It is with great excitement that Conn Maciel Carey PLLC announces the launch of its Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) Practice Group and the hire of Nicholas W. Scala and Justin M. Winter, who will serve as Co-Chairs of the group in its Washington, DC office. The new MSHA Practice Group, which expands and complements the firm’s OSHA ● Workplace Safety Practice, will provide clients with a wide range of expertise in occupational and mine safety and health as well as industrial crisis management.

“Our MSHA Practice will serve operators and contractors in the mining industry by navigating the ever-evolving area of MSHA law and maintaining a deep, real-time understanding of the issues impacting the industry,” said Eric J. Conn, Chair of Conn Maciel Carey’s OSHA • Workplace Safety Practice. “Our team of MSHA-specialist attorneys will advocate for clients during agency rulemaking, manage and represent employers during the full range of MSHA investigations and enforcement actions, and counsel operators on risks of MSHA enforcement liability.”

“Both Nick and Justin bring a tremendous amount of expertise and experience representing and advising clients on various MSHA and OSHA issues. From working on inspections, accident and fatality investigations, and enforcement actions, to defending operators and contractors during litigation, their breadth of knowledge and in-depth involvement in this niche field will greatly add to our existing workplace safety law capabilities. We look forward to integrating them into our team,” said Kara M. Maciel, Chair of Conn Maciel Carey’s Labor • Employment Practice Group.

Mr. Scala and Mr. Winter, who previously were with the Law Offices of Adele L. Abrams P.C., focus their practice on issues involving mine safety and health law. They represent and advise metal/non-metal and coal mining companies, cement manufacturers, and construction entities serving the mining industry in all phases of interaction with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), particularly companies challenging enforcement by the agency. In addition, they represent clients in litigation against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as develop corporate safety and health policies for clients in the construction and mining industries.