Demand for Oil & Gas Attorneys increases

Will there be a Midwest gold rush? The exploration for natural gas in eastern Ohio has prompted the firm of Thompson Hine LLP in Cleveland to form “Team Shale”, a group of 20 attorneys to focus on shale-related issues. The Columbus and Akron office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP has added 5 more attorneys to its energy practice, and Walter & Haverfield LLP in Cleveland is considering forming a group to handle work related to fracking, the technique of drilling down and fracturing shale to gain access to natural gas. The firms are anticipating a surge in activity from clients in need of legal guidance in navigating the energy boom. They are expecting a need for attorneys who practice in energy, environmental, intellectual property and real estate law. The October 24th issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business has a front page article on the topic. The latest copy is available in the Casual Reading area of the Law Library and in the placement office. An online version will be available on Lexis next week.