Gregory J. Krock, an accomplished national energy litigator with significant experience in major oil and gas disputes, has joined McGuireWoods’ commercial litigation practice as a partner in Pittsburgh.
Krock represents clients in matters involving the oil and gas, electric utilities, coal and biofuels industries. His prominent cases include Butler v. Powers (2013), in which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled for Krock’s client, preserving the state’s so-called “Dunham Rule” and affirming that natural gas rights are separate from mineral rights in the state. The opinion protected thousands of lease deals between landowners and developers in the state’s Marcellus Shale region.
Other significant victories include a $220 million win for a coke and steel producer involving breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation claims. It was the seventh-largest U.S. jury verdict of 2007, according to The National Law Journal’s VerdictSearch.
“Greg is a go-to litigator on matters affecting the oil and gas industry,” said Ryan Purpura, leader of McGuireWoods’ energy industry team. “His work provided certainty for leaseholders and energy companies in one of the country’s most productive natural gas fields. Our clients will benefit immensely from his insight.”
Krock comes to McGuireWoods from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, where he chaired the oil and gas litigation practice group. He is a sought-after speaker on oil and gas developments and also speaks at seminars about restrictive covenants, unfair competition, and protecting trade secrets.
“Greg excels at understanding his clients’ businesses and developing strategies to achieve their objectives in and out of the courtroom,” said Robert Muckenfuss, chair of the firm’s Complex Commercial Litigation Department.
“Greg is a highly respected trial lawyer whose experience and client-focused approach make him a great fit for our national litigation practice, in energy and other industries,” said Dion Hayes, deputy managing partner of McGuireWoods’ litigation practice.
In addition to his energy-focused work, Krock represents banks and financial institutions, technology companies, government entities and trade associations in litigation matters.
“Greg is well-known nationally for his important work in energy-related litigation, and we are fortunate to have someone with his impressive depth of experience on our team,” said David Hornyak, managing partner of the firm’s Pittsburgh office.
McGuireWoods’ multidisciplinary energy team includes more than 200 lawyers who work across all sectors of the industry. The firm earned rankings in six energy-related practice categories in the 2018 edition of The Legal 500 United States.
“McGuireWoods is a litigation powerhouse and a leader with the legal, policy and business experience to help energy clients meet the challenges in today’s market,” Krock said. “I am excited to practice with these outstanding lawyers.”