Charles R. Hughes

Charles R. Hughes is a Charleston, West Virginia energy lawyer and partner with more than 20 years of legal experience. He concentrates on energy, commercial real estate, and construction law. His energy practice serves clients in the coal, oil and gas, electric power, solar, and wind sectors. He advises on transactions, regulatory matters, property development, permitting, leasehold structures, and title issues involving surface and mineral estates.

Charles earned his J.D. from West Virginia University in 2001. He received an M.A. from Marshall University in 1998 and a B.A. from Marshall University in 1995. His education supports the legal analysis, drafting, and regulatory work required in energy, real estate, and construction matters. Before private practice, he served as a staff attorney with the West Virginia State Tax Department. He also served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1992 through 2006.

Charles negotiates agreements for acquiring and developing mineral-producing properties and leads due diligence across multiple states and jurisdictions. His commercial real estate work includes acquisitions, sales, land development, leasing, and title examinations for energy and industrial infrastructure projects. He advises construction clients on contract development, negotiation, project planning, and dispute resolution. His litigation experience includes mechanic’s liens and other construction-related claims, along with regulatory matters affecting contractors and businesses.

Charles R. Hughes represents contractors and businesses before the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board on licensing and compliance matters. His professional affiliations include the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation, Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia, Kentucky Bar Association, and Metallurgical Coal Producers Association. His practice combines transactional, regulatory, real estate, and construction experience to help clients address development projects, property interests, contractual obligations, and operational legal concerns.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Bowles Rice LLP
• Member, Kentucky Bar Association

Licensed State

• West Virginia

Education

• West Virginia University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Marshall University
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Marshall University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges