Devon Stewart focuses his practice on complex business litigation, commercial and property disputes. He represents clients in a broad range of disputes involving contract claims, business torts, property and construction matters, shareholder and fiduciary litigation, environmental liabilities, insurance coverage disputes, class actions, catastrophic injury claims, and bankruptcy-related litigation. He regularly advises businesses, public entities, insurance carriers, and energy companies through all phases of litigation, from pre-suit strategy and investigation through trial and appeal.
Devon is known for providing practical, client-focused counsel in high-stakes disputes. He works closely with clients to understand their business objectives and develop litigation strategies that align with those goals. His experience spans commercial litigation, contract disputes, property disputes, construction liens, tax appeals, business valuation and shareholder derivative actions, business fiduciary claims, anti-trust violations, unfair competition, copyright infringement, catastrophic personal injury, workplace injury, products liability, toxic exposures, nuisance, general bodily injury and property damage claims, insurance first party insurance claims, consumer protection, collections, creditor rights, creditors in bankruptcy and adversary proceedings, permit disputes, defamation, breach of privacy, and environmental liabilities.
As a Member of Lewis Gianola, Devon draws on more than a decade of litigation experience representing clients across West Virginia and throughout the region.
Education
West Virginia University College of Law, J.D., 2011
Concord University, B.A. Political Science; B.S. Mathematics, 2008
Awards and Recognition
Community Involvement
Devon is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Charleston and performs with the Charleston Civic Chorus. He previously served on the Board of Directors of West Virginia Public Theatre and remains committed to supporting educational, civic, and community organizations throughout the state
Devon Has Other Interests?
Devon lives in Charleston with his wife, Laura, and their son. Outside the practice of law, Devon is an accomplished endurance athlete who has completed six Ironman triathlons and qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship three times. He enjoys the discipline, preparation, and resilience required in endurance sports and applies those same qualities to client advocacy and problem solving.
Bar and Court Admissions
Professional Affiliations
Recent Representative Matters
From 2016 to 2026 Devon represented a medical records copying vendor in the defense of multiple class actions arising out of alleged overcharging for the price of medical records.
From 2023 to 2025, Devon represented a public utility in an appeal from a property tax assessment before the Board of Public Works with approximately one million dollars at stake in each tax year. The appeal involved issues pertaining to the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and interests arising under Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
From 2022-2026, Devon represented a natural gas pipeline operator in the defense of multiple claims that maintenance and operations caused damage to surrounding structures and nuisance arising out of noise, odor, and dust.
From 2020 to 2025, Devon represented an international distributor in a lawsuit arising out of a catastrophic personal injury with extensive litigation of a personal jurisdiction defense.
Over the past nine years, Devon has represented a cemetery holding company in a variety of business disputes and transactions, as well as tort liabilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Devon litigated immunity under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) for a national continuous care provider.
Published Work
Devon authored a student note, Take Me Home to Conley v. Gibson, Country Roads. W. Va. L. Rev., vol. 113 (Dec. 2010).
Devon submitted a brief on behalf of the West Virginia Farm Bureau as amicus curiae in the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in the case of M. Alex Urban v. City of South Charleston, Case No. 26-224.
Business Litigation
Devon represents businesses, business owners, and public entities in a wide range of commercial disputes. He has experience handling contract claims, shareholder and fiduciary disputes, business valuation matters, unfair competition claims, property disputes, construction-related litigation, collection matters, and other complex business conflicts. Devon works with clients to develop strategies that align with their operational and financial objectives while seeking efficient resolutions to disputes whenever possible.
Recognizing that litigation is often one component of a larger business challenge, Devon takes a practical approach to counseling clients before, during, and after disputes arise. He works closely with management teams, in-house counsel, accountants, consultants, and insurers to assess risk, preserve key business relationships, and position matters for successful resolution. Whether advocating in the courtroom or advising behind the scenes, Devon strives to provide clients with clear guidance that supports long-term business goals.
Insurance Coverage and Defense
Devon has represented insurance carriers and insureds in a broad spectrum of first-party and third-party disputes. His experience includes claims involving catastrophic injuries, products liability, workplace injuries, property damage, toxic exposures, professional liability, and other complex coverage and defense matters.
Devon understands that insurance litigation frequently involves competing contractual, business, and practical considerations. He works with clients to evaluate coverage issues, analyze potential exposure, and develop strategies tailored to the particular risks presented by each matter. His experience representing both insurers and insured parties provides him with a practical perspective on resolving disputes efficiently and effectively.
Class Action and Complex Litigation
Devon has experience representing businesses in class actions and other high-exposure litigation matters involving multiple parties, substantial damages claims, and significant reputational considerations. He has defended clients against consumer protection claims, privacy-related allegations, healthcare-related claims, and other matters with the potential for broad-based liability.
Complex litigation often requires coordinating large volumes of information, managing numerous stakeholders, and developing strategies that remain effective across multiple phases of a case. Devon works collaboratively with clients and legal teams to identify key issues early, evaluate litigation risk, and pursue outcomes that protect both business operations and long-term interests.
Tax Appeals
Devon represents businesses and property owners in disputes involving property valuation, assessment, and taxation. He has experience assisting clients through administrative and judicial appeals involving complex commercial and natural resource properties, including matters affecting multi-state businesses and publicly traded companies. Devon works closely with clients, valuation professionals, appraisers, and tax consultants to develop strategies that accurately reflect property value and challenge assessments that may not align with market realities.
Property tax disputes often require a combination of legal analysis, financial understanding, and practical business judgment. Devon helps clients navigate the appeals process while balancing litigation costs, operational concerns, and long-term tax planning objectives. He strives to provide clear guidance throughout the process and to advocate for fair and equitable tax treatment that reflects the unique characteristics of each property and business.
Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights & Workouts
Devon represents lenders, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, debtors, and other stakeholders in bankruptcy and adversary proceedings. He advises clients on protecting and enforcing their rights in distressed situations while seeking practical solutions that maximize recoveries and preserve valuable business relationships whenever possible.
Financial distress frequently presents both legal and business challenges that require swift and strategic decision-making. Devon works with clients to evaluate risks, protect collateral, address preference and avoidance claims, negotiate restructuring arrangements, and pursue recovery opportunities both inside and outside formal bankruptcy proceedings. Whether representing creditors in Chapter 11 cases or litigating adversary proceedings, he helps clients navigate complex insolvency matters with a focus on practical results and long-term business objectives.
Energy and Environmental Litigation
Devon represents clients throughout the energy sector, including natural gas producers, midstream operators, public utilities, coal mine operators, and other businesses facing environmental and regulatory challenges. His experience includes litigation involving property rights, permit disputes, environmental liabilities, nuisance claims, toxic exposure allegations, and administrative proceedings before state regulatory bodies.
Energy and environmental disputes frequently involve a complex interplay of business, regulatory, and operational considerations. Devon works to understand the unique challenges facing each client and develop litigation strategies that account for legal risk as well as broader business and public relations concerns. He has experience defending clients in both traditional litigation and administrative proceedings and helping businesses navigate evolving regulatory environments.
