Ralph J. Bean, Jr., Esq.
Secretary

Ralph Bean concentrates his practice in the areas of economic development, international and domestic business, public utility and energy matters. Mr. Bean has an extensive background in government relations, public utility and energy concerns. He began his practice of law as a corporate counsel for C&P Telephone Companies in Charleston and later in Washington, D.C. Returning to West Virginia, Mr. Bean served as Elections Chief in the office of then Secretary of State Jay Rockefeller from 1970 to 1972. In 1974, Mr. Bean joined the Consolidated Natural Gas System (CNG) as corporate counsel. Subsequently, in 1984, Mr. Bean was appointed general counsel of Hope Gas Inc., CNG's local distribution company in West Virginia. Mr. Bean was named president of Hope Gas in 1986 and held this position until December 1995 when he joined Steptoe & Johnson as a partner of the firm.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Mr. Bean is the group leader for the firm's International Law practice. Businesses seeking assistance with administrative and regulatory issues in West Virginia value Mr. Bean's unique skills. One of the most active attorneys in West Virginia economic development, Mr. Bean contributes an in-depth understanding of the complex legal needs in international businesses, and West Virginia's growing technology industry.

Mr. Bean focuses his activities on state economic development, legislative and regulatory matters, energy law, and state and federal administrative agencies.

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

A recognized West Virginia business leader, Mr. Bean co-chaired the Economic Development Task Force for Governor Bob Wise’s Transition Team. He is a member and has twice chaired the the WV Council for Community & Economic Development, which is responsible for the State's economic development strategy; is chair of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies & Development at WVU; is past Chair of the WV Business Roundtable, an organization for WV CEO's; and is the founder, as well as immediate past president, of the I-79 Strategic Planning Group, a regional economic development group in north central WV. In two WV trade missions to Asia and high-level board memberships including: Discover the Real WV Foundation; WV Chamber of Commerce; Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation; West Virginia University Foundation; Center for Entrepreneurial Studies & Development at WVU; Huntington National Bank WV; National Technology Transfer Center at Wheeling Jesuit University; and the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute. Mr. Bean is past Chair of the WV Oil & Natural Gas Association, the WV State Election Commission and the Young Lawyers Section of the WV State Bar. He was the 1993 recipient of the Order of Vandalia award for distinguished service presented by WVU and the University's 1992 Most Loyal West Virginian award.

EDUCATION AND PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

Mr. Bean received his law degree from West Virginia University where he also obtained his undergraduate degree in Political Science. While in law school, he was the Editor in Chief of the West Virginia Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. He received his master of law degree from Harvard University in 1967. Mr. Bean is admitted to practice law in West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Practice Area/Skill
Administrative Law
Government Affairs & Lobbying Efforts
Public Utility Law

Practice Groups
Environmental & Regulatory
Government Relations & Lobbying
Health Care
International Law
Litigation
Technology Advancement Group (TAG)