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Headquarters | Huntington, WV |
---|---|
No. of offices | 4 |
No. of attorneys | 45+ |
Major practice areas | Corporate, litigation, natural resources and transportation |
Key people | J. David Bolen, Richard J. Bolen, James E. Cleveland III., Daniel A. Earl, Thomas H. Gilpin, John H. Mahaney, Thomas J. Murray, Kevin A. Nelson and Mary H. Sanders (management committee members) |
Date founded | 1871 |
Founder | Eustace Gibson |
Company type | Limited Liability Partnership |
Website | http://www.huddlestonbolen.com |
Huddleston Bolen LLP is a business-oriented law firm based in Huntington, WV, with offices in the neighboring cities of Charleston, WV; Ashland, KY; and Louisville, KY. [1] Founded in 1871—just eight years after the creation of the state of West Virginia—it is one of the oldest firms in the state, with some of the longest standing relationships with businesses in the region. [2] Today, the firm’s reach extends beyond West Virginia to Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland and across the United States. The firm is known for being customer-focused, community service-oriented and for having one of the largest as well as most far-reaching transportation law practices in the country. [1]
Lawyers from the firm represent clients in several areas of law, including banking law, construction law, corporate law, environmental law, estate planning, insurance law, litigation, labor and employment law, mass litigation, mineral law, real estate, tax law, toxic torts and transportation law (including rail, maritime and trucking). The firm represents companies, such as Marathon Oil, Natural Resource Partners L.P., Norfolk Southern Railway Corp. and Speedway SuperAmerica LLC, small businesses and entrepreneurs with a specific focus on the banking, insurance, energy, insurance, medical, manufacturing, natural resources & environmental and transportation industries. As such, it has earned the distinguished title of #1 law firm in the nation in the area of Railroad Law by Best Lawyers. [1]
The origins of Huddleston Bolen can be traced back to Eustace Gibson (born in Culpeper County, VA; 1842-1900) at the time of the birth of Huntington and, not coincidentally, the construction of a railroad terminus for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad on the banks of the Ohio River. Huntington was created in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington in order to expand the C&O railroad, and Mr. Gibson was commissioned by Mr. Huntington to handle his legal affairs. [2]
Before pursuing a newfound legal practice in Huntington, though, Mr. Gibson was a talented Virginia lawyer who had enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861 as first lieutenant and rose to captain in 1863, serving until he was wounded in action. At the request of Mr. Huntington, he arrived in Huntington to pursue a solo practice. While in Huntington, Mr. Gibson also served as a delegate from Cabell County for the State House in 1876, as Speaker of the House from 1877-88 and, finally, as a Democratic delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1883-87. [3] After unsuccessful renomination bids to the U.S. House in 1886 and 1888, he resumed his law practice and welcomed partner Henry C. Simms. [2]
From there, the firm underwent several changes in name as well as in partners, from Eustace Gibson to Jackson N. Huddleston and Amos A. Bolen. In contrast to its growing make-up, the firm continues to have the longest standing relationship with a single client in West Virginia’s overall legal history. CSX Transportation, Inc., a direct descendent of the C&O railroad, continues to be represented by Huddleston Bolen lawyers. [2]
Since its beginnings in 1871, Huddleston Bolen has developed certain core business values on the grounds of improving client services and of growing in its practices. [4]
The firm reports that it has chosen to commit itself to the principals established by the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Value Challenge, which focuses on building effective relationships between firms, its lawyers and staff and their clients, as well as to the principles proscribed by the American Institute for Managing Diversity, which believes that social and experiential diversity allow a firm to more effectively represent differing clients. [4]
The firm’s approach to client service establishes the following
The firm reports that it is a strong advocate and leader on issues important to its clients. Lawyers are involved in the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Defense Research Institute and the Defense Trial Counsel. [1]
For instance, firm partners Fred Adkins and Luke Lafferre sought and won an Extraordinary Writ from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, thus making it more difficult for out-of-state plaintiffs to sue within West Virginia courts. This exact situation arose when former employees brought charges against CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Consolidated Rail Corporation for alleged asbestos exposure, despite being out-of-state residents. In supporting the writ, the Court completely reversed its own recent precedent and adopted the common-law doctrine of forum non conveniens, effectively extending the ruling to all civil actions taking place within West Virginia. [6]
The firm reports that its goal is “to create a diversity of thought and background” in the firm. [4] Although it has to achieve some its diversity goals, it has reached the following:
The firm reports that it is also intent on empowering the community, especially underserved and underprivileged sections, with the motivation to improve its members’ quality of life. [4] Community development programs that are supported by the firm include:
While the firm still values print media—as evidenced by its collection of nearly 30,000 up-to-date volumes dating back to the 1870s, thus making it the largest private law library in West Virginia—it also recognizes and appreciates the capabilities of technological systems. The firm has made use of advances in technology through the following: [2] [11]
As a long-time representative of clients such as CSX and Norfolk railway companies, the firm is known for having a focus on transportation matters. To back up this practice, the firm has access to a wide variety of accident experts who are available to be on-scene at an accident site within hours of the incident to collect facts, interview witnesses and communicate with the client. [12]
The firm, thus, reports itself to be the preeminent railroad firm of the region, a title based on the following: [13]
Huddleston Bolen has the distinct honor of being the only law firm within West Virginia to be selected for membership in USLAW NETWORK, a national association of only 61 member firms from the United States that stay connected with one another in order to provide high quality legal services to global and national corporations. [14] [15] Other recognitions include the following:
Super Lawyers includes nationwide listings of outstanding attorneys selected through third party research in addition to peer review as based on 12 indicators of peer recognition as well as on professional and civic achievements. The published list of Super Lawyers represents no more than 5% of the lawyers in each state while the list of Rising Stars represents only 2.5%. [19]
From Jackson N. Huddleston to Richard J. Bolen, partners from Huddleston Bolen have been nationally recognized for their legal work, have led state and county bar associations and have been extensively involved with non-profit/community organizations as presidents and board members. [1]
Distinguished attorneys who have unique professional and/or civic achievements include the following:
Distinguished alumni include the following:
Huddleston Bolen lawyers practice and engage in all sorts of legal matters for global, national and local corporations, small businesses and entrepreneurs from various industries. The firm’s lawyers have successfully represented clients in cases involving dollar amounts of $10 to $100 million within both the state and federal court levels. [1]
Following is a comprehensive list of the practice areas with which the firm has experience:
Following is a sampling of major cases successfully handled by the firm in the areas of banking & financing, class action, commercial litigation, natural resources, rail transportation and real estate:
Following is a sampling of clients represented by the firm:
Huddleston Bolen has nearly tripled in size from the 1980s and intends to continue its growth through the recruitment as well as the retainment of paralegals, summer associates and full-time associates who are meant to then become partners. The firm is an equal opportunity employer. [33]
Paralegals are a valuable part of the team at the firm and are qualified to work through either a college degree with legal or work-related experience or through a paralegal education. They work in various areas of practice, including bankruptcy, civil litigation, estates, insurance, medical malpractice, trusts and wills. [34] Aside from participating in continuing education and seminars, paralegals are expected to bill 1,500 hours per year, only a slight rise from the 1,400 so popular back in 1997. [35]
It is the firm’s intention to eventually employ summer associates as new associates; thus, summer associates are selected based on the firm’s needs as well as on the candidate’s demonstrated ability, dedication to perform high-quality work and intent to live in as well as to serve the firm’s community. The three first-year and three second-year law students chosen by the firm each summer receive a competitive pay and are at liberty to work with a variety of lawyers from the firm. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend depositions, hearings, closings, trials and regular social events. [36]
The firm recruits as associates recent law school graduates as well as practicing attorneys who exemplify academic achievement, compatibility, character and commitment to community service. Recruited associates are assigned to a practice area dependent on their interests as well as on the needs of the firm. [33] Associates are expected to begin work upon graduation in addition to billing the typical 1,800-2,000 hours per year. [37] Throughout the course of this time, the firm covers standard expenses for relevant state bar examination applications, a standard bar review course and applicable state bar association dues as well as costs associated with continuing education necessary for maintaining a legal license in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. A standard seven-and-a-half years of work is required in order to be considered for partnership and about five years to become a senior associate. [33]
The firm currently has a partner-associate ratio of 3-2 and, furthermore, operates on a limited liability partnership, meaning that partners have the right to manage their business themselves. As a business, the firm does not operate on a two-tiered partnership model of equity and non-equity partners, where equity partners have an ownership stake in the law firm and non-equity partners have limited voting rights; instead, the firm gives equal weight to all of its partners through a one-tier partnership. Partners share in the profits of the firm when all other operational costs have been deducted and, although a management committee presides over matters of interest to the firm, all partners have an equal vote in the financial and economical future of the firm.
Category:Law firms of the U.S. Category:Law firms established in 1871
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an advertisement. |
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Headquarters | Huntington, WV |
---|---|
No. of offices | 4 |
No. of attorneys | 45+ |
Major practice areas | Corporate, litigation, natural resources and transportation |
Key people | J. David Bolen, Richard J. Bolen, James E. Cleveland III., Daniel A. Earl, Thomas H. Gilpin, John H. Mahaney, Thomas J. Murray, Kevin A. Nelson and Mary H. Sanders (management committee members) |
Date founded | 1871 |
Founder | Eustace Gibson |
Company type | Limited Liability Partnership |
Website | http://www.huddlestonbolen.com |
Huddleston Bolen LLP is a business-oriented law firm based in Huntington, WV, with offices in the neighboring cities of Charleston, WV; Ashland, KY; and Louisville, KY. [1] Founded in 1871—just eight years after the creation of the state of West Virginia—it is one of the oldest firms in the state, with some of the longest standing relationships with businesses in the region. [2] Today, the firm’s reach extends beyond West Virginia to Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland and across the United States. The firm is known for being customer-focused, community service-oriented and for having one of the largest as well as most far-reaching transportation law practices in the country. [1]
Lawyers from the firm represent clients in several areas of law, including banking law, construction law, corporate law, environmental law, estate planning, insurance law, litigation, labor and employment law, mass litigation, mineral law, real estate, tax law, toxic torts and transportation law (including rail, maritime and trucking). The firm represents companies, such as Marathon Oil, Natural Resource Partners L.P., Norfolk Southern Railway Corp. and Speedway SuperAmerica LLC, small businesses and entrepreneurs with a specific focus on the banking, insurance, energy, insurance, medical, manufacturing, natural resources & environmental and transportation industries. As such, it has earned the distinguished title of #1 law firm in the nation in the area of Railroad Law by Best Lawyers. [1]
The origins of Huddleston Bolen can be traced back to Eustace Gibson (born in Culpeper County, VA; 1842-1900) at the time of the birth of Huntington and, not coincidentally, the construction of a railroad terminus for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad on the banks of the Ohio River. Huntington was created in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington in order to expand the C&O railroad, and Mr. Gibson was commissioned by Mr. Huntington to handle his legal affairs. [2]
Before pursuing a newfound legal practice in Huntington, though, Mr. Gibson was a talented Virginia lawyer who had enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861 as first lieutenant and rose to captain in 1863, serving until he was wounded in action. At the request of Mr. Huntington, he arrived in Huntington to pursue a solo practice. While in Huntington, Mr. Gibson also served as a delegate from Cabell County for the State House in 1876, as Speaker of the House from 1877-88 and, finally, as a Democratic delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1883-87. [3] After unsuccessful renomination bids to the U.S. House in 1886 and 1888, he resumed his law practice and welcomed partner Henry C. Simms. [2]
From there, the firm underwent several changes in name as well as in partners, from Eustace Gibson to Jackson N. Huddleston and Amos A. Bolen. In contrast to its growing make-up, the firm continues to have the longest standing relationship with a single client in West Virginia’s overall legal history. CSX Transportation, Inc., a direct descendent of the C&O railroad, continues to be represented by Huddleston Bolen lawyers. [2]
Since its beginnings in 1871, Huddleston Bolen has developed certain core business values on the grounds of improving client services and of growing in its practices. [4]
The firm reports that it has chosen to commit itself to the principals established by the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Value Challenge, which focuses on building effective relationships between firms, its lawyers and staff and their clients, as well as to the principles proscribed by the American Institute for Managing Diversity, which believes that social and experiential diversity allow a firm to more effectively represent differing clients. [4]
The firm’s approach to client service establishes the following
The firm reports that it is a strong advocate and leader on issues important to its clients. Lawyers are involved in the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Defense Research Institute and the Defense Trial Counsel. [1]
For instance, firm partners Fred Adkins and Luke Lafferre sought and won an Extraordinary Writ from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, thus making it more difficult for out-of-state plaintiffs to sue within West Virginia courts. This exact situation arose when former employees brought charges against CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Consolidated Rail Corporation for alleged asbestos exposure, despite being out-of-state residents. In supporting the writ, the Court completely reversed its own recent precedent and adopted the common-law doctrine of forum non conveniens, effectively extending the ruling to all civil actions taking place within West Virginia. [6]
The firm reports that its goal is “to create a diversity of thought and background” in the firm. [4] Although it has to achieve some its diversity goals, it has reached the following:
The firm reports that it is also intent on empowering the community, especially underserved and underprivileged sections, with the motivation to improve its members’ quality of life. [4] Community development programs that are supported by the firm include:
While the firm still values print media—as evidenced by its collection of nearly 30,000 up-to-date volumes dating back to the 1870s, thus making it the largest private law library in West Virginia—it also recognizes and appreciates the capabilities of technological systems. The firm has made use of advances in technology through the following: [2] [11]
As a long-time representative of clients such as CSX and Norfolk railway companies, the firm is known for having a focus on transportation matters. To back up this practice, the firm has access to a wide variety of accident experts who are available to be on-scene at an accident site within hours of the incident to collect facts, interview witnesses and communicate with the client. [12]
The firm, thus, reports itself to be the preeminent railroad firm of the region, a title based on the following: [13]
Huddleston Bolen has the distinct honor of being the only law firm within West Virginia to be selected for membership in USLAW NETWORK, a national association of only 61 member firms from the United States that stay connected with one another in order to provide high quality legal services to global and national corporations. [14] [15] Other recognitions include the following:
Super Lawyers includes nationwide listings of outstanding attorneys selected through third party research in addition to peer review as based on 12 indicators of peer recognition as well as on professional and civic achievements. The published list of Super Lawyers represents no more than 5% of the lawyers in each state while the list of Rising Stars represents only 2.5%. [19]
From Jackson N. Huddleston to Richard J. Bolen, partners from Huddleston Bolen have been nationally recognized for their legal work, have led state and county bar associations and have been extensively involved with non-profit/community organizations as presidents and board members. [1]
Distinguished attorneys who have unique professional and/or civic achievements include the following:
Distinguished alumni include the following:
Huddleston Bolen lawyers practice and engage in all sorts of legal matters for global, national and local corporations, small businesses and entrepreneurs from various industries. The firm’s lawyers have successfully represented clients in cases involving dollar amounts of $10 to $100 million within both the state and federal court levels. [1]
Following is a comprehensive list of the practice areas with which the firm has experience:
Following is a sampling of major cases successfully handled by the firm in the areas of banking & financing, class action, commercial litigation, natural resources, rail transportation and real estate:
Following is a sampling of clients represented by the firm:
Huddleston Bolen has nearly tripled in size from the 1980s and intends to continue its growth through the recruitment as well as the retainment of paralegals, summer associates and full-time associates who are meant to then become partners. The firm is an equal opportunity employer. [33]
Paralegals are a valuable part of the team at the firm and are qualified to work through either a college degree with legal or work-related experience or through a paralegal education. They work in various areas of practice, including bankruptcy, civil litigation, estates, insurance, medical malpractice, trusts and wills. [34] Aside from participating in continuing education and seminars, paralegals are expected to bill 1,500 hours per year, only a slight rise from the 1,400 so popular back in 1997. [35]
It is the firm’s intention to eventually employ summer associates as new associates; thus, summer associates are selected based on the firm’s needs as well as on the candidate’s demonstrated ability, dedication to perform high-quality work and intent to live in as well as to serve the firm’s community. The three first-year and three second-year law students chosen by the firm each summer receive a competitive pay and are at liberty to work with a variety of lawyers from the firm. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend depositions, hearings, closings, trials and regular social events. [36]
The firm recruits as associates recent law school graduates as well as practicing attorneys who exemplify academic achievement, compatibility, character and commitment to community service. Recruited associates are assigned to a practice area dependent on their interests as well as on the needs of the firm. [33] Associates are expected to begin work upon graduation in addition to billing the typical 1,800-2,000 hours per year. [37] Throughout the course of this time, the firm covers standard expenses for relevant state bar examination applications, a standard bar review course and applicable state bar association dues as well as costs associated with continuing education necessary for maintaining a legal license in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. A standard seven-and-a-half years of work is required in order to be considered for partnership and about five years to become a senior associate. [33]
The firm currently has a partner-associate ratio of 3-2 and, furthermore, operates on a limited liability partnership, meaning that partners have the right to manage their business themselves. As a business, the firm does not operate on a two-tiered partnership model of equity and non-equity partners, where equity partners have an ownership stake in the law firm and non-equity partners have limited voting rights; instead, the firm gives equal weight to all of its partners through a one-tier partnership. Partners share in the profits of the firm when all other operational costs have been deducted and, although a management committee presides over matters of interest to the firm, all partners have an equal vote in the financial and economical future of the firm.
Category:Law firms of the U.S. Category:Law firms established in 1871