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Do you know a lawyer making a difference? Nominate them! Each year, the West Virginia State Bar and Young Lawyer Section honor four individuals (or eligible groups) for outstanding service to the profession and their community. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Annual Meeting banquet on Sunday, April 19, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
CLICK HERE for more information about the criteria
for each award and the submission process.
March 16, 2026 is the Deadline to make your Nomination
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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 March 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 March, please email Jenny Saladini as soon as possible at jsaladini@lawv.net to reserve your spot.
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WV BAR FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION
The West Virginia Bar Foundation is in need of a new Executive Director. Founded in 1988, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers grants for the better administration of justice in the state, funds various projects (including educational projects) and promotes the rule of law. The Executive Director fulfills the Foundation’s management duties and assists the Foundation’s Board of Directors in carrying out its policies and procedures. The Executive Director, who is an independent contractor, would be expected to work, on average, about forty (40) hours per month. If interested, please send your resume to P. O. Box 11010, Charleston, WV 25339. Compensation will be set based upon qualifications. Application deadline is March 15, 2026.
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The 2024-2026 CLE REPORTING PERIOD ENDS in 5 Months
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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CLE Rule Spotlight
Rule 6.04(a) - CLE requirements for newly admitted attorneys
The CLE requirements are a little different for new attorneys. Anyone not previously admitted to practice in West Virginia who was admitted to practice between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, is required to complete 12 hours of approved CLE activities, including at least 3 hours in legal ethics, office management, attorney well-being, or elimination of bias in the legal profession before June 30, 2026. Any lawyer not previously admitted who is admitted between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, is exempt from the current CLE reporting period. In addition, if you are a newly admitted attorney, please remember that you must complete the Bridge-the-Gap Program within 24 months after your admission, pursuant to Rule 6.03.
CLICK HERE for Rule 6 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
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SAVE THE DATE
February 20, 2026
From Veterans to New Voices:
12 Mediation Lessons Behind the WV Young Lawyers Handbook
Host: WV State Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
Location: Live webinar.
Cost: Free
CLE: 1 credit
Click Here for Live Webinar Registration
NOTE: 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 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.
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February 24, 2026
WV Court Improvement Program -
Live Lunch and Learn Webinar
Parent Resource Navigator
Host: Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, Court Improvement Program
Time: 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.
CLE: Pending
Platform: Live WebEx Webinar
Cost: 1 credit
This session will provide an overview of the Parent Resource Navigator program’s purpose and goals. Parent Resource Navigators (PRNs) play a critical role in supporting families involved in juvenile abuse and neglect proceedings. They serve as a bridge between parents and the resources available within the child welfare and legal systems. PRNs provide guidance, connect parents to essential services, and offer practical assistance throughout the process to ensure compliance with court requirements and promote successful reunification efforts.
CLICK HERE to REGISTER
Questions, contact Kandi Greter at kandi.greter@courtswv.gov
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February 25, 2026
"High Times, New Trends: The Modern Marijuana Movement and Industry"
Host: WV State Bar Multicultural Lawyers Committee
Location: Live in-person at the State Bar Center, Large Lower Level Conference Room, Charleston and via Live Webinar.
Cost: Free
CLE: 3.3 credits
Click Here for Live In-Person Registration
Click Here for Live Webinar Registration
Facility Details: Due to limited capacity for live attendance at the State Bar Center, 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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February 27, 2026
What I Wish I Would Have Known About the
Practice of Abuse and Neglect Part 1 of 2
Host: WV State Bar Abuse & Neglect Committee
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Platform: Live webinar
Cost: Free
CLE: Pending
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for live webinar
For more information, please contact Kristen Antolini at kristenantolini@gmail.com
or 304-288-7904.
The second of three webinars in the series hosted by the Abuse & Neglect Committee in 2026
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April 20, 2026
Bridge the Gap
Host: WV State Bar
Location: The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston
CLE: Pending
Cost: Free
About: Newly admitted members of the State Bar are required to complete a mandatory Bridge the Gap program sponsored by the State Bar within twenty-four months after admission to the West Virginia State Bar. Attendance to Bridge the Gap is free to newly admitted members of the State Bar and lunch is provided.
Bridge the Gap is only offered through in-person attendance. Virtual attendance is not available.
CLICK HERE to REGISTER for Bridge the Gap
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SAVE THE DATE
May 1, 2026
Mountain State Bar Association Annual CLE
Host: Mountain State Bar Association
Location: Martinsburg, WV
CLE: Pending
More Information Coming Soon
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May 15-17, 2026
WVJLAP Annual Conference & Retreat
Host: WV Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program
CLE: Pending
Location: Stonewall Resort - Roanoke, WV
Click Here for more information and to REGISTER
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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The West Virginia State Bar
www.wvbar.org
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