John D. Pizzo

Member

Biography

John Pizzo isn’t afraid of hard work and has always been a problem solver. Having spent over 20 years in the construction industry, John switched from that difficult line of work to a more intellectually challenging career path. Although he is always willing to fight for his clients’ interests, John’s litigation practice is rooted in his belief that helping clients achieve their goals doesn’t always mean fighting and confrontation. John enjoys advising clients on the benefits and drawbacks of litigation, as well as developing alternative solutions. John’s diverse client base are in a variety of industries, including oil and natural gas production, coal, pipelines, and construction.

Learning the value of time while in the construction industry, John is an effective steward of his clients’ time and takes pride in his personal track record of responsiveness and availability. Colleagues and clients alike would say that John is a valued team member and trusted advisor who cares about what he’s doing and how it impacts the bigger picture.

Representative Experience

Defended oil and gas exploration and production company before the West Virginia Mass Litigation Panel in claims involving private nuisance and negligence relating to natural gas activities
Represented publicly traded oil and gas company in a contract dispute over liability associated with horizontal drilling equipment
Successfully represented clients in disciplinary hearings before the West Virginia State Contractor Licensing Board
Successfully represented oil and gas producer in suits related to failure of general contractor to pay subcontractor during construction of compressor stations
Represented oil and gas company in attempt to recoup improper payment for services resulting from an alleged improper relationship between corporate employee and vendor
Negotiated settlements with construction subcontractors to satisfy mechanics liens after construction
Represented several of the nation’s largest interstate natural gas pipelines in the exercise of eminent domain in federal court
Defended regional coal producer in negligence lawsuit rising from violent criminal acts committed on company property by subcontractor’s employee
Represented industrial pipe fitting company in lawsuit against former employees and competitor for defamation and tortious interference
Defended coal producer in property damage claim of subsidence resulting from underground mining operations

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Licensed In

West Virginia

Education

J.D. West Virginia University College of Law

B.A. William Patterson University of New Jersey, cum laude

Memberships

West Virginia Law Review, Executive Articles Selection and Symposium Editor, Volume 117
Associate Editor, West Virginia Law Review, Volume 116
Member, United States Supreme Court Clinic
Associate Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA)
President, Lugar Trial Association
The Order of the Coif, WVU College of Law
The Order of the Barristers, WVU College of Law

Achievements

The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch,” 2022
The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch,” 2021
CALI Award for Contracts

Speaking Engagements

“A Court by Any Other Name: Preserving the Right of Diversity Removal from State Administrative Agencies That Emulate Courts,” West Virginia Law Review, Volume 117
“State and Federal Courts – Relationship and Interaction,” Readings on the American Judicial System, Chapter 6, pp. 77-95 (Michael Principe ed., 2016)