July 12, 2022

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REPORTING & FEE NOTICE
On June 13, 2022, an orange postcard was mailed to all Active, Active but not practicing, and Inactive Members via U. S. mail. The postcard contained instructions on how to complete reporting (FRD, IOLTA & Succession Planning - NOTE: This does not include CLE reporting) and pay fees for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The deadline for reporting (FRD, IOLTA & Succession Planning - NOTE: This does not include CLE reporting) and paying fees is 11:59 p.m. September 1, 2022. Failure to receive the orange card does not relieve you of your responsibilities of reporting and paying your fees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
KELLER NOTICE TO STATE BAR MEMBERS
The time schedule to follow on Keller issues is available on the State Bar’s website or Click Here for Keller Notice. If any member has questions concerning this matter, please contact Mary Jane Pickens at The West Virginia State Bar at 304-553-7237 or by email at pickensmj@wvbar.org.

Challenges should be directed to Executive Director Mary Jane Pickens and may be submitted by mail: 2000 Deitrick Blvd., Charleston, WV 25311 or email: pickensmj@wvbar.org

News
2nd Family Court Circuit Vacancy
The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the family court vacancy on the 2nd Family Court Circuit serving Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2022. 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 July 27, 2022.  
9th Family Court Circuit Vacancy
The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the family court vacancy on the 9th Family Court Circuit serving Logan County. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2022. 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 July 27, 2022. 

Provisional Approval and Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure
On June 28 , 2022, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia approved a 30-day period of public comment on a proposed amendment to Rule 24 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure (Filing fees; costs) that has been provisionally approved.  All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of the Court no later than July 29, 2022. The Supreme Court of Appeals has provisionally approved this amendment, but seeks comments. 

Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to the
Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law in West Virginia
On June 15 , 2022, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia approved a 60-day period of public comment on proposed amendments to the Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law in West Virginia. The amendments would add Rule 4.8 regarding Military Legal Assistance and Registration. All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of the Court no later than August 19, 2022.

Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to
the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure.
On June 15 , 2022, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia approved a 90-day period of public comment on proposed Amendments to the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure. Your comments are needed. All comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of the Court no later than September 13, 2022. The Court takes no position at this time on the proposed amendments and encourages comments.  

WVJLAP Support Groups
 
Legal practice is challenging with high demands and high performance expectations. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common in legal professionals (one study shows nearly half of all legal practitioners have experienced one of these). Now there is an opportunity to connect with others, feel less isolated, and find support. Announcing the WVJLAP Mental Health/Stress Reduction Support Group, meeting weekly on Zoom.
 
The WVJLAP Lawyers in Recovery Support Group offers a shared space for professionals to engage in a structured discussion of recovery through sharing and support . If you are currently working a program of recovery and engaged with WVJLAP, please

CLE
2020-2022 CLE Reporting Period Ended June 30th
If you are not yet in compliance, here is
What You Need to Know
 
Under the current suspension process:

  • All CLE credits must be completed AND reported on your CLE transcript by July 31, 2022 to avoid penalty. 
  • The late fee for reporting CLE credits has been increased to $200 and begins on August 1, 2022. 
  • There is an additional $200 reinstatement fee if you are suspended for CLE non-compliance. 
  • The suspension process will begin promptly after all required notices are sent to non-compliant attorneys. 
  • All CLE credits for this reporting period may be completed by an on-line means if necessary. 
 
If you have question regarding your CLE credits, email your specific question to Angie Volk at volka@wvbar.org.

Please CLICK HERE for additional information regarding FREE online CLE opportunities, confirmation of pending CLE credits and CLE requirements.

Events
July 20, 2022 - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn for Summer Law Clerks
After Law School: How to obtain and maintain your law license
(Live In-Person and Webinar)
 
Host: The State Bar, Board of Law Examiners, ODC and WVJLAP
CLE:  This is not a CLE Program. It is an informational presentation for law clerks.
Location: In-person at the State Bar Center, Large Lower Level Conference Room, Charleston and via video conference.
Cost: Free
Speakers:  
  • Carol Smith – Board of Law Examiners (WVBLE)
  • Mary Jane Pickens – State Bar (WVSB)
  • Rachael Cipoletti – Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC)
  • Robert Albury – Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program (WVJLAP)


 
A light lunch will be provided for those who register in advance to attend the in-person program.
 
Facility Details:  Due to limited capacity for live attendance at the State Bar Center, live registration is limited to the first 35 fully vaccinated registrants. Attendance via webinar is also limited to the first 500 registrants. There is an increased interest in attending webinars as the end of the 2020-22 reporting period approaches; therefore, you are encouraged to register early to secure a link to attend virtually. All attendees, whether in person or virtual, will receive an email confirming registration. If you do not receive a confirmation of registration, you will not be able to participate in the seminar on the day of presentation.  
 
Note to those attending in person: If you are unable to use the stairs from the first floor to the lower level, please drive down the driveway on the left-side of the Bar Center and enter the building at the bottom of the driveway. Handicap accessible restrooms are available. If you need other assistance, please contact the State Bar 304-553-7220, in advance of the meeting, so arrangements can be made with you.
135th Annual Meeting of The West Virginia Bar Association

Sponsor: The West Virginia Bar Association
Location: The Resort at Glade Springs, Daniels, WV
CLE: 8.4 hours WV, including 2.4 ethics; applied for KY, OH, PA
Speakers: The Honorable Frank W. Volk, United States District Court, Southern District of West Virginia; The Honorable Brittany Ranson Stonestreet, Eleventh Family Circuit Court; The Honorable Daniel W. Greear, Chief Judge, The Honorable Thomas E. Scarr, The Honorable Charles Lorensen, Ashley Deem, Deputy Clerk, West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals; The Honorable Thomas S. Kleeh, Chief Judge, United States District Court, Northern District of West Virginia; Stephen L. Thompson, Barth & Thompson Law Offices; Mark H. Hayes, Robinson & McElwee, PLLC; Karen H. Miller, Miller & Amos, Attorneys at Law; Stephanne Thornton, WV Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program; Jocelyn Armstrong, Ohio State Bar Association; Chief Justice John A. Hutchison, Justice Elizabeth D. Walker, and Edythe N. Gaiser, West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

Please join the WVBA at The Resort at Glade Springs for its 135th Annual Meeting, including a judicial appreciation reception, CLE credits, and its Main Installation Dinner.


Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Tessa White at director@wvbarassociation.org.
July 27, 2022
The West Virginia State Bar
ADVANCED MEDIATION TRAINING 2022

Host: State Bar ADR Committee
CLE: 7 credits, including 1 in ethics (Please note the change in CLE credits)
Time: 8:45 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.
Location: Stonewall Resort
Cost: $125



The West Virginia State Bar
www.wvbar.org
*You are receiving this email because you have elected to receive the Bar-Blast from the WV State Bar. To change you email address or manage your email subscriptions, you must log into the Membership Portal at mywvbar.org. This mailing list is updated weekly.