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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
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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
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IOLTA Scams
During the past week the Bar has received several calls regarding attempts to compromise attorney IOLTA accounts. The Bar would like to remind members of common trust account scams and how they work.
The scams usually originate by:
- Email inquiries.
- Direct messages from social media accounts, including LinkedIn.
- Fax inquiries.
- Internet inquiries.
- Telephone inquiries.
- Direct contact.
Common red flags, but not all:
- The sender is based abroad.
- The sender does not provide a referral source.
- The initial communication does not identify the law firm or recipient attorney by name, instead using a salutation such as “Dear barrister/ solicitor/ counselor etc.”
- The communication is sent to “undisclosed recipients,” suggesting that it is directed to multiple recipients.
- The communication requests assistance on a legal matter in an area of law the recipient attorney does not practice.
- The communication is vague in other respects, such as stating that the sender has a matter in the attorney’s “jurisdiction,” rather than specifying the jurisdiction itself.
- The sender suggests that for this particular matter the attorney accept a contingency fee arrangement, even though that might not be customary for the attorney’s practice or involve much actual risk.
- The sender is quick to sign a retainer agreement, without negotiating over the attorney’s fee.
- The counterparty, if there is one, will also likely respond quickly, settling the dispute or closing the deal with little or no negotiation.
- The sender insists that his funds must be wired to a bank account as soon as the check has cleared. The sender often claims that there is an emergency requiring the immediate release of the funds. The sender or counterparty sends a supposed closing payment or settlement check within a few days. The check is typically a certified check or a cashier’s check, often from a bank located outside of the attorney’s jurisdiction.
Good practice tips:
- Contact the firm or company directly. Don’t use the contact information on the sender’s communication. Look the firm or company up and call that telephone number. Speak directly with the sender to confirm that the initial inquiry and/or check was sent from that office.
- Always wait for the check to clear before disbursing.
- Do not disburse any funds until the check clears your account.
- Contact the bank and confirm the check cleared, do not rely on a bank notification indicating the funds are available.
- Advise the clients that these transactions take time to clear.
If your IOLTA account has been compromised, work with your bank’s fraud department, make a report with your local police or State Police department, and report the incident to the State Bar and to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
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REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON AMENDMENTS TO
RULE 15 OF THE WEST VIRGINIA RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PROCEEEDINGS
By Order entered on April 13, 2026 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is seeking public comments on the proposed amendments to Rule 15 of the WV Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings. All comments must be filed in writing with the Office of the Clerk on or before May 13, 2026.
CLICK HERE to Review the Order
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"Tuesday Legal Connect"
Earn FREE CLE Credit Providing Legal Information By Phone!
The State Bar needs volunteer attorneys each Tuesday evening in May 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 as a firm), and for those in CORPORATE or GOVERNMENT jobs!
Additionally, if you are living/working out of state but are licensed to practice in West Viginia you can also participate!
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 May, please email David Frercks as soon as possible at dfrercks@lawv.net to reserve your spot.
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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!
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The CLE reporting period ends June 30, 2026.
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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.
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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.
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CLE must be reported via the online member portal at www.mywvbar.org by July 31, 2026 to avoid penalties.
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Check your CLE transcript for accuracy. Correction requests must be submitted in writing to compliance@wvbar.org
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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.
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May 8, 2026
WV Court Improvement Program -
Live Lunch and Learn Webinar
Overview of Autism
Host: Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, Court Improvement Program
Time: 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.
CLE: 1 credit
Platform: Live WebEx Webinar
Cost: Free
Overview of ASD training objectives:
- define autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and describe its prevalence and potential contributing factors.
- identify the core characteristics of ASD as outlined in the DSM-5-TR and recognize how these characteristics may present in children, youth, and adults.
- differentiate between the three levels of ASD and explain how varying support needs may impact an individual’s functioning.
- describe how differences in executive functioning may affect an individual’s ability to follow instructions, recall information, and comply with expectations.
- explain how sensory processing differences may influence behavior, communication, and regulation.
- identify potential areas of misunderstanding or misinterpretation of behavior (e.g., perceived noncompliance, lack of eye contact, or flat affect).
- discuss practical strategies to support effective communication and interaction with individuals with ASD (e.g., use of clear language, visual supports, allowing processing time, and environmental considerations).
CLICK HERE to REGISTER
Contact Kandi Greater at kandi.greter@courtswv.gov
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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SAVE THE DATE - June 17, 2026
Workplace Claims of Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Host: WV State Bar LGBTQ+ Committee
Location: The West Virginia State Bar Center and Live Webinar
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon
Credits: Pending
Cost: Free
More Information Coming Soon
Facility Details: Due to limited capacity for live attendance at the State Bar Center, live registration is limited to the first 35 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 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.
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The West Virginia State Bar
www.wvbar.org
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