PERSONNEL FILE: Litigation firm joins Steptoe & Johnson's Columbus office

COLUMBUS, Ohio – H. Toney Stroud, Managing Member of the Columbus office of Steptoe & Johnson, has announced that attorneys from the law firm of Carpenter Lane, LLC have joined Steptoe & Johnson PLLC.

Located in Columbus since 2007, the nearly century-old Steptoe & Johnson has enlarged its Huntington Center presence in Columbus to provide a full spectrum of legal services to clients throughout the region.

"The decision to join with Steptoe & Johnson is a reflection of our dedication to exceptional client service," James C. Carpenter stated. "Both firms are committed to providing excellent value to our clients, and this mutual focus was a crucial factor in our decision to combine forces with Steptoe & Johnson.

:We believe that the regional resources available at Steptoe & Johnson will help our clients face the challenges of the new economy."

William Lane continued.

"Our clients will benefit from the strength and reach of a regional firm with over 30 areas of practice," Lane said. "Our relationships and experience in the Columbus market coupled with Steptoe & Johnson's position as a leader in litigation, employment, and energy law will give our clients great value and a comprehensive, regional resource to help meet all their legal needs."

In addition to Carpenter and Lane, attorneys Vince Holzhall, Lyle Brown and Andy Kalgreen will also join Steptoe & Johnson. Under the umbrella of business litigation and corporate law, Carpenter Lane also provides services in the areas of real estate, public finance, banking, equipment leasing, architecture, engineering, and construction law. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies as well as many privately owned businesses.

Steptoe & Johnson CEO Susan S. Brewer said, "We are very excited to welcome the Carpenter Lane firm to our team. We believe their addition to our Columbus office will provide exceptional experience and depth to help our clients navigate the unique challenges of our current economy."

Steptoe & Johnson is a regional, business-focused firm with strengths in energy, labor, employment, and litigation. It comprises more than 200 lawyers resident in nine locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit the firm's Web site at www.steptoe-johnson.com.