Pepper Hamilton Hires Prominent Oil & Gas Litigation Partner and Associates
Pepper Hamilton announced that Michael G. Connelly has joined the firm’s Pittsburgh office as a partner in the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Connelly is joined by two associates, Kevin M. Eddy and Victoria D. Summerfield. Connelly and his group are recognized as leading lawyers in the representation of oil and gas companies in all areas of development in the Marcellus and Utica Shales, with a particular focus on the representation of midstream companies in all aspects of pipeline development.
“Mike and his group bring great oil and gas experience to Pepper and are a significant boost to our energy capabilities,” said Ralph A. Finizio, managing partner of Pepper’s Pittsburgh office. “Mike, Kevin and Victoria are talented attorneys who present a strategic fit for Pepper and our clients, with exceptional capabilities in a key area for the Pittsburgh office and the firm.”
Prior to joining Pepper, Connelly, Eddy and Summerfield practiced with Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC in Pittsburgh.
Connelly has a broad range of experience in complex commercial litigation and focuses on the representation of energy companies. He represents midstream companies in all aspects of pipeline projects and litigation in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and elsewhere. He also represents exploration and production companies and oilfield service companies in litigation in state and federal courts in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and beyond. In addition, Connelly’s practice includes class action defense, financial services litigation, media law, trade secret litigation, and construction and product liability matters. Connelly is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude, with a double major in government/international relations and history.
“We are thrilled to join Pepper and look forward to working with the firm’s clients as part of the full service energy team in Pennsylvania, Connelly said. “Pepper will be a great home for my practice.”
Eddy’s oil and gas experience includes representing midstream and exploration and production companies in the Marcellus Shale region concerning leasing, royalty disputes, permitting, commercial transactions, joint venture agreements, regulatory compliance, environmental litigation, work place safety, breach of contract claims and employment matters. He also handles complex litigation matters for several industries, including construction, insurance, transportation and consumer finance. Eddy is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He received a B.A. in political science and history, with honors, from Canisius College.
Summerfield is focused primary in the area of oil and gas industry litigation. She represents exploration and production, midstream and oilfield services companies in a wide variety of disputes in state and federal court throughout the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Summerfield is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She received her M.S. in forensic science and law from the Honors College of Duquesne University and her B.A. in biochemistry from Duquesne University.
Content contributed by attorneys of Troutman Sanders LLP and Pepper Hamilton LLP prior to April 1, 2020, is included here, together with content contributed by attorneys of Troutman Pepper (the combined entity) after the merger date.