G. Kurt Dettinger

Biography

Kurt Dettinger is a trusted advisor to senior executives in major corporations operating in the oil and gas, gaming, technology, insurance, energy, capital markets, healthcare, finance, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, emergency response, hospitality, and economic development industries. In many of these industries, clients call upon him to not only provide legal advice essential to their decision-making but to also interface with policymakers to guide their strategic initiatives through governmental processes.

Mr. Dettinger’s legal practice is focused on transactional and regulatory matters, and his government relations practice is focused on the legislative and executive branches of West Virginia state government where he represents clients before both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature, the Governor’s office, and executive-branch agencies. His perspective on how to approach an issue is shaped by his substantial legal experience, business acumen, strategic vision, and policy knowledge.

Mr. Dettinger leads the Firm’s Government Relations practice and is the Practice Group Leader of the Firm’s Energy Policy and Project Finance practice group. His legal experience includes both private and public-sector service, and he invests himself fully in helping clients achieve goals that are essential to the success of their business interests.

Representative Experience

  • Represented Fortune 500 company in realigning its mineral ownership in conjunction with a pre-divestiture restructuring
  • Represented Fortune 500 company in the acquisition of natural gas wells, working interests, and operating rights throughout the Appalachian Basin
  • Represented various exploration and production companies in acquisition and divestiture transactions
  • Served as lead counsel to international and regional investment banking firms in conjunction with the underwriting and sale of taxable and tax-exempt bond transactions totaling in excess of $1 billion
  • Advised international company regarding economic incentive opportunities in West Virginia
  • Regularly represents clients across industries before the legislative and executive branches of government in West Virginia

Licensed In

  • West Virginia

Education

  • J.D. West Virginia University College of Law
  • B.B.A. Marshall University

Memberships

  • Public Affairs Committee, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Chairman, WV Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force, 2011-2012
  • Chairman, School Building Authority of West Virginia, 2010-2012
  • Governor’s Designee & Member, West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board, 2010-2012
  • Governor’s Designee & Member, Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission, 2010-2012
  • Governor’s Designee & Member, West Virginia Law Institute, 2010-2012
  • Trustee and Chairman of Legal Committee, West Virginia Investment Management Board (appointed by Governor Tomblin for a six-year term: 2013-2019)
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
  • West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • West Virginia State Bar

Achievements

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law (2021-Present), Government Relations Practice (2018-Present), Natural Resources Law (2021-Present)
  • Best Lawyers® 2024 Charleston, Government Relations Practice, Lawyer of the Year

Speaking Engagements

  • “Pooling in West Virginia – A Historical and Prospective Analysis,” WVONGA Fall Meeting, Roanoke, WV, September 2012
  • “Investments and Opportunities Related To Marcellus Drilling in West Virginia” – Marcellus and Utica Shale Conference and Expo, The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV, April 1-3, 2012
  • “Transaction Documents in Shale Gas Transactions – a Panel Discussion,” Steptoe & Johnson Acquisition & Disposition Seminar, 2012
  • Written and oral testimony regarding the development of the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia – U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Charleston, WV, November 14, 2011
  • “West Virginia’s Approach To Attracting Ethane Cracker Investments” – Stonewall Jackson Resort, Roanoke, WV, Fall 2011
  • “Evaluating The Market For Marcellus Ethane – West Virginia’s Approach” – NGL Shale Infrastructure Conference, Canonsburg, PA, August 24-25, 2011

Publications

  • Contributing author, “Survey of Developments in the Law of West Virginia: 2001 Part One,” 104 W. Va. L. Rev. 632, (2002)

Related Services

Related News & Resources

News
Bridgeport, WV – The Best Lawyers in America® has named 19 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC at...
News
Bridgeport, WV – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is excited to share that 123 of the firm’s atto...
News
Bridgeport, WV – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is excited to share that over 100 attorneys w...

Stay informed. Sign up for our mailing lists.

Stay Informed

All of our news and resources are shared electronically. Select your preferred list(s) below.(Required)