| Jim
Russell focuses his practice in the areas of natural resources (coal,
oil, and gas), commercial transactions, and commercial litigation.
Additionally, Mr. Russell has acted as counsel for various syndications
involving the development of real estate.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
- Negotiated
municipal tax incentives, and negotiated and drafted operational
covenants and restrictions, applicable to retail shopping center near
Morgantown, West Virginia, and negotiated and closed sales and leases of
shopping center properties on behalf of shopping center developer
- Represented
the owner of a substantial block of eastern Ohio (Utica Shale) oil and
gas acreage in connection with negotiation and sale of those assets to
Texas-based oil and gas company for cash and overriding royalty
interest, enabling client to realize substantial return on investment
- Assisted
multiple clients with the review and analysis of title abstracts
involving both coal and oil and gas mineral properties, including the
preparation of numerous title opinions identifying (a) the legal risks
of mining or developing these properties and (b) recommended cures and
mitigation strategies regarding title defects and irregularities
- Represented
a large energy company in connection with the transfer of its oil,
natural gas and coal bed methane assets and reserves located in several
states to a subsidiary entity, and assisted the subsidiary in raising
invested capital
- Negotiated the disposition of
thousands of acres of coal and surface properties owned by a national
conservation organization in Ohio and Illinois, and assisted the client
organization in converting donated assets into funds for its
conservation projects
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AWARDS
- Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Best Lawyers® 2011 Morgantown Natural Resources Lawyer of the Year
- Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
- President, Business Lawyers' Division, West Virginia Bar Association
- Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
- Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
- Bronze Star
INDUSTRY / CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS
- Vision 20/20 Riverfront Development Committee
- Morgantown Chamber of Commerce
PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Mr.
Russell is the author of three published articles and has made
presentations on various commercial and mining law topics at CLE
seminars in West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
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