Details of Bruce Stout’s Memorial Service

Huddleston Bolen and Bruce Stout’s family appreciate your heart-felt kindness. Bruce’s passing has been a shock to everyone. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

There will be a gathering of friends and family to celebrate Bruce’s life this Friday, February 3, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, 328 6th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. In accordance with Bruce’s wishes there will be no viewing. Instead, it will be a time for friends and loved ones to express their condolences to Bruce’s family and share memories with each other.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce’s family has asked that memorial contributions be made to either the West Virginia University College of Law or The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law.

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Bruce Stout, 1957 – 2012

It is with deep sorrow that Huddleston Bolen announces the passing of our dear friend and partner, Bruce Stout.

Bruce was a kind man with a bold sense of humor and a good nature. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and good friend. As a lawyer, Bruce was a passionate and dedicated counselor to his clients. He was recognized as one of the leading trust and estate lawyers in West Virginia, being named one of the top 10 lawyers in West Virginia in 2011 by Super Lawyers magazine and Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in 2010. Ever tireless, Bruce also served as an Adjunct Professor at the West Virginia University School of Law.

We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Bruce’s family and his many, many friends.

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Firm Welcomes Mike Addair to the Charleston Office

Huddleston Bolen LLP announced that Michael P. Addair joined the firm and will be working in the firm’s Charleston, WV office. His practice is focused on the representation of businesses in the areas of products liability, mass torts, toxic torts, deliberate intent litigation, professional liability, personal injury, and general insurance defense. Mr. Addair rejoins Huddleston Bolen after previously working for the firm from 2007 - 2011.

A native of Bartley, WV, he attended Marshall University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2003. Mr. Addair obtained his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2007 from West Virginia University.

In making the announcement, Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm’s management committee said, "We are pleased to welcome Mike back to Huddleston Bolen. He is an outstanding trial lawyer and will be a valuable asset to our growing Charleston, West Virginia office."

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Charles Bellomy Named Partner

Huddleston Bolen LLP announced today that Charles Bellomy has been named a partner in the firm. Mr. Bellomy is an experienced trial attorney and represents a wide variety of clients including natural gas and oil producers, land owners, railroads, and employers. Mr. Bellomy’s litigation experience encompasses a broad spectrum of claims including class action lawsuits, claims of discrimination and harassment, personal injury, wrongful termination, wrongful death, breach of contract, bad faith and fraud.

In making the announcement, Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm’s Management Committee, said “We are honored to welcome Chuck to the partnership. His professional accomplishments and commitment to providing outstanding service and representation to our clients are a credit to the firm and the profession.”

Mr. Bellomy graduated cum laude from West Virginia University in 1998 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in philosophy and economics. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill School of Law. Mr. Bellomy is a native of Ceredo, West Virginia, and now resides in Huntington with his wife Amber and twin daughters, Gabriella and Isabella.

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Firm's Education4Business Portal Honored in National Competition

Huddleston Bolen’s new Education4Business web portal, www.e4b-huddlestonbolen.com, was honored in the American Graphic Design Awards, sponsored by iStockphoto and hosted by Graphic Design USA.

Bulldog Creative Services, the firm’s advertising agency, created the website. “We’ve been thrilled with the look, usability, and content of the site,” said Thomas McChesney, Marketing Director at Huddleston Bolen. “We’re pleased that it was recognized in such a prestigious national competition, and even more pleased with the response we’ve received from our clients and the business community,” he said.

The American Graphic Design Awards is an annual competition that honors excellence in creativity and graphic design.  The competition has been hosted for the past forty years by Graphic Design USA, a monthly publication respected throughout the advertising, marketing and design industries.  Over 14,000 entries were reviewed by a panel of illustrious judges from around the world and less than 8% were recognized for excellence.

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Huddleston Bolen to Host Marketing Seminar for Non-Profits

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an Ashland, KY – based collaboration of community non-profit organizations and Huddleston Bolen LLP will host a workshop on Wednesday, January 11^th to help non-profits address some of the biggest marketing issues they face.

Led by Thomas McChesney, Marketing Director at Huddleston Bolen, the seminar will provide information on topics, such as:

• Designing effective publications that appeal to donors
• Sales and marketing checklist for the New Year
• Guerilla marketing: getting something for (almost) nothing
• Creating events that get your message across and raise funds

McChesney will also offer “thoughts from the other side,” providing the perspective of an individual who is often solicited by nonprofits for large and small donations.

The event will be held Wednesday, January 11th, 9am-11am at the Neighborhood building, 2516 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41105. The event is free and breakfast will be provided. Seating is limited. Guests may register by contacting Bethany Cayton at theneighborhood.ashland@yahoo.com or by calling 606.327.5677.

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Huddleston Bolen to Host Business Lunch and Learn on Disaster Preparedness

Individuals in the Tri-State area have a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders about the importance of preparing a business for emergencies in a free luncheon titled “Preparing for Disaster: Is Your Business Ready?”

Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to attend the free “lunch and learn” sponsored by Huddleston Bolen LLP and the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council on Wednesday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The lunch will be held at the offices of Huddleston Bolen at 611 Third Avenue in Huntington. Seating is limited. Guests may register at www.huddlestonbolen.com/events or by calling 304-691-8474 by Friday, December 9^th.

Attendees can expect to learn about preparing a business for an emergency and the importance of business continuity planning by hearing from industry professionals on how they prepare their businesses for emergencies. Attendees will also learn about resources available through Volunteer West Virginia programs.  The lunch session is ideal for industry leaders, business representatives, school emergency planners, higher education personnel, and health care facility operators.

Speakers and panelists will include Jack H. Vital IV, Director of Safety and Security for St. Mary's Medical Center; Arnold (Arnie) C. Green, Jr., Senior Safety and Security Consultant for DuPont Washington Works; John Thomas, Project Manager for BB&T; David Skeen, COOP/COG Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety; and Ted Kester, Safety Specialist for Toyota Motor Manufacturing of West Virginia. 

According to national research, 15 to 40 percent of businesses fail following a natural or man-made disaster. These disasters could include floods, earthquakes or even terrorist attacks.  Some businesses stand to lose thousands of dollars per day while shut down and it often costs less than $500 for a small business to properly prepare for an emergency.

“Huddleston Bolen has been a member of and an advocate for the business community for nearly 140 years. In that time our firm has seen countless businesses and many communities destroyed by natural and man-made disasters. It’s our privilege to partner with the Business Volunteer Council to bring this important information to the community,” said Tom Gilpin, Chair of the Firm’s Management Committee.

For more information on the West Virginia Business Volunteer Council, contact Kellie Aikman at (304) 558-0111 or kellie.l.aikman@wv.gov. Visit www.volunteerwv.org for more information about Volunteer West Virginia.

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Casey Baker Recognized for Community Service in South-Central Ohio

Huddleston Bolen attorney Casey Baker was recently presented with the South-Central Ohio “Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under” by the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

Mr. Baker was recognized for his work with the Lawrence County Young Professionals, and particularly the group’s Secret Santa program. The Young Professionals took over the Secret Santa program in 2009, after it was announced that budget cuts would force the County’s Jobs and Family Services Department to end the program. Since 2009 the Lawrence County Young Professionals have provided Christmas presents to more than 1,000 children in Lawrence County, Ohio. Mr. Baker also serves on the Board of Directors for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

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Firm Announces Seminars on Guerilla Marketing and Drugs in the Workplace

Huddleston Bolen announced that two Business4Breakfast seminars will be held in November.

On November 9^th, in Ashland, KY, Thomas McChesney, Marketing Director at Huddleston Bolen LLP, will speak on “Guerilla Marketing – How to get something for (almost) nothing.” Mr. McChesney will discuss ways small businesses can capture market share and increase sales by closely targeting prospects and crafting innovative ways to reach them. The seminar will be held 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. at the Community Trust Bank office, 1544 Winchester Road, Ashland. The seminar is co-sponsored with Community Trust Bank and the Ashland Alliance.

On November 16^th, Dr. Randy Short, Medical Director at BrickStreet Mutual Insurance, will speak on “Dealing with Drugs in the Workplace.” Dr. Short, will discuss the prevalence and misuse of prescription and illegal drugs in the workplace, and steps employers can take to address the problem. The seminar will be held, 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. at Huddleston Bolen’s Huntington office, 611 Third Avenue. The seminar is co-sponsored with The State Journal, the Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE.

Business4Breakfast seminars are free, open to the business community, and include a free breakfast. Guests may register at www.huddlestonbolen.com/events or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at 304-691-8474.

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Tom Murray and Angela Konrad Named "Lawyers of the Year"

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to announce that Best Lawyers has named Thomas Murray as the “Charleston, WV Best Lawyers Financial Services Regulation Law Lawyer of the Year” and named Angela Konrad the “Charleston, WV Best Lawyers Railroad Law Lawyer of the Year” for 2012.

Best Lawyers designates “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.” The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in our surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

In addition to these honors, Huddleston Bolen also recently announced that nearly 70% of the Firm’s partners were honored in the most recent edition of Best Lawyers and that the firm was top ranked in Railroad Law in West Virginia and Kentucky and top ranked in West Virginia in Securities and Capital Markets Law and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. In total, the firm was top ranked in 29 individual categories.

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Firm Announces October Business4Breakfast Seminars

Huddleston Bolen announced the October Business4Breakfast seminars. On October 18^th, Thomas McChesney will speak on how community involvement can benefit your company and your employees. The seminar will be held, 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. at the Lawrence County Chamber office in South Point, Ohio. On October 28^th, Kevin Nelson, a partner in Huddleston Bolen’s Charleston office will speak on, “Hosting a Holiday Party (and other things that can get employers into trouble). The seminar will be held 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. in Huddleston Bolen’s Charleston, West Virginia office.

In his presentation on October 18^th, Mr. McChesney, Marketing Director at Huddleston Bolen, will discuss how businesses can use community involvement to generate positive exposure and as a motivational tool for employees.

On October 28^th, Mr. Nelson will provide practical tips to help companies who are planning holiday parties minimize risks and potential lawsuits and criminal actions resulting from inappropriate behavior of employees and managers, serving alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.

Business4Breakfast seminars are free, open to the business community, and include a free breakfast. Guests may register at www.huddlestonbolen.com/events or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at 304-691-8474.

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Nearly 70% of the Firm's Partners Named to Best Lawyers 2012

Nearly 70% of Huddleston Bolen Partners Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2012

Nearly 70% of the partners in Huddleston Bolen LLP were honored in the publication, The Best Lawyers in America 2012. All of the firm’s offices in Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia and Ashland and Louisville, Kentucky were recognized in the publication.

The firm was top ranked in Railroad Law in West Virginia and Kentucky. The firm was also named Number 1 in West Virginia in Securities and Capital Markets and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. In total, the firm was top ranked in 29 individual categories.

Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm’s Management Committee said, “We are honored to be recognized by a publication as well-respected as Best Lawyers. The litany of individual and firm-wide recognitions this year is evidence that everyone in our firm is deeply committed to providing outstanding service and results for our clients. I believe that our lawyers really are some of the best in America and we are proud to be acknowledged for our accomplishments.”

Attorneys who were individually recognized by Best Lawyers are:

Rodney Baker was recognized for his work in Mass Tort Litigation.

Dick Bolen, a partner in the firm’s Huntington, West Virginia office, was named in two practice areas: Natural Resources and Oil and Gas law.

Jim Cleveland, a partner in the firm’s Ashland, Kentucky office, was selected for his work in Railroad Law.

Dan Earl, a partner in the firm’s Huntington, West Virginia office, was honored in two categories: Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions law.

Tom Gilpin, chair of the firm’s Management Committee, was recognized for his work in Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law and Mergers and Acquisitions.

Jan Holbrook was also listed in Bankruptcy Litigation and Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law. Ms. Holbrook maintains offices in both Huntington, West Virginia and Ashland, Kentucky.

Angela Konrad, based in the firm’s Huntington office, was named in the area of Railroad Law.

Huntington partner Luke Lafferre was recognized for his efforts in Mass Tort / Class Action Litigation, representing defendants and Railroad Law.

J. H. Mahaney, of the firm’s Huntington office, was recognized in five areas: Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Mass Tort / Class Action Litigation, representing defendants, Personal Injury Litigation, and Railroad Law.

Tom Murray is among an elite list of lawyers who have been recognized in Best Lawyers for 17 consecutive years. In the 2012 list, Mr. Murray was listed in five practice areas: Banking Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Services Regulation Law, and Securities / Capital Markets Law.

Kevin Nelson, managing partner of the firm’s Charleston, West Virginia office, was listed in the areas of Employment Law, representing management and Labor and Employment Litigation.

K.J. Oehler, based in the firm’s Louisville, Kentucky office, was recognized for her work in Railroad Law.

Chris Plybon, a partner in the firm’s Huntington, West Virginia office, was named to Best Lawyers for his work in Real Estate Law.

Mary Sanders, based in Charleston, West Virginia, was selected in three categories: Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation, representing defendants, and Products Liability Litigation, representing defendants.

Scott Sheets, who head’s the firm’s Huntington-based Labor and Employment Practice, was named for his work in Employment Law, representing management, Labor Law, representing management, and Labor and Employment Litigation.

Bruce Stout was recognized by Best Lawyers for the 13^th consecutive year for his work in Trusts and Estates Law.

Andrew Zettle was named to Best Lawyers for his work in three areas: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Energy Law, and Environmental Litigation.

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Business4Breakfast on Workplace Harassment Set for Sep 21

Huddleston Bolen announced that the September Business4Breakfast seminar will provide practical information to employers on how to deal with bullying and workplace harassment. Scott Sheets, a partner in Huddleston Bolen’s Huntington office is the guest speaker.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday, September 21^st from 7:45 – 8:45 am at Huddleston Bolen’s Huntington, West Virginia office, 611 Third Avenue. Huntington seminars are presented by Huddleston Bolen and SCORE.

Business4Breakfast seminars are free, open to the business community, and include a free breakfast. Guests may register at www.huddlestonbolen.com/events or by contacting Tasha Viglianco at 304-691-8474.

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Firm Welcomes Alex Kuebbing to the Louisville Office

Huddleston Bolen recently welcomed Alex Kuebbing to the firm’s Louisville, Kentucky office. Mr. Kuebbing joins the firm as an associate, concentrating in the areas of products liability, toxic torts, and premises liability.

Mr. Kuebbing is a native of Burlington, Kentucky. He attended Bellarmine University on a baseball scholarship, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Economics and Business Administration. In 2008, Mr. Kuebbing was presented with the "Silver Knight Award" given to the most outstanding senior male student-athlete at Bellarmine.

In 2011, Mr. Kuebbing earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law, graduating cum laude. Mr. Kuebbing was a Dee Ashley Akers Scholar and a recipient of the Schwemm Scholarship. While in law school, Mr. Kuebbing served as a Notes Editor for Volume 99 of the Kentucky Law Journal.

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Jack Wise Named District Justice for Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity

Huddleston Bolen is pleased to announce that Jack Wise, an associate in the firm’s Huntington office was appointed District Justice for District XXIV of the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity.

The Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity is an international professional law fraternity charged with advancing the integrity, compassion, and courage in the profession through service to the student, the school, the profession and the community.  A prestigious organization, five current U.S. Supreme Court Justices are members of Phi Alpha Delta.

District XXIV encompasses most of West Virginia and Virginia. As District Justice, Mr. Wise will be responsible for coordinating the activities and budgets of the law schools and alumni chapters within the district.

Mr. Wise’s work is focused in commercial and transportation litigation and immigration. A native of Florida, Mr. Wise received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida State University. While there, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Affairs, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2004; a Masters of Arts degree in International Affairs, graduating with honors in 2006; and a Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies in 2006. Mr. Wise was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.  In 2010, Mr. Wise received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he graduated Cum Laude.

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Paul Loftus Named to Inland Maritime Committee

Paul Loftus, a partner at Huddleston Bolen LLP, was recently named to the national Legal Issues and Insurance Committee of the Inland River Ports and Terminals Association. The IRPT is the nation’s leading trade association for professionals focused on inland waterways, ports, and terminals. Mr. Loftus has extensive litigation and appellate experience in transportation law. He has been actively involved in the defense of major incidents involving hazardous materials releases, occupational injury claims, FELA personal injury incidents, maritime claims and property and flood damage claims.

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