WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Steptoe & Johnson welcomes R. Neal Pierce, of counsel, to the firm.

Pierce joins the firm's energy team, concentrating in the areas of oil and gas law. He will practice in the firm's Columbus office. Prior to joining Steptoe & Johnson, Pierce was in private practice focusing on corporate matters, particularly mineral and contract law.

Pierce's experience includes serving as General Counsel for Mason Producing Inc., Vice President and General Counsel, Land and Legal, for Columbia Natural Resources and Senior Attorney at Columbia Gas Transmission. Pierce also served as a staff attorney with West Virginia Legislative Services.

A Past President of the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation, Pierce also directed the Long Range Planning Committee, which drafted the strategic plan for the organization. In addition, Pierce is a Past President of the Virginia Oil and Gas Association.

A graduate of The Ohio State University (B.A), and Georgetown University (J.D.), Pierce also attended the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Neal will add depth to our energy practice and help us meet the changing needs of our clients," said Energy Team Leader Sharon Flanery. "His knowledge of complex transactions, mergers and acquisitions - along with his experience as General Counsel to a major energy supplier - will be an asset to clients, especially those looking to develop the Marcellus and Utica shales."

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

For more information, visit www.steptoe-johnson.com.