John C. Ferrell

Member

Biography

John Ferrell is an experienced and effective litigator who has successfully represented clients in complex litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. He understands that clients want more than a hired gun; they want someone who thoroughly understands their business and provides sound advice, preventing litigation when possible. John has an eye for detail but always keeps the big picture in mind when advising clients and when advocating, looking to achieve the best possible long-term result. When litigation does occur, John provides an aggressive defense and leaves no stone unturned.

John represents clients in various industries but focuses his practice on oil and gas producers, midstream companies, and transmission companies in the Appalachian Basin. John has successfully represented energy companies in state and federal court and in regulatory proceedings before the ODNR and the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission.

Representative Experience

Successfully represented oil and gas producers in lawsuits alleging washouts of overriding royalties
Obtained dismissal for an oil and gas producer in a lawsuit alleging over $1 million in damages for breach of contract
Obtained favorable settlements for oil and gas producers in several complex title disputes with multiple competing stakeholders
Drafted a successful amicus brief in the Ohio Court of Appeals on an issue with wide-reaching application to oil and gas operators in Ohio
Obtained declaratory judgment and permanent injunction for an oil and gas operator validating easement for well pad access road
Successfully represented oil and gas producers in multiple cases before the Ohio Court of Appeals involving issues of first impression in Ohio
Obtained dismissal of an appeal of a unitization order to the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission
Represented oil and gas producers in several high-stakes actions alleging claims for mineral trespass or underpaid royalties
Successfully defended Ohio employer against workers’ compensation claimant’s request for additional psychological treatment
Defended Ohio public school district treasurer against charges of professional misconduct before the Ohio Board of Education
Represented a beneficiary in a will and estate dispute on the grounds of undue influence of an elderly person for financial gain
Defended used car dealership against allegations of kick-back scheme for sales at regional auto auction
Represented employers in appeals of workers’ compensation claim to Ohio courts of common pleas
Defended a manufacturer in a workers’ compensation claim involving an employee who blamed major psychological conditions arising out of a physical injury occurring in the workplace
Assisted oil and gas operator in defending claims for breach of lease, including summary judgment briefing
Represented a medical professional in seeking relief from default judgment on a professional negligence claim
Successfully opposed appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court against judgments favoring oil and gas companies on lease rulings
Defended employers against workers’ compensation claims, including pre-hearing briefs before the Ohio Industrial Commission
Represented a business owner in arbitration for defective building construction

Show All

Licensed In

Ohio

Education

J.D. Capital University Law School

B.A. The Ohio State University

Memberships

Vice Chair, Ohio State Bar Association’s Certified Grievance Committee
Ohio State Bar Association
Columbus Bar Association
Federal Bar Association

Achievements

The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch- Commercial Litigation (2024-Present)
CALI Awards: Legal Research & Writing; Torts; Contracts; Property; Criminal Law; Civil Procedure; Constitutional Law; Evidence; Federal Personal Income Tax; Legal Drafting; Appellate Advocacy

Related Services

Related News & Resources

Press Release

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Announces Attorney Promotions

BRIDGEPORT, W. Va. – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is pleased to announce that nine of its attor...

Stay informed. Sign up for our mailing lists.

Click Here