Chris Pence Email & Phone Number

I am an experienced attorney at Hardy Pence PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia. I routinely represent clients in federal and state courts throughout West Virginia. I am experienced in all aspects of the litigation process, from the initial pleading stage through trial. I have served as lead trial counsel on numerous civil cases, ranging from simple traffic accidents to catastrophic mining injuries. I have defended insurance agents, a propane supplier, insurance companies in coverage and bad faith litigation, physicians in medical malpractice cases, and coal companies in many types of litigation, and many others.In addition to my civil litigation practice, I have substantial experience representing clients throughout the United States in cases involving all aspects of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (“Mine Act"), and the various State equivalents. My clients include companies and individuals which have been charged or are targets of investigations conducted pursuant to Sections 110(c) and 110(d) of the Mine Act. I have represented clients in plan disputes with the enforcement agencies and subsequent litigation. My Firm is routinely called upon immediately after an accident to represent clients in all aspects of the ensuing investigations. In this capacity, we have challenged the bounds of MSHA’s authority under Section 103(k) of the Mine Act and the limits of its authority in conducting an investigation. We also represent clients in connection with discrimination complaints filed pursuant to Section 105(c) of the Mine Act, including temporary reinstatement hearings and full hearings on the merits. Finally, we represent clients in routine civil penalty and contest proceedings pending before the Commission. In any given year, we try approximately ten cases before administrative law judges, have 5-10 cases pending before the full Commission and at least one case pending before a federal Court of Appeals.

Listed skills include Civil Litigation, Administrative Law, Special Investigations, Criminal Investigations, and 27 others.