Michelle Elmore Wooton

Member

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Michelle Elmore Wooton

Member

(O) : 304.340.1047

 PDF

Michelle Elmore Wooton is a Member in the Financial Services, Oil & Gas, and Coal industry groups, focusing primarily on wind and solar development, real estate development, and commercial leasing. She is a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee and practices out of the Firm’s office in Charleston, West Virginia.

Bio

Michelle’s practice focuses on both commercial real estate development and mineral development. She has significant experience in mineral law and has represented clients in connection with multiple transactions. She handles all aspects of mineral development in all energy realms, with an emphasis on solar and wind renewable energy. Her mineral development practice includes assisting renewable energy developers and financial lenders with title work, financing, curative actions, leases, zoning, and transactional agreements. Michelle practices in negotiated acquisitions, development, and financing for commercial projects. She also has significant experience in the convenience store and gas station law arena.

Michelle is a leader within the Firm, serving as the co-leader of the Firm’s internal land and natural resource development practice group. She was selected as a fellow in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Oil and Gas Law.

She graduated from The University of Maryland in College Park with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English focusing on British and American literature, and received her J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law.

Education
  • West Virginia University College of Law (J.D., 2004)
  • University of Maryland (B.A. in English, 1998)
Admissions
  • West Virginia (2004)
  • West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals (2004)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia (2004)
Work History
  • Jackson Kelly PLLC (2004-Present)
Professional Organizations
  • Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF)
    • Board of Governors (2022-2023)
    • Board of Trustees (2021 and 2022)
  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Fellow
    • Committee of Professional Responsibility, Secretary (2021); Vice Chair (2022)
  • West Virginia State Bar Association
  • Kanawha County Bar Association
Community
  • Baton Twirling Coach (2017-2023)
  • Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council
    • Troop Leader (2016-2017)
    • Board of Directors (2008-2011)
  • Junior Achievement of the Advantage Valley
    • Board of Directors (2005-2008)
Awards
  • Best Lawyers in America© for Oil and Gas Law (2018-2026)
  • Fellow with the American College of Real Estate Lawyers
  • Order of the Coif (2004)
  • Patrick Duffy Koontz Scholarship (2004)
  • West Virginia Law Review, executive student works editor
  • Ranked in Chambers USAAmerica’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of Real Estate Law in West Virginia (2023-2026)
Speaking Engagements & Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Co-presenter with M. Shane Harvey, “It’s Heating Up: the Opportunities and Challenges of Renewable Development,” EMLF 43rd Annual Institute, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Fernandina Beach, Florida, June 12-14 2022
  • Panelist, Legal Panel, Women’s Energy Network Greater Pittsburgh Annual Educational Conference, Nov. 5, 2021

Writings and Publications

Practices