Beginning September 1, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC will put in to action a significantly expanded energy practice, says PR Web.  The expansion results from the acquisition of western Pennsylvanian firm Culbertson, Weiss, Schetroma and Schug.  That firm is headed by Russell Schetroma, whose practice focuses on oil and gas transactions, most notably within the Marcellus shale.  The shale has gained a lot of attention in recent debates over energy dependence and cleaner fuels.  It contains largely untapped natural gas reserves, and its proximity to the high-demand markets along the East Coast of the United States make it an attractive and potentially lucrative target for energy development.

As the result of the acquisition, Steptoe will add an office in Meadville, Pennsylvania, facilitating further service to the firm’s Appalachian clients.  The addition of the Schetroma firm will boost the firm’s rapidly growing energy practice to over 190 attorneys and professionals.