Biography
Brian Pulito enjoys that every day has the potential to be unique and different, with the possibility of finding creative solutions to his client’s problems. Clients appreciate Brian’s ability to talk them off the ledge and diffuse a situation, however, when necessary, he is a tenacious and fierce litigator who is comfortable in a state and federal courtroom.
With a practice rooted in energy, Brian has a unique skill set that is relevant to both renewable energy and oil and gas developers. With a keen eye toward emerging markets, Brian works with clients in Pennsylvania on solar projects, including project planning, real estate, zoning, and regulatory compliance. Brian has a specialized focus on net-metering projects under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act.
In addition, he works with clients on eminent domain proceedings, construction litigation, and midstream litigation.
No matter the client or the situation, Brian brings enthusiasm and deep respect for the legal system to the table.
Representative Experience
- Worked due diligence projects on utility-scale solar projects
- Lead due diligence on net-metering projects under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act
- Appeared before municipalities to obtain site approval for solar development projects
- Prosecuted partition actions
- Defended lessees against claims of lease forfeiture arising from nonproduction and/or abandonment
- Represented insurance companies in both state and federal lawsuits
- Represented client in bench trial regarding partnership dispute
- Litigated complex commercial disputes
- Litigated large-scale lawsuit involving parallel state and federal lawsuits in which an injunction and other equitable relief was requested
- Represented energy clients in multiple matters before state and federal courts across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Litigated cases involving breach of lease agreements, breach of implied covenants, right-of-way disputes, injunctions against landowners, royalty disputes, and all types of energy-related cases
- Coordinated site review and title insurance commitments for multi-state solar project
- Advised clients on regulatory and land-use issues under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act
- Drafted and reviewed solar leases
- Negotiated and drafted surface non-disturbance agreements for large solar project
Education
- J.D. Syracuse University College of Law
Memberships
- Pennsylvania Defense Initiate, First-Party Section
- Treasurer, Crawford County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Western Pennsylvania American Inns of Court
- Crawford County Young Lawyers Division
- President-Elect, Rotary Club of Meadville (2011-2012)
- Board of Directors, United Way of Crawford County
- Counsel, PBA Litigation Section
- Three-Time Co-Chair, Jaycees Halloween Parade
- President, International Association of Wolves
- Board of Directors, Local Rotary International Chapter
Achievements
- Graduated cum laude, Gannon University
- Martin Luther King Internship, Northwest Legal Services
- Graduated cum laude, Syracuse University College of Law
Speaking Engagements
- Moderator, “Powering Progress: Navigating Solar Energy Opportunities and Challenges in Pennsylvania,” Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Webinar (June 25, 2025)
- “Distinctions Between Federal and State Practice: A Practitioners Guide to the Differences Between State and Federal Practice,” Civil Litigation Section Annual Retreat (March 2017)
- “Pipeline & Midstream Development from Wellhead to Burner Tip: Laws and Regulations Affecting Pipeline and Midstream Development in PA”
- “Subsurface Trespass to the Oil& Gas Estate: Determining Damages in Pennsylvania,” PBI Oil and Gas Law Colloquium, Pittsburgh, PA (September 2015)
Hosted Event | Webinar