J. Kevin West

Member

Biography

For over 30 years, Kevin West’s practice has been focused on the energy industry, both as an outside and in-house attorney. His practice includes complex litigation, and he has taken several hundred civil and criminal cases to trial. For energy companies, Kevin has litigated complex royalty cases, midstream matters, and matters involving mineral title disputes. He has also handled asset and stock transactions, lease transactions, and land and legal due diligence for acquisitions and regulatory matters. He has managed the governmental affairs process and drafted legislation regarding natural gas operations. He has also defended clients charged with violations of federal criminal laws. Mr. West is the Managing Member of the Columbus, Ohio office, but also spends time in our Lexington, Kentucky office.

Representative Experience

Obtained unanimous defense verdict at jury trial on behalf of an oil and gas exploration and production company in an environmental exposure matter alleging toxic encephalopathy and other personal injury claims
Obtained summary judgment for pipeline company in correlative rights dispute with coal company
Filed recent Ohio condemnation action in federal court for property associated with mile FERC interstate pipeline project
Tried several trespass actions in state and federal court
Defended producers in several class actions regarding post-production expense deductions
Represented natural gas transportation company in federal condemnation action for major interstate pipeline
Lead counsel in several hundred matters (including statutory and unionization pooling applications) before state regulatory agencies
Jury trials and defense of management officials prosecuted for criminal violations of federal law
Prosecuted dozens of preliminary and permanent injunctions to halt interference with natural gas operations
Participated in numerous asset and stock transactions, lease transactions, and land and legal due diligence for acquisitions
Drafted legislation regarding natural gas operations adopted in several in states in the Appalachian Basin
Represented producers in litigation (including trial) related to lease construction and surface use

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Licensed In

Kentucky
Ohio
West Virginia

Education

J.D. University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

A.B. Centre College of Kentucky

Memberships

Ohio Bar Foundation Life Fellow
Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Kentucky Oil & Gas Association, Board of Directors
Ohio Oil & Gas Association
Young Lawyers Section Board of Directors, Kentucky Bar Association 1988-2004
Kentucky Law Journal, 1984-1986
Ohio State Bar Association – Natural Resources Section, Litigation Section, Criminal Practice Section
Kentucky Bar Association – Mineral Law Section, Criminal Practice Section

Achievements

Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation (2024-Present), Energy Law (2024)

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