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EXHIBIT 5.1
[WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK LETTERHEAD]
September 27, 2000
Chesapeake Energy Corporation
6100 North Western Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Re: Registration Statement
on Form S-1
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about September 27, 2000.
The Registration Statement covers the offer and sale of 3,694,939 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Chesapeake Energy Corporation by the
selling shareholder named in the Prospectus contained in the Registration
Statement. We have also examined your Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and
your minute books and other corporate records, and have made such other
investigation as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinions
expressed herein.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares covered
by the Registration Statement have been legally issued and are fully paid and
nonassessable in accordance with the Oklahoma General Corporation Act.
Consent is hereby given for the inclusion of this opinion as part of
the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.
WINSTEAD SECHREST & MINICK P.C.
