PERSONNEL FILE: Steptoe & Johnson attorney elected GABALTA president

BRIDGEPORT – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is pleased to announce that Philip S. Griffith, Of Counsel, has been elected president of the Greater Appalachian Basin Association of Lease and Title Analysts.

Griffith succeeds Steptoe & Johnson’s Marsha K. Hudkins as president.

GABALTA is the first chapter of the National Association of Lease and Title Analysts (NALTA) to serve the eastern United States. Its region covers Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Kentucky, Virginia and the Province of Ontario, Canada. GABALTA members work to promote effective communication between industry firms and the public through education and networking.

At Steptoe & Johnson, Griffith concentrates his practice in energy and mineral law and real estate transactions and creditor’s rights. He earned both his J.D. and B.A. at West Virginia University.

"We're very proud that Phil has been elected to this leadership role," said Sharon O. Flanery, chair of Steptoe & Johnson’s Energy & Natural Resources Department and GABALTA member. "Organizations like GABALTA do great work in advancing the energy industry and we are proud to partner with them.”

Griffith’s first goal as GABALTA President is organizing a regional seminar for its members and others who work in the oil and gas industry. The seminar will focus on the newest legal developments in oil and gas operations and law and is set for June 26-27 at the Marriott Courtyard in Canton, Ohio.

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve as GABALTA President,” Griffith said. “I’m excited with the direction GABALTA is heading. We have a few events planned for 2013 that should benefit current and prospective members professionally and socially.”