J. Kevin West

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

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-Present)

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