Kelley M. Goes is a Member in the Transaction Department, focusing on economic development, commercial transactions, public finance, and government relations. She practices out the Firm’s office in Charleston, West Virginia.
Kelley has a vast range of legal experience and has played an influential role in the economic and legislative development of West Virginia. Her clients are the driving force behind her practice – she likes nothing better than to work with her clients to strategize and implement solutions to close deals, finance projects, and create economic development.
Kelley began her career in an unlikely place – as a truck stop waitress in rural West Virginia. She is proud to share that fact because she is proud of her roots. Her love for her home state and her deep ties to the community have only grown since that start. She’s held several leadership positions within state and federal government and built a successful legal practice.
Presently, Kelley represents public lenders in commercial transactions funding infrastructure and economic development projects. She also works with political subdivisions to finance community enhancements and development. Kelley represents government entities and statutory boards on legal and procedural matters.
Her previous legal experience includes litigating patent infringement cases for one of the world's largest energy companies, negotiating to structure land and financial deals for location and expansion of businesses, and mediating commercial litigation, mineral lease disputes, contract disputes, and tort cases. Kelley represented a client in federal litigation for recovery of natural resources in the Ohio River and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice in recognition of advocacy in the case.
For her government relations clients, Kelley brings a strong working knowledge of the legal issues and protocols of the myriad West Virginia state agencies ranging from legislation and regulatory compliances to labor matters and bond issuances.
Kelley previously served as the State Director for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, III, as the Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Commerce, and Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office. In these roles, she evaluated business deals for economic viability and investment opportunities and reviewed potential funding sources ranging from asset-based lending to private equity. She chaired the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust, the West Virginia Water Development Authority, and the West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council. In these positions, she had the opportunity to draft and advocate for numerous pieces of legislation and legislative rules.
Her commitment to progress earned her recognition as a Distinguished West Virginian, a Distinguished Mountaineer, and a Kentucky Colonel. She was named a 2008 Young Gun by West Virginia Executive Magazine. You would be hard-pressed to find a more earnest, dedicated advocate for your cause than Kelley. With two kids in college, in her down time, you can find her needlepointing, hiking, or enjoying a single malt scotch with her husband.
