REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT | | |
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to
Rule 21 of the West Virginia Rules of Appellate Procedure
By Order entered on December 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia is seeking public comments on the proposed amendments to Rule 21 of the WV Rules of Appellate Procedure. All comments must be filed in writing with the Office of the Clerk on or before Friday, January 30, 2026.
CLICK HERE to Review the ORDER
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INTEREST RATE ON JUDGMENTS AND DECREES FOR 2026
Pursuant to the provisions of West Virginia Code 56-6-31, and an Administrative Order of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, please be advised that the interest rate for judgments and decrees entered in 2026 shall be 6.25%.
Click Here for the January 1, 2026 Administrative Order
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STATE BAR
BOARD OF GOVERNORS VACANCY
The West Virginia State Bar Board of Governors has a vacancy for District 7 (Lincoln, Logan, and Boone) for a term ending April 2028.
To be eligible to apply for the vacancy, you must be an active member in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar with your principal office for the practice of law in District 7, or an active non-practicing member with a mailing address in
District 7. If you are interested, (or would like to nominate a member) please contact Kevin Baker, bakerk@wvbar.org for more information or to submit a letter of interest by no later than noon on January 19, 2026.
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Here's how you can help teachers
participate in this program
The State Bar urges Bar members to reach out to local teachers, principals, and school board members to discuss opportunities to bring lawyers and judges into classrooms to discuss the U.S. Constitution through the NCC’s Scholar Exchange Program. The NCC maintains a list of participating scholars and provides emails about upcoming Scholar Exchanges regularly, allowing educators to select a presentation time that works best for their schedule. All programming is virtual, making hosting a Scholar and the NCC in a classroom streamlined and easy.
The Scholar Exchange Program is a free presentation that provides non-partisan information for students regarding topics like: the Constitution, Articles of the Confederation, the Bill of Rights, civil rights and liberties, and voter rights. Programming is tailored to the grade level of the presentation.
For more information regarding NCC educational opportunities or to sign your class up for a virtual NCC Scholar program please visit: https://constitutioncenter.org/education/live-online-events/peer-to-peer-exchanges
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The 2024-2026 CLE REPORTING PERIOD ENDS in 6 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
Submitting Course for CLE
As we enter the final 6 months of the current CLE reporting period, please remember that no more than half of the total required mandatory continuing legal education requirements may be satisfied by pre-recorded presentations that do not offer an interactive component. These are “online/AV” credits, and they will only count toward half of the required credits regardless of the number of these online/AV credits you have reported. Rule 6.05(c). You must review your CLE transcript now to ensure you are on track to be in CLE compliance on June 30, 2026.
CLICK HERE for Rule 6 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
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January 16, 2026
Utilizing the Experts: How Child Abuse Medical Consultants Assist and Why You Should Use Them
Abuse & Neglect Lunch & Learn #1
Host: WV State Bar Abuse & Neglect Committee
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Platform: Live webinar
Cost: Free
CLE: 1.2 credits
The first of three webinars in the series hosted by the Abuse & Neglect Committee in 2026
Click Here to Register
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January 16, 2026
WV Court Improvement Program -
Live Lunch and Learn Webinar
Your Case Plan: Strengthening Communication, Coordination & Support Across Public Defense
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
This session provides a practical overview of Your Case Plan (YCP) — a secure communication and case coordination platform used by attorneys, caseworkers, PRNs, and court-connected teams across West Virginia and nationally. Participants will learn how YCP streamlines communication with clients, improves documentation, enhances coordination across roles, and reduces administrative burdens on practitioners. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how YCP supports practice efficiency, strengthens communication, improves outcomes.
CLICK HERE to REGISTER and More Information
Questions, contact Kandi Greter at kandi.greter@courtswv.gov
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January 22, 2026
WV Court Improvement Program -
Live Lunch and Learn Webinar
WV FAMILY TREATMENT COURTS FY 2026-2027
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
Purpose of Training: To provide overview instruction to members of the FTC treatment teams and referral sources across the state regarding the processes and procedures in operating an FTC. The training provides information on the Admissions Process, FTC treatment team, FTC Hearings, Behavioral Modification, Case Planning, and Discharge.
Presenter(s): Katie White (State FTC Specialist), Stephanie Bond (Director of Probation Services), Kaylee Dickenson (State Drug Court Coordinator), Christine Fox (Counsel for Probation Services).
CLICK HERE to REGISTER and More Information
Questions, contact Kandi Greter at kandi.greter@courtswv.gov
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January 29, 2026
Succession Planning and Exiting the Practice -
Mastering the Art of Transitioning
Host: WV State Bar Succession Planning Committee
Location: Live in-person at the State Bar Center, Large Lower Level Conference Room, Charleston and via live webinar.
Cost: Free
CLE: 3 credits including 3 credits in ethics
This is a practical and comprehensive look at the many and various factors and risks that must be considered during a succession planning process. This program will examine the realities lawyers face by exploring the consequences of not having a plan, why succession planning should never be viewed as optional, the benefits of putting a plan in place, and what a comprehensive plan looks like. Along the way the presenters will explore the successor appointment and preparation process, the steps one must take to close a practice and wind up the business, the associated insurance issues, and how to successfully transition into retirement.
CLICK HERE to register for live In-Person
CLICK HERE to register for live Webinar
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 5-6, 2026
West Virginia Association for Justice
2026 Mid-Winter Convention and Seminar
Host: West Virginia Association for Justice
Location: Embassy Suites, Charleston
CLE: 14.9 credits including 2.4 in ethics and law office management
Questions: Contact Beth White at bethwhite@wvaj.org
CLICK HERE to REGISTER and for More Information
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SAVE THE DATE
April 19-20, 2026
WV STATE BAR ANNUAL MEETING
Host: WV State Bar
Location: The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
CLE: Pending
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For more information on the upcoming annual conference, contact JLAP at 304-553-7232
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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SAVE THE DATES
July 25 – August 8, 2026
August 10 - 15, 2026
November 7 - 19, 2026
CLE Abroad Programs
Host: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in partnership with the West Virginia Bar Association
CLE: Pending
Platform: Live
Questions contact Daniel J. McCarroll at mccarrolld@umkc.edu
CLICK HERE for more information
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The West Virginia State Bar
www.wvbar.org
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