Leveraging keen business instincts with a thorough knowledge of the coal and natural resources industries, Chauncey’s experience has enabled him to become a trusted resource and partner for his clients. As chair of the Natural Resources Industry group, he primarily represents coal producers, owners and purchasers domestically and internationally.

Widely respected throughout the coal industry, Chauncey brings more than 30 years of industry experience to the table for clients. He handles a variety of issues for clients, including transactional matters such as mergers and acquisitions, real property and asset transactions, coal sales agreements, leases, contract mining agreements and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as litigation arising from commercial disputes, including all manner of contract claims, business relationships and breaches of fiduciary duty. He has built extensive relationships within the industry, both domestically and abroad, enabling him to stay abreast of new developments that impact his clients’ businesses. Knowing his clients’ count on him for insight into developing issues within the constantly-evolving industry, Chauncey places a premium on communication, keeping his clients informed and helping them mitigate their risks as they move forward.

In addition to his experience representing clients in the industry, Chauncey is also the partial owner and president of a coal leasing company, enabling him to bring a practical perspective to helping surmount both business and operational challenges in the most economic and efficient way. Drawing on his experience running a successful business, Chauncey is able to help clients anticipate issues before they arise and guide them toward effective resolutions.

Bar Admissions

Kentucky

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School (J.D., 1981)
• McGill University (B.S., with honors, 1976)
  • East Asian Studies
• Georgetown University (Undergraduate Studies)

• Best Lawyers ^© 
  • Best Lawyers (1995 - present)
  • “Lawyer of the Year” in Lexington for Mining Law (2012)
  • Energy Law (2022-2024)
  • Environmental Law (2022-2024) 
  • Mining Law (2022-2024)
  • Natural Resources Law (2022-2024)
  • Timber Law (2022-2024)
  • International Mergers and Acquisitions (2022-2024)
• Kentucky Super Lawyers^®
  • For Energy & Resources (2021-2023)
• Who's Who in American Law
• Chambers USA^®: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Environment, Natural Resources & Utilities, Natural Resources 
• Who's Who Legal - The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers
• Kentucky Super Lawyers^®
• Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell

• Fayette County Bar Association
• Kentucky Bar Association
• Lexington Coal Exchange
• Kentucky Coal Association, Board of Directors
• Energy and Mineral Law Foundation
  •  Board of Trustees (2001 - present)
  •  Executive Committee (2001 - 2004)
• National Council of Coal Lessors
  • Board of Trustees (2002 - present)
  • Executive Committee (2013 - present)
• Lexington Arts and Cultural Council
  • Chairman of board (1995 - 1996, 2003 - 2004)
  • Board member (1986 - 2006) 
  • Chair of Allocations (1992 - 1994)
  • Chair - Long Range Planning (2001 - 2002)
• Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence (1995 - 1998)
• Lexington Children's Theater, Board (1997 - 2000)
• Leadership Lexington, Class of 1989
• Leadership Kentucky, Class of 1992
• United Way of the Bluegrass
  • Allocations Panel (1992)
  • Co-chair Leadership Circle Team
  • Individual Gifts Division (1994)
• Living Arts & Science Center, board member (1996 - 1998)
• Kentucky Center for Public Issues
• American Red Cross, Blue Grass Chapter, board member (1991 - 1994)