Jonathan Ellis

Jonathan R. Ellis focuses his practice in the areas of civil litigation, mine safety law, and occupational safety and health law. He regularly defends businesses in civil litigation against claims of wrongful death, deliberate intent, personal injury, wrongful termination, and breach of contract.

Additionally, Jonathan counsels companies on safety compliance issues, represents them during accident investigations, and defends them against violations issued by various regulatory agencies such as MSHA and OSHA. Jonathan is the leader of the firm’s MSHA Team and Mine Emergency Response Team.

EXPERIENCE:

• Defended energy clients in civil litigation against claims of wrongful death, deliberate intent, personal injury, wrongful termination, and breach of contract
• Represented mining companies on MSHA matters, including citation contests, accident investigations, pattern of violations issues, challenges of flagrant violations, and 110(c) investigations
• Represented mine operators on MSHA 105(c) claims of discrimination
• Defended mine operators and mine supervisors in MSHA 110(c) investigations
• Represented mine operators on pattern of violations issues
• Represented mine operators on multiple fatality and serious accident investigations

Education:

• J.D. Washington and Lee University
• B.A. Concord College

Memberships:

• Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
• West Virginia Coal Association, Safety Committee
• Kentucky Coal Association, Health & Safety Committee
• National Mining Association, Safety, Health & Human Resources Committee
• Kanawha Valley Mining Institute
• Tug Valley Mining Institute
• Washington & Lee Alumni Association, Charleston Chapter