October 31, 2023

November "Tuesday Legal Connect"

Earn FREE CLE Credit Providing Legal Information By Phone!

The State Bar needs volunteer attorneys each Tuesday evening in November from 6-8 p.m. to field legal questions from the public and provide legal information ONLY as part of the "Tuesday Legal Connect" program.

Volunteers from anywhere in the state can take calls remotely from their home, office, etc. All you need is a telephone and a computer/laptop/tablet.

This a great opportunity for solo practitioners, small and medium size law firms (adopt a night), those in large firms who have yet to volunteer this year, and for those in corporate or government jobs!

Volunteers will receive 1 free pro-bono CLE credit for each two-hour shift completed. The more evenings you volunteer, the more cle credits you can earn!

If you would be interested in helping in November, don’t delay - email David Frercks today at dfrercks@lawv.net

12^th Family Court Circuit Vacancy

The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the family court vacancy on the 12th Family Court Circuit serving Mercer and McDowell Counties. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023.  For more information about the application process, please call the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000. Interviews will be held in Charleston on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  

Click Here for the Application and Instructions

23^rd Family Court Circuit Vacancy

The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the family court vacancy on the 23rd Family Court Circuit serving Hampshire, Mineral, and Morgan Counties. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023. For more information about the application process, please call the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000. Interviews will be held in Charleston on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  

Click Here for the Application and Instructions

Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments

to Rule 2.4 of the Rules of Judicial Disciplinary Procedure

Public comments are sought on a proposed amendment to Rule 2.4 of the Rules of Judicial Disciplinary Procedure. The proposed amendment would modify the confidentiality rule regarding judicial disciplinary complaints or investigations.

All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court through File & ServeXpress in No. 22-748 no later than November 22, 2023.

Click Here to View the Order

6^th Judicial Circuit Court Vacancy

The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Christopher D. Chiles in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court serving Cabell County. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. For more information about the application process, please call the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000. Interviews will be held in Charleston on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.  

Click Here for the Application and Instructions

Request for Public Comment on proposed amendments to Rules 29.07, 29.08, 29.09, and 29.10 of the

West Virginia Trial Court Rules (Business Court Rules)

Public comments are sought on proposed amendments to Rules 29.07, 29.08, 29.09, and 29.10 of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules (Business Court Rules). The proposed amendments would clarify that business court judges may hold hearings and trials in any county in the state if agreed to by all parties and the presiding judge. The proposed amendments would further allow for arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution in business court cases.

All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court through File & ServeXpress in No. 22-701 no later than December 22, 2023. 

Click Here to View the Order

TOYS FOR TOTS 2023

Update

The West Virginia State Bar's Veteran and Military Affairs Committee is participating in the Marine Corp Reserve's Toys for Tots Program again this year. Initial box drop off will be on Tuesday, October 31 between 1 & 4:00 to those firms that have already agreed to participate. If you have not yet volunteered, but would like a box dropped off on Tuesday, you can still email Anita Casey before 4:00.  At a later date, if you are still interested in volunteering to help by hosting a box, collecting, and/or sorting toys, please don’t hesitate to contact Anita Casey at caseya@wvbar.org. Details about box pick –up and sorting will be provided when dates are set by the Marine Corps Reserve Office.  

CLE Reporting Tip

The current CLE reporting period runs from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024. If you have already completed CLE for this reporting period you should report it NOW. Reporting CLE as you complete it will help you track whether or not you are in compliance for the reporting period, how many remaining credits you need to complete, and whether or not you have maxed out your 6 available carryover credits. Submitting an application for approval of a course is also easier if you do it as soon as you complete a course because you will more readily have the necessary application materials (detailed timed agenda; speaker bios and written course materials) on hand.  

West Virginia Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law

Rule 8.0 of the West Virginia Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law establishes the process for Pro Hac Vice admission. The motion for Pro Hac Vice admission and accompanying verified statement must be uploaded with the State Bar, which the State Bar will then review for compliance with the rule. Rule 8.0(b) states that local counsel must “maintain an actual physical office equipped to conduct the practice of law in the State of West Virginia, which office is the primary location from which local counsel practice law on a daily basis.” The State Bar is frequently asked if an attorney, who holds a West Virginia license but is located in another state or jurisdiction, can be the sponsoring attorney. The answer is no. The sponsoring local counsel must be physically located in the West Virginia office.  

November 14, 2023

ANNUAL VETERANS' DAY OF SERVICE AND CLE

Host: The West Virginia State Bar's Veterans & Military Affairs Committee

CLE: Pending

Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon-- Free Legal Clinic for veterans will take place from 12:00 to 1 p.m.

The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee is hosting the Annual Veterans' Day of Service and CLE in both in-person and virtually on Tuesday, November 14th. In person locations include: Beckley, Clarksburg, Huntington, and Martinsburg. Presenters include: Christian Capece, Assistant Regional Director of the Federal Trade Commission, East Central Regional Office; Kayla Aungst, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of WV; and the Veterans and Military Committee Co-Chair, Matthew Kelly. 

An agenda for the day's events will be available soon.

Topics for A Day of Service include: 

• Introduction to Landlord- Tenant Law in West Virginia
• Provision of Medical Statements & Completion of Forms by VA Health Care Providers
• Frauds, Scams, and Robocalls

November 16, 2023 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Webinar

SO YOU WANNA BE A JUDGE – RUNNING FOR JUDICIAL OFFICE 

Host: Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, the Judicial Investigation Commission, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, and the West Virginia Ethics Commission

CLE: 3.2 credits in ethics/office management

Location: Live Webinar

Join JIC Counsel Teresa Tarr & Brian Lanham, Secretary of State General Counsel Donald Kersey, & Ethics Commission General Counsel Theresa Kirk to learn the dos and don’ts of running for judicial office in West Virginia.  

Contact Sara E. Thompson at Sara.Thompson@courtswv.gov with questions

Click Here For More Information and Registration Details