Steptoe & Johnson Strengthens Intellectual Property Practice; Continues Strategic Growth in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Shane M. Rumbaugh, Alexander J. Keller, Nicholas R. Raffaele, and Sadye L. Miller have joined Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. All four will be joining the firm’s intellectual property (IP) practice, with Rumbaugh joining as a Member, Keller and Raffaele joining as Associates, and Miller joining as a Paralegal.

“We are proud to welcome Shane, Alexander, Nicholas, and Sadye to our firm,” said Christopher L. Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. “Their combined experience will undoubtedly strengthen and deepen our growing IP practice and furthers our growth in the Pittsburgh market.”

Rumbaugh, who will lead Steptoe & Johnson’s IP team, has extensive experience in managing complex global IP portfolios and litigating contentious trademark and copyright matters. From Fortune 500 companies to emerging growth businesses, Shane helps clients navigate federal lawsuits, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings, domain name challenges under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), and matters at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He earned his law degree from William & Mary Law School and his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson College.

“We are very excited to be joining Steptoe & Johnson,” said Rumbaugh. “Moving our practice was a strategic decision that will allow us to expand our already robust IP capabilities while providing our clients with the resources of a full-service firm.”

Raffaele’s background spans the entire spectrum of IP issues, including trademark clearance, strategic international filings, and enforcement of IP rights. Raffaele thrives in the courtroom with extensive experience in motion practice as well as high-stakes bench and jury trials. He earned his law degree from William and Mary Law School and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.

Keller focuses his IP practice on trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement matters. He also has experience in guiding clients through the complicated aspects of IP litigation. He earned his law and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

Additionally, Sadye L. Miller, who has joined as a certified trademark paralegal, will provide project management support to the firm’s new IP attorneys, assisting with both the prosecution and maintenance of intellectual property portfolios as well as enforcement and litigation matters.

Rumbaugh, Keller, and Miller are joining the firm’s Pittsburgh office, while Raffaele will practice remotely and join the Pittsburgh office at a future date.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Pittsburgh office has grown significantly since opening in 2020 and is now home to more than 25 attorneys. In November 2023, the office relocated to One PPG Place, in the heart of Pittsburgh’s central business district, to accommodate current and future growth.

About Steptoe & Johnson

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law with more than a century of know-how in the areas of business, labor and employment, and litigation. Steptoe & Johnson has over 400 lawyers and other professionals practicing in 18 offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Visit and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

For more information, contact Ryan Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer, at (614) 456-1647 or by email: press@steptoe-johnson.com.