and received his law degree from the University of Kentucky in 1995. He maintains a diverse civil litigation and corporate law practice, including complex commercial and tort litigation and also provides government relations services.
"While the Steptoe & Johnson name may be new to the area, our firm's presence is long-established in the region, and we look forward to working with our new partners to serve existing clients and forge new relationships, providing legal services that are in demand," Jeff Phillips said.
Johnson said his team is excited to become part of the Steptoe & Johnson family.
"They will add depth to our practice and tremendous resources for our clients and community," he said. "Together we are investing in the future of Kentucky and that future looks bright."
Steptoe & Johnson opened its first non-West Virginia office last year in Columbus Ohio.
"We are excited about the opportunity to expand within the region, and will do so with the dedication and devotion to our clients that we have provided for nearly a century," said Susan S. Brewer, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson.
The firm's Lexington office is located at 1010 Monarch Street, Suite 250. Attorneys may be reached by phone at 859-255-7080.
Steptoe & Johnson is a business-focused firm with strengths in energy, labor, employment and litigation. It consists of more than 180 lawyers resident in eight locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. For nearly a century, Steptoe & Johnson has demonstrated its commitment to quality, devoting personal attention, experience, skill, and resources to client focused service.
For more information, visit the firm's Web site at www.steptoe-johnson.com.
