Kelley M. Goes recently joined Jackson Kelly PLLC as a Member in the Firm’s Charleston, West Virginia, office. Prior to joining the Firm, Goes served as U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III’s state director, overseeing his West Virginia offices and operations. She previously served as the first woman to be named as Secretary of Commerce in West Virginia and as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office.
Senator Manchin said, “It is difficult to imagine my Senate office without Kelley Goes, who is truly a one-of-a-kind public servant. Since my first days in the Senate, Kelley has served as my State Director, a job that made her my eyes and ears back home and my go-to person on every issue affecting the families and businesses of West Virginia. When I chose her to oversee all my Senate offices in West Virginia, Kelley had already proven her mettle, having served with great distinction in two important positions during my Governorship – as West Virginia’s Commerce Secretary and Executive Director of the West Virginia Development Office. No matter what the issue, I could always count on Kelley to see the ripple effect and to understand the impact on the lives of West Virginians.”
Goes’ previous experience included litigating patent infringement cases for one of the world’s largest energy companies. She has negotiated land and financial deals for location and expansion of businesses and mediated commercial litigation, mineral lease disputes, contract disputes and tort cases. Goes 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. Goes also has extensive experience in government relations for energy and business clients, having served at high levels in both state and federal government.
“We are thrilled to have Kelley join us. Given her years of public service to the State of West Virginia, she has an extensive knowledge about the history of and opportunities available to the State. When combined with her previous experience as an attorney working in Dallas, she will be able to provide the firm and its clients a unique insight into the development of the region,” said the Firm Managing Partner, Michael D. Foster.
Goes joins the Firm’s Environmental Practice Group where her focus will be on the energy, chemical and manufacturing sectors. A graduate of Vanderbilt University and National Merit Scholar, Goes received her Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky where she was selected to the Order of the Coif and appointed to the College of Law’s Honor Council.
