Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC

Hydrogen is seen by many as the fuel of the future, a substance that can provide heat through combustion, or electrical power from fuel cells, emitting only water in the process. Its potential usefulness, specifically its ability to replace fossil fuels without generating greenhouse gases, makes it the poster child for clean energy.  There are various ways of producing hydrogen, but currently most of it is done in the most cost-efficient way, by steam reforming. That, however, generates carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, that has to be sequestered underground to be considered sustainable...

On June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) went into effect. This new law requires covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for the known limitations of a worker relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation would cause the employer “undue hardship.”  What does this mean and how will the new law be enforced?   The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) is required to issue regulations to carry out the PWFA. No date for issuance is presently known...

Charleston, W.Va. — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that 71 of the firm's attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion on the 2024 Best Lawyers list, nine were selected as Best Lawyers "Lawyers of the Year," and 18 others were selected as Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch." Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Its methodology is designed to capture the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. More information can be found at https://www.bestlawyers.com/methodology...

Pittsburgh — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that partner Julian E. Neiser has been appointed to the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Roster of Arbitrators & Mediators. Neiser was selected to join the AAA’s roster because of his experience handling a wide range of construction and commercial cases. He has won numerous verdicts/awards before arbitration panels and courts over the past 20 years. Within the last year alone, he won a jury trial in federal court involving a common law trademark and a multi-million dollar award from the AAA involving pipeline construction...