PERSONNEL FILE: 21 Steptoe & Johnson named 'Leading Lawyers for Business'

CLARKSBURG -– Steptoe & Johnson has announced that 21 of its attorneys have been ranked as "Leaders in Their Field" by Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

In addition, the firm is again top-ranked in all five practice areas Chambers reviews in West Virginia.

"We are pleased that the firm is top-ranked again by Chambers USA in five areas of law. The rankings reflect the firm's strength in key practice areas, and the designation of 21 attorneys as "Leaders in Their Field" illustrates our dedication to client relationships and professional excellence," said firm CEO, Susan Brewer.

Steptoe & Johnson's top ranking in all five practice areas studied by Chambers USA include:

* Ranked first in Corporate/Commercial - West Virginia

* Ranked first in Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Ranked first in Litigation: General Commercial - West Virginia

* Ranked first in Natural Resources - West Virginia

* Ranked first in Real Estate - West Virginia

The following Steptoe & Johnson attorneys are individually recognized by Chambers USA as "Leaders in their Field." Patrick D. Kelly, Randall C. Light, Joanna I. Tabit, and Walter L. Williams join their peers for the first time in this year's rankings.

* Rodney L. Bean - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Susan S. Brewer - Litigation: Healthcare - West Virginia

* Bryan R. Cokeley - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Patrick D. Deem - Natural Resources; Corporate/Commercial; Real Estate - West Virginia

* David E. Dick - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Louis E. Enderle Jr. - Real Estate - West Virginia

* Sharon O. Flanery - Natural Resources - West Virginia

* William E. Galeota - Litigation: General Commercial - West Virginia

* Patrick D. Kelly - Corporate/Commercial: Healthcare - West Virginia

* Evans L. King Jr. - Corporate/Commercial - West Virginia

* Randall C. Light - Real Estate - West Virginia

* John R. Merinar Jr. - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* C. David Morrison - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Jeffrey K. Phillips - Litigation: General Commercial - West Virginia

* James A. Russell - Natural Resources - West Virginia

* Christopher L. Slaughter - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* Robert M. Steptoe Jr. - Labor & Employment - West Virginia

* John C. Stump - Corporate/Commercial - West Virginia

* Joanna I. Tabit - Litigation: General Commercial - West Virginia

* L. Frederick Williams Jr. - Corporate/Commercial: Tax; Corporate/Commercial - West Virginia

* Walter L. Williams - Corporate/Commercial: Healthcare - West Virginia

Each year, Chambers USA conducts in-depth interviews with clients to assess the reputations and expertise of business lawyers across the United States. Attorneys are ranked by their clients on qualities such as technical ability, professional conduct, commitment, client service and commercial awareness.

Chambers USA rankings are based upon the recommendations of clients and lawyers throughout the United States. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked on a scale of 1-6, with an additional ranking awarded to those considered "up and coming," and for lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field.

Steptoe & Johnson is a regional business-focused firm with strengths in energy, labor, employment and litigation. It comprises over 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.