Steptoe & Johnson PLLC has added five attorneys to its office in The Woodlands, Texas. The additions include Lyle R. Rathwell, Ed Wallison, Jason R. Grill, Lonald C. “Lonnie” Hobbs, and Merris A. Washington. Their additions are part of the firm’s growth to better serve clients looking for experienced counsel in litigation and energy.

“I am pleased to welcome these experienced attorneys to Steptoe & Johnson,” said CEO Susan S. Brewer. “We are excited about what the future holds for our litigation and energy law practices as we expand in Texas to meet the needs of current and future clients.”

Lyle R. Rathwell practices litigation on behalf of domestic and international energy companies, insurers, construction companies, and others. His legal practice involves civil litigation representing clients involved with construction accidents, products liability, premises liability, and insurance defense. Rathwell earned his law degree from the University of Houston, his master’s degree from the University of Calgary, and his bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University.

Ed Wallison also practices civil litigation. His practice involves business disputes, personal injury defense, insurance coverage disputes, and medical malpractice claims. Wallison regularly represents health care providers and long-term care facilities and is a certified mediator with a broad range of experience. Wallison earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame and his bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University.

Jason R. Grill focuses his practice in the area of civil litigation. He represents clients in products liability, transportation, personal injury and wrongful death, construction, and professional liability matters. His clients include a variety of industries including oil and gas drilling and services companies, trucking companies, physicians, and banks. Grill earned his law degree from Baylor University and his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.

Merris A. Washington is experienced in civil litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury claims, medical malpractice, premises liability, and insurance coverage. She earned her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.

Lonnie Hobbs has more than two decades of experience in the energy industry. He joins Steptoe & Johnson after serving in leadership positions with Key Energy Services, Inc. including vice president for fluids management services, associate general counsel, and vice president for litigation and contracts. While with Key Energy Services, he worked with multiple department leaders to form and operate the company’s contract department. Hobbs also spent time as a litigator in private legal practice and as a shareholder with Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, PC. Hobbs earned his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law and his undergraduate degree from McMurry University.

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