Member, Chair, Energy & Natural Resources Department
Energy
J.D. Duquesne University
B.S. West Virginia University
Biography
Sharon Flanery, nationally recognized as a leader in energy and natural resources law, chairs the firm's Energy & Natural Resources Department. As a lawyer and petroleum engineer with an executive, operating, and legal background in the industry, she brings real-world experience to her practice. This experience includes major acquisitions and divestitures, mineral leases, joint ventures, contract mining agreements, joint operating agreements, sales and marketing agreements, and gathering, transportation, and processing agreements. In addition, she has substantial experience with land and legal due diligence associated with mineral transactions, as well as in the legislative and regulatory arenas. Her general property background includes leases, deeds, rights of way, and land use and damage issues. Sharon’s broad legal, business and operating background also includes handling issues in the environmental, social (including diversity, equity and inclusion) and governance (ESG) areas.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
Honorary Doctorate, West Virginia University, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering & Mineral Resources, 2019 Governance Fellowship, National Association of Corporate Directors, 2018Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Academy, Inaugural Member, WVU Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, 2018 Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Band One Leading Lawyer, Natural Resources, 2008-2019The Best Lawyers in America®Best Lawyers® 2021 Charleston, WV, Energy Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2020 Charleston, WV, Energy Regulatory Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2019 Charleston, WV, Mining Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2018 Charleston, WV, Oil and Gas Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® 2016 Charleston, WV, Energy Law, Lawyer of the YearBest Lawyers® Charleston, WV, Lawyer of the Year 2011Super Lawyers®Outstanding Alumni of the Year, WVU Mineral & Energy Resources DepartmentGuest Lecturer, Distinguished Lecture Series, WVU College of Engineering and Mineral ResourcesDuquesne University Law ReviewGraduated cum laude, West Virginia University, Petroleum Engineering (1st Female Graduate in Petroleum Engineering)WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Advisory CommitteeWVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Visiting CommitteeChair, Energy Law Committee, West Virginia State Bar
Key Experience
Drafted legislation on behalf of a Fortune 500 energy client that clarified the requirements for notification of landowners in connection with coalbed methane development
Drafted various legislation for deep oil and gas unitization and coalbed methane development
Speaking Engagements
Presenter, "Best Practices in Subsidiary Management," Training Seminar for Industry Client Legal Department Retreat, Kennett Square, PA, September 2015Co-author, "When Worlds Collide: Results of the Rise of Private Equity as the Funding Source of Choice for American Oil and Gas Developer," Bloomberg BNA, April 2015Panelist, "Gasification of North America Power Panel," Bloomberg BNA 2015 Future of Energy Conference, New York, NY, April 2015Guest Speaker, All-female Summer Camp, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, July 2014"Overview of Pooling Affecting Appalachian Shale Development," EMLF Annual Institute, May 2011Co-author, "Recent Legal Developments in Carbon Sequestration," 2008 Society of Petroleum Engineers Eastern Regional/American Association of Petroleum Geologists Eastern Section Joint Meeting Co-author, "The Balancing of Coal and Coalbed Methane Interests Within the Coalbed Methane Statutory Schemes of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky," Journal of Natural Resources & Environmental Law, University of Kentucky College of Law, 2004-2005 Co-author, "Orphans, Foundlings, and Wards of the State: Plugging Liability for Orphaned and Abandoned Wells in the Eastern United States," 14 EASTERN MIN. L. INST. ch. 19 (1993)Co-author, "The Use of Minitrials in Mineral Disputes," 14 EASTERN MIN. L. INST. ch. 9 (1993)Florida v. Riley, 28 DUQ. L. REV 327 (1990)Co-author, "Application of Log-Inject-Log in Granny's"