Karsten Ritter
Partner, Dentons
Current association: Dentons
Law School: Salmon P. Chase College of Law; Northern Kentucky University
Undergraduate: University of Colorado, Boulder (Go Buffs!)
Spouse: Brian <3
Children: Proud mama of 3 tiny humans who are definitely running the household better than I am.
Hometown: Ft. Thomas, KY
Favorite restaurant: Casual: Rio Grande in Denver, Colorado. Fancy: Boca in Cincinnati, Ohio
EMLF/Professional Organization Involvement: EMLF member since 2022, Board of Trustee as of 2026! Colorado State Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Association, Real Property Law Practice Group of the Cincinnati Bar Association, Women Lawyers section of the Cincinnati Bar Association, Women in Energy – Ohio Chapter.
Community Involvement: My most important community starts at home. I’m actively involved in raising three amazing kids, which comes with volunteer roles I never applied for: head coach of bedtime negotiations, lead organizer family logistics, and chief snack officer – all day, every day.
How did you get involved in mineral and natural resources law? I was drawn to natural resource law while in college in Boulder, Colorado – an unusual path, perhaps, but one that sparked a lasting passion. I carried that focus into law school and hit the ground running, starting my career as a landman piecing together title in Ohio courthouses. From there, my practice grew organically, division order title opinions led to curative work, which opened doors into renewables, carbon sequestration, and data centers.
Over the years, you have been very active in various mineral or energy organizations. What has EMLF meant to you? Has your involvement had a positive effect on your career? One of my favorite things about EMLF is the people. Everyone brings their own practice, responsibilities, and perspective to the table, but there’s a shared bond that ties us together: we all understand and operate in this unique, complex, and surprisingly small community for such a prominent industry. It’s rare to find a group where the expertise runs so deep and the connections feel so genuine.
Do you find time to travel for fun? Do you have a favorite place to visit? Outside of family and work, travel is my lifeblood. I’m a firm believer in stepping away from the routine, whether it’s a regular family trip or an exotic adventure, to reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. Growing up with a dad who was a pilot for American Airlines meant the world was always within reach. One trip in particular is always with me: a once-in-a-lifetime family visit to Cairo, Egypt. That experience left a lasting mark and fueled a love of wanderlust I carry with me to this day.
Favorite books/authors, genres? Other hobbies? Favorite Author: Ilona Andrews; Hobbies: Supper Club with girlfriends and Body Alive workouts.
You have been practicing law for a number of years and have had substantial success. Is there any advice you would give to new lawyers and law students who are about to become lawyers? Law school is theoretical, practice is where it becomes real. Find a few good mentors, join a practice group, and soak in everything you can. The learning curve is steep, but surrounding yourself with people who’ve been in the trenches will shorten it faster than any textbook ever could.