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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
| | 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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Recognition of 2025 Pro Bono Leaders
The State Bar is pleased to share that the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service is recognizing the below Bar members as 2025 Pro Bono Leaders for their extraordinary pro bono services through the ABA Free Legal Answers.
M. Jane Glauser - 200 civil legal questions answered
Richard Goldstein – 117 civil legal questions answered
Nigel E. Jeffries – 52 civil legal questions answered
The Bar wishes to thank Ms. Glauser, Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Jeffries, and all Bar members who take time from their busy schedules to help make the ABA Free Legal Answers a success.
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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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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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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 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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Do You Have Abuse and Neglect Questions?
Join the Abuse & Neglect Committee
for Open Office Hours!
Join the West Virginia State Bar’s Abuse and Neglect Committee for Open Office Hours. Hosted by committee members Bob Noone and Lisa Hawrot, and Committee Chair, Kristen Antolini, as they provide answers to your abuse and neglect questions live via Zoom at 12pm on Wednesday, February 11th.
Click Here to join the Zoom meeting and for more information
To submit questions prior to Office Hours please email Kristen Antolini at kristenantolini@gmail.com
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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 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: Pending
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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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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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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