PERSONNEL FILE: Six Huddleston Bolen attorneys, five practice areas honored

HUNTINGTON -- Six Huddleston Bolen partners and five Huddleston Bolen practice areas have been recognized in the recently published Chambers USA 2009: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, a national publication.

Selected for individual recognition were:

* Richard Bolen, recognized for his work in natural resource law

* Tom Gilpin, recognized in the area of real estate law

* Thomas Murray and Chris Plybon, both recognized in corporate and commercial law

* Scott Sheets, recognized in the area of labor and employment law

* Marc Williams, recognized for his work in commercial litigation.

The practice areas recognized by Chambers USA are Corporate and Commercial Law, Real Estate Law, Labor and Employment, and General Commercial Litigation. This is the first year the firm's Labor and Employment Practice has received the honor of being ranked by Chambers USA.

In describing the firm's Corporate and Commercial Practice, Chambers USA said, "this fine ... firm moves up the rankings in recognition of the extensive praise awarded its skill set and diligent work ethic. The attorneys possess a broad base of commercial expertise and have the resources and experience to confidently handle major transactions."

Chambers USA offered similar praise for the firm's Real Estate Practice, saying, "... Huddleston Bolen has attracted increasing market attention for its impressive work in the real estate sector of late, which has included advising on a $90 million project for a university in West Virginia. Peers consider the team a pleasure to work with, and clients enthuse about the high standard of service and work they receive: 'Huddleston Bolen exceeded my expectations in every instance,' asserted one."

Since its first US edition was published in 2003, the Chambers USA guide has staked its claim among the most respected referral guides of the leading law firms and individuals in the country. Because of its extensive research method, which includes numerous in-depth client and lawyer interviews, this guide is one that carries weight in the industry.

Richard Bolen was honored in the area of natural resource law. In describing Mr. Bolen, Chambers USA said that he is "recognized for always being 'the most prepared person in the room at any court hearing.'" A lawyer with substantial achievements in both professional and community affairs, Mr. Bolen marked his 41st year in practice in 2009. He concentrates in law involving litigation, both personal injury and commercial, and natural resources, focusing on coal, oil and gas. Mr. Bolen has a strong record of defense verdicts in federal and state jury trials in Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. He also has served as an arbitrator in various coal, oil and gas matters.

Thomas Gilpin was selected for his work in real estate. Mr. Gilpin has distinguished himself as a skilled attorney through his accomplishments in health care, real estate, banking, bankruptcy and commercial law. He has been listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America for several years in the area of bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights law. Mr. Gilpin also is a frequent seminar speaker. He has been with the firm since 1974 and has served as chairman of the firm's Management Committee since 1993.

Thomas Murray was honored in the area of corporate and commercial law. With the firm for over 33 years, Mr. Murray has built a substantial practice in the areas of banking and securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law. Mr. Murray also has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995 for his work in banking law, and for corporate law and securities law.

Chris Plybon was chosen by Chambers in the area of corporate and commercial law. In practice since 1983, Mr. Plybon's focuses in the areas of real estate, commercial transactions, banking, and bankruptcy. He aided in the creation of a revised system for the sale of delinquent tax property in West Virginia, and has written and lectured on various topics in the areas of real estate, collection, corporate, and bankruptcy law. Recently, Mr. Plybon represented public and private entities in economic development projects throughout the tri-state area. He also has worked extensively to help clients establish efficient, affordable programs for addressing bankruptcy and collection problems.

Scott Sheets was selected for his work in labor and employment law, the first time a Huddleston attorney has been recognized in this field. In naming Mr. Sheets, Chambers USA said, "is a specialist in traditional labor issues who delights clients with his ability to explain complex legal concepts in layman's terms."

A partner since 1994, Mr. Sheets concentrates primarily in the representation of employers in the areas of labor and employment law, employment litigation, and general commercial litigation. His practice also includes consultation with employers in general areas of labor and employment such as contract negotiations, employee handbooks, disciplinary proceedings, and the defense of grievances and arbitrations. Mr. Sheets frequently conducts seminars and publishes articles on current labor and employment issues.

Marc Williams was awarded the state's Top Ranked designation for 2009 in the area of commercial litigation. In making the designation, Chambers USA specifically called out Mr. Williams' ability to handle a wide range of disputes ranging from railroad litigation to trade secret matters. An accomplished litigator, Mr. Williams represents a diverse list of clients, including hospitals, railroads, trucking and barge operations, petrochemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, vehicle manufacturers, land management companies, coal companies, and insurance companies. His practice includes trials and appeals of toxic tort, professional liability, product liability, premises liability, admiralty, insurance, employment law, and complex commercial litigation matters. He has wide-ranging experience in handling class action and mass joinder lawsuits alleging environmental and mass tort claims. He also has extensive experience in the defense of lawsuits alleging psychological injury, brain injury, medical monitoring, insurance bad faith, and catastrophic injury. In addition to the Chambers USA designation, Mr. Williams is recognized in the Best Lawyers in America in five categories and as a West Virginia SuperLawyer.

Huddleston Bolen LLP is a law firm with over 50 attorneys practicing in offices located in Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia and Ashland and Louisville, Kentucky. The firm, founded in 1871, represents clients in many practice groups, including litigation, labor and employment, transportation, appellate, natural resources, health care, real estate, and banking and finance.

For more information about Huddleston Bolen, visit the firm's Web site at www.huddlestonbolen.com