Charles M. Johnson

Charles M. Johnson has built a career representing businesses, professionals, and individuals in a wide range of corporate, financial, and regulatory matters. His experience includes guiding clients through mergers and acquisitions, debt financing, loan workouts, and complex commercial transactions, particularly within health care, energy, and technology industries. He also counsels clients on estate and succession planning.

Charles earned his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University in 1981 before completing his J.D. at the West Virginia University College of Law in 1986. This strong educational foundation provided him with the skills to navigate challenging legal and regulatory frameworks. Over the years, he has advised hospitals, nursing facilities, and physicians on compliance matters such as HIPAA, licensing, reimbursement disputes, and corporate governance issues.

Charles’ practice further extends to supporting nonprofit organizations with formation, tax-exempt status, and executive compensation matters. He also represents financial institutions in loan workouts, foreclosures, and bankruptcy proceedings. His work in real estate covers acquisitions, development, leasing, financing, and land use matters, as well as serving as bond counsel for tax-free bond issuances. His ability to handle such diverse and complex cases reflects his deep understanding of business and regulatory law.

Charles’ legal focus also includes alternative energy and renewable projects, advising both lenders and borrowers in large-scale financing, including wind energy developments. Additionally, he provides counsel to craft brewers, wineries, and distilleries regarding licensing and regulatory requirements at both state and federal levels. His wide-ranging expertise positions him as a trusted advisor across industries that demand detailed regulatory navigation.

Charles M. Johnson has earned professional recognition for his work, holding a BV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. His professional involvement includes membership in the American Bar Association, the West Virginia State Bar, and the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation, among others. Through decades of service, he has consistently helped clients achieve stability, compliance, and growth in their organizations and businesses.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Frost Brown Todd LLP
• Member, Kanawha County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Health Care Law Section, Administrative Law Section
• Member, West Virginia State Bar, Energy Committee, Alternative Energy Subcommittees, Administrative Law
• Member, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Committe, Energy Committee
• Member, American Health Lawyers Association, Long Term Care Committee, Health Information & Technology Committee, Behavioral Health Task Force
• Member, Energy and Mineral Law Foundation
• Member, West Virginia Bankers Association
• Member, West Virginia Hospital Association
• Member, West Virginia Health Care Association
• Member, West Virginia Coal Association
• Associate Member, West Virginia Craft Brewers Guild
• Member, Independent Oil & Gas Association
• Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals

Licensed State

• West Virginia

Education

• West Virginia University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Harvard University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges