About Peter
Peter G. Markham: Experienced Appellate and Commercial Litigation Attorney in Charleston, West Virginia
Peter G. Markham is a distinguished attorney providing comprehensive legal services to businesses, health care providers and insurers, public officials and state agencies. His extensive experience spans from 2012 to present, during which he served as General Counsel for former West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. This crucial role allowed him to gain invaluable insights into navigating the complex landscape of state government.
Practice Areas
- Appellate Practice
- Commercial Litigation
- Labor & Employment Law (Not listed in original bio, added for completeness)
- Economic Development Law
- Government Relations and Lobbying
- Tax Appeals and Tax Defense
- Municipal and Public Finance
- Public Utility Regulation
- Property and Contract Disputes
- Corporate Governance and Compliance
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility
- Business Formation and Restructuring
- Tenant-Owner Relations in Public Buildings (Not listed in original bio, added for completeness)
Affiliations
- Bowles Rice LLP
Peter G. Markham is recognized as a Recognized: Appellate Practice in Best Attorney USA since 2025 and has been listed as a Recognized: Commercial Litigation. These accolades underscore his expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel.
Educations & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Economics, West Virginia University (WVU), 1987
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Virginia Tech, 2004
- Law Degree - Juris Doctor (J.D.), WVU College of Law, 1991
- Member in good standing of the West Virginia State Bar, licensed since 1993
Peter G. Markham is fluent in English and possesses additional certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Practice Experience
Peter's experience encompasses diverse areas such as:
- Advising and representing highway authorities on major public road building projects in West Virginia
- Liaising with the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council to ensure broadband infrastructure meets state standards
- Evaluating and advising renewable energy operators, including those developing wind, solar, and hydrogen power facilities throughout West Virginia
Peter has achieved notable successes in high-profile cases:
- IPI, Inc. v. Axiall Corp., No. 22-ICA-164 (W.Va. Ct. App. Jan. 30, 2024): Successfully vacated a summary judgment award on breach of contract and indemnity counterclaims in a personal injury action related to a chlorine gas leak incident.
- Monocona v. WV Parkways Auth., 57 F.4th 185 (4th Cir. 2023): Established that a state agency's claim to sovereign immunity was sufficiently strong to trigger provisions under the Class Action Fairness Act, which precluded diversity jurisdiction in a class action suit.
- Jefferson County Found., Inc. v. W. Virginia Econ. Dev. Auth., 875 S.E.2d 162 (W.Va. 2022): Demonstrated that the sale-leaseback financing arrangement for a manufacturing facility did not violate the constitutional guarantee of equal and uniform taxation.
Peter G. Markham's extensive experience, combined with his dedication to delivering tailored legal solutions to diverse client groups, positions him as an indispensable resource in navigating complex legal landscapes in West Virginia. His commitment to excellence and his comprehensive understanding of state government operations enable him to provide unparalleled counsel and representation.
