PERSONNEL FILE: Five join Steptoe's environmental and energy law practice

CHARLESTON – Attorneys David M. Flannery, Kathy G. Beckett, Laura P. Hoffman, Edward L. “Skipp” Kropp and Laura M. Goldfarb have joined Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. The group has extensive experience in environmental and energy law and will add great depth to the firm’s practice. All five attorneys join Steptoe & Johnson from the law firm of Jackson Kelly PLLC.

David M. Flannery began his legal practice in 1972 after graduating from the West Virginia University College of Law. Flannery is the Founding Regent, American College of Environmental Lawyers, and was appointed by the United States Secretary of Energy to the National Coal Council. He is a member and past chair of the Board of Directors and member and past chair of the Energy and Environmental Committees of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

He is a member of the Section on Natural Resources and Environmental Law of the American Bar Association and is a trustee for the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation. By appointment of the Governor of West Virginia, Flannery serves as a Commissioner of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. He is peer-review rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell and is included among The Best Lawyers in America® for 2013. He is ranked in Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the Natural Resources: Environmental Law category.

Kathy G. Beckett earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and her Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University College of Law. She serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and leads its Energy, Clean Air and Natural Resources Committee. The West Virginia Record is owned by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.

She is also a member of the West Virginia chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association and is a member and past chair of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee. She is a member of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources. Beckett is included among The Best Lawyers in America® for 2013 and was named Who’s Who in Energy by the Pittsburgh Business Times for 2012.

Laura P. Hoffman earned her Bachelor’s and legal degrees from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to her environmental expertise, Hoffman is an experienced litigator focusing on coal and oil and gas-related matters. Hoffman previously practiced with King & Spalding, LLP, K&L Gates and Morgan Lewis & Bockius.

Edward L. “Skipp” Kropp began his legal practice in 1978 with American Electric Power where he served as Environmental Attorney for air and water matters and as Environmental Affairs Director for Appalachian Power Company. He is a former Deputy Director of the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection where he coordinated activities for the Offices of Air Quality, Waste Management and Environmental Remediation and Enforcement. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Purdue University and his J.D. from Capital University Law School.

Laura M. Goldfarb is a previous assistant counsel for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. She serves as upcoming vice chair for the Water Quality and Wetlands Committee of the American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources and is past vice chair for the Air Quality Committee. She is also a member of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee.

Goldfarb earned her Bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, her Master’s from the College of Charleston (South Carolina) and her J.D. from the University of South Carolina College of Law. She was named a West Virginia Super Lawyers® Rising Star for 2012 and 2013.

Steptoe & Johnson CEO Susan S. Brewer said, “We are thrilled to welcome these five attorneys to the Steptoe & Johnson family. This group greatly enhances our ability to serve the complex needs of our energy, chemical and manufacturing industry clients.”

“Dave and Kathy are respected leaders in the industry. Their networks and advocacy will help expand the firm’s environmental and energy practice to serve companies facing a challenging regulatory landscape,” said Steptoe & Johnson Business Department Chair Richard Lewis.

Flannery, Beckett and Goldfarb will practice in the firm’s Charleston office; Kropp will be resident in Indiana with Hoffman joining the Steptoe & Johnson office in Lexington, Ky.

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a U.S. energy firm with core strengths in energy, labor & employment, litigation and transactional law. In 2013, Steptoe & Johnson celebrates 100 years of helping clients reach their goals. Visit www.steptoe-johnson.com.