PERSONNEL FILE: Robinson & McElwee opens office in Canton, Ohio

CHARLESTON – Robinson & McElwee PLLC announced April 23 that it has opened an office in Canton, Ohio.

This marks the firm’s first office in Ohio and follows the 2011 opening of its Wheeling office, which includes West Virginia- and Ohio-licensed attorney, Lisa M. Schmitt.

“Serving clients in the oil and gas industry has been a cornerstone of our practice since the firm’s inception,” Managing Member Kent George said. “With three decades of experience in the industry we have developed a thorough understanding of the ever-evolving market and have adapted our practice to meet our client’s growing needs.

"Our established Wheeling office and the new Canton office will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve our Ohio-based clients, as well as clients from outside the region with interests in Ohio.”

Initially the office will operate with one lawyer who will be fully integrated with the firm’s oil and gas and energy and environment practices. The firm intends to aggressively grow the Canton office, along with its Wheeling office, to support clients entering into or increasing operation in the Utica and Marcellus shale plays, as well as the region generally.

Robinson & McElwee’s practice is multifaceted and includes natural resources law, including oil and gas title matters; corporate law; commercial real estate development; environmental law; state and local taxation; labor and employment law; utility law; litigation; bankruptcy; estate planning and administration; commercial transactions; and government relations.