April 21, 2026

BAR LINKS:

1. In Memoriam January to Date 2026

2.Career Services

3.Lawyer Referral Service

4.Membership Directory

5.Membership Portal Login

6.The WV Lawyer

Website Quick Links

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

The State Bar will be mailing orange postcard reminders regarding membership reporting and fees in June for the July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 fiscal year. Please be sure to log into the membership portal and verify or update your contact information (Bylaw 2.02 (b)) by JUNE 1.

Information that you will need to verify or update include:

1.  Name of Employer (If sole practitioner, enter the sole practitioner’s name)

2.  Address of Principal Place of Business

3.  Telephone and Fax Numbers

4. Email Address

CLICK HERE for Bylaw 2.02

2025 - AWARD WINNERS

The West Virginia State Bar congratulates the following award winners who were recognized at the State Bar's Annual Banquet on April 19, 2026.



Young Lawyer of the Year – Amanda Demmerle

Mentor of the Year – Zelda E. Wesley

Solo/Small Firm Lawyer of the Year – Thomas A. Zeni

Government Lawyer/Public Defender of the Year – Teresa McCune

Kaufman Award for Pro Bono Services – Paula Harbour

Distinguished Pro Bono Award – Lisa Hawrot

Distinguished Pro Bono Law Firm Award – Pepper & Nason

NEW STATE BAR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

The West Virginia State Bar is pleased to announce new officers and board members of the West Virginia State Bar Board of Governors for 2026-2027.

New officers are Robby J. Aliff - President; Kimberley D. Crockett - President-Elect; and Jamison H. Cooper - Vice President

Newly elected members of the State Bar’s Board of Governors are Bonnie J. Thomas – Bridgeport; Debra H. Scudiere – Morgantown; Samuel P. Hess – Kingwood; and Christopher C. Luttrell - Martinsburg

Newly elected officers of the West Virginia State Bar’s Young Lawyer Section Board are John M. Isner- Chairperson; R. Mitchell Moore - Vice-Chairperson; and Jacob T. Trombley - Secretary

Newly elected members of the State Bar’s Young Lawyer Section Board are Anthony G. Caldera – Bridgeport; Madison F. Stahl – Morgantown; Christopher S. Arnold – Kingwood; and Annamarie E. Miller - Martinsburg

CLE

NOTICE

3 MONTH DEADLINE

The 2024-2026 CLE REPORTING PERIOD ENDS JUNE 30, 2026

Are you on track to complete your CLE credits?



If you have completed CLE for this reporting period the time to report it is NOW – not at the end of the reporting period! 

• The CLE reporting period ends June 30, 2026.
• Active members must report a minimum of 24 CLE credits, including at least 3 credits in one of the four ethics categories. Lower CLE requirements apply to attorneys admitted to practice during the reporting period. Those attorneys should refer to Administrative Rule 6.04(a).
• No more than half of the total CLE requirements may be satisfied by pre-recorded presentations with no interactive component.
• Live/interactive webinars (i.e. Zoom with a live chat component) qualifies for live attendance CLE credit.
• Over 40 FREE online CLE credits are available on the WV State Bar website. These are recordings of previously presented State Bar courses. These courses/credits may be used to meet your CLE requirements. Click here for a list of courses and credits.
• CLE must be reported via the online member portal at www.mywvbar.org by July 31, 2026 to avoid penalties.
• Check your CLE transcript for accuracy. Correction requests must be submitted in writing to compliance@wvbar.org  
• Confirm any credits that have been imported for you by CLE providers – such credits are “pending” on your CLE transcript. Credits are not part of your CLE total until they are confirmed.
• The penalty for reporting CLE credits after July 31, 2026 is $200. 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.

CLE Rule Spotlight

CLE Reporting Tip

Tips for Submitting CLE Credit

Click here for information and tips on submitting CLE credits for:

• Approved Courses
• Non-Approved Courses
• Publication Credit
• Teaching Credit

CLICK HERE for Rule 6 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

EVENTS

May 1, 2026

Mountain State Bar Association Annual CLE

Host: Mountain State Bar Association

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Martinsburg, WV

CLE: 7 credits including 2 in ethics

Cost & Speakers: See agenda

Click Here for Agenda and Registration

Questions call 304-523-5732

May 15-17, 2026

WVJLAP Annual Conference & Retreat

Host: WV Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program

CLE: 6.2 credits including 6.2 in ethics

Location: Stonewall Resort - Roanoke, WV

Click Here for more information and to REGISTER

Conference registration remains open, and participants are still welcome to register.

Please note that the room block rate for discounted rooms at Stonewall Resort has ended. Rooms may still be available at the resort at the standard rate.

Stonewall Resort: 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, WV 26447 Telephone: (304) 269-7400

If Stonewall Resort is fully booked, alternative accommodations are available nearby at the Hampton Inn in Weston. Contact the hotel directly to check availability and make reservations.

Hampton Inn Weston: 76 Hospitality Way, Weston, WV 26452 Telephone: (304) 997-8750

Question contact JLAP at 304-553-7232 or darco@wvjlap.org

Need Help Now? 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

May 27, 2026

BASIC MEDIATION SEMINAR

Host: WV State Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Location: Flatwoods Day Inn & Conference Center, Sutton, WV

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Credits: 7.4

Cost: $155.00 per seminar

Click Here for Agenda

CLICK HERE to REGISTER for Basic Mediation Seminar

JUNE 24, 2026

ADVANCED MEDIATION SEMINAR

Host: WV State Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee

Location: Flatwoods Day Inn & Conference Center, Sutton, WV

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Credits: Pending

Cost: $155.00 per seminar

More Information coming soon

CLICK HERE to REGISTER for Advanced Mediation Seminar

May 29, 2026

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE from a REAL PROPERTY PERSPECTIVE

Host: WV State Bar Real Estate Committee

CLE: PENDING

Location: Live Webinar

Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

Cost: Free 

CLICK HERE to Register

Webinar Details: Attendance via webinar is limited to the first 500 registrants. There is an increased interest in attending webinars, 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 confirmation of registration, you will not be able to participate in the seminar on the day of presentation.  

May 29, 2026

2026 ANNUAL SPRING FAMILY LAW CLE

Host: Kanawha County Family Law Bench Bar

When: Friday, May 29, 2026

Location: Charleston Coliseum & Civic Center (Charleston, WV)

CLE: 8.7 credits

Cost: $150 (Early bird before May 1) - $175 after May 1 **includes lunch

CLICK HERE to REGISTER

CLICK HERE for Agenda and Seminar Information

CLICK HERE for Hotel information

Questions: Contact Lyne Ranson at 304-344-2121

SAVE THE DATE 

June 4, 2026

 HOT TOPICS FOR GOVERNMENT LAWYERS

Host: WV State Bar Government Lawyers Committee

CLE: 7.7 credits including 4 credits in ethics

Location: In-person at the State Bar Center, Large Lower-Level Conference Room, Charleston and via video conference.

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Click Here to Register for IN-PERSON Session

CLICK HERE to Register for live WEBINAR Session

Facility Details: Due to limited capacity for live attendance at the State Bar Center, registration is limited to the first 30 registrants. Attendance via webinar is also limited to the first 500 registrants. There is an increased interest in attending webinars, 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 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.

June 11 - 12, 2026

68th Annual WVAJ Convention & Seminar

Host: West Virginia Association for Justice

Location: Embassy Suites, Charleston

CLE: 14.4 credits, including 2.4 credits in ethics and law office management  

CLICK HERE for more information and to REGISTER

Email Beth White if you have questions 

The West Virginia State Bar

www.wvbar.org