Pipeline and oil/gas infrastructure litigation attorneys

Our focus

Our work on major pipeline and infrastructure projects spans litigation and the underlying real estate, environmental, land use, and regulatory matters. That breadth gives us insight into the larger project considerations that can shape a dispute from development through operation.

We represent clients in state and federal eminent domain proceedings, including challenges to authority, compensation matters, and appeals. Our attorneys also handle easement and access disputes, injunction actions, and title and ownership matters. Litigation involving temporary workspace, additional-line rights, and construction-related landowner claims is also part of our experience.

Pipeline disputes frequently extend into the regulatory arena. We handle permit challenges, DEP enforcement matters, and environmental appeals, as well as disputes involving pump stations and other facilities. Pipeline industry participants also turn to us for representation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions on jurisdictional and rate matters, as well as on compliance and enforcement matters.

Our experience includes extensive work on the more than $3 billion Mariner East Pipeline project, where McNees attorneys successfully litigated more than 100 condemnation proceedings across multiple Pennsylvania counties and also handled real estate, land use, environmental, regulatory, construction, and post-construction matters related to the project.

That depth of experience informs how we approach a dispute. Understanding the property rights, approvals, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations behind each case helps us develop a litigation strategy that accounts for the project as a whole.

We represent businesses and organizations involved in the development, construction, ownership, and operation of pipeline and oil/gas infrastructure. Our clients include:

Pipeline developers
Pipeline owners and operators
Natural gas and petroleum companies
Energy companies
Utilities
Infrastructure developers
Contractors and subcontractors
Other businesses involved in pipeline development and operations

Major pipeline development: Handled extensive litigation and related legal work for the over $3 billion and approximately 350-mile-long Mariner East Pipeline project.
Eminent domain/condemnation actions: Successfully asserted the rights of public entities in condemnation actions brought under the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code and the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, including the right of public utilities to condemn property related to Marcellus Shale pipeline and infrastructure projects.
Easement and access rights: Obtained injunctive relief to enforce pipeline rights and prevent interference with easements acquired through condemnation.
Landowner challenges: Defended claims involving easement enforcement, additional line rights, temporary workspace, and property access.
Construction-related claims: Defended matters involving alleged water contamination and damage to property during pipeline construction.
Property disputes: Litigated matters involving land ownership, including quiet title, declaratory judgment, and ejectment actions.
Environmental and permit litigation: Advocated for pipeline clients in permit disputes and environmental appeals before administrative bodies.
Regulatory proceedings: Handled administrative adjudications involving rates, jurisdictional matters, and certificates.
Pipeline facilities: Handled litigation involving pump stations and related pipeline infrastructure.

Key Contacts

Stephanie Carfley

Trial attorney and practice leader, representing businesses in high-stakes commercial litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, and pipeline-energy infrastructure matters.

See full profile

J. Corey Reeder

Represents individuals, fiduciaries, and businesses in estate planning, real estate, and business succession. Advises oil and gas companies on leasing.

See full profile