<p>Joseph F. Vargo, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 24, 1954, has hands on experience in the coal industry. He holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering (mining option) from the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1976. He has worked in the underground coal industry as a laborer (mechanic), serving as a pit committeeman and vice-president of UMWA Local 1791, in addition to his work experience as a mining engineer and shift supervisor. Mr. Vargo has been with the firm of Rhine Ernest LLP since graduating from Southern Illinois Law School in 1988. He is a member of the St. Mary's School Board and is active in the Mt. Carmel community.</p> <h3>Bar Admissions</h3> <ul> <li>State of Illinois</li> </ul> <h3>Areas of Practice</h3> <p>Coal, Oil and Gas Law, Real Estate, General Practice.</p> <h3>Education</h3> <p>University of Kentucky (B.S.C.E., Mining Option, 1976); Southern Illinois University (J.D., 1988). Tau Beta Pi; Chi Epsilon; Phi Alpha Delta. Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award in Agricultural Law.</p> <h3>Memberships</h3> <ul> <li>Illinois State Bar Association</li> <li>Wabash County Bar Association</li> <li>Energy and Mineral Law Foundation</li> <li>Illinois Oil and Gas Association</li> <li>St. Mary's School Board</li> </ul> 2009-08-11T07:09:45Z jvargo@rhine-ernest.com (618) 262-7145 3 Joseph F. Vargo vargo (618) 262-8611 photo_vargo_big.jpg 3 2009-09-09T21:45:32Z