June 24, 2025

NEWS

West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Vacancy

The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission is currently receiving applications to fill the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Elizabeth D. Walker. Candidates must submit their completed applications and letters of recommendation or comment no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025. 

CLICK HERE for instructions and more information

CLICK HERE for Application

For more information about the application process, please call the Office of General Counsel at 304-558-2000. Interviews will be held in Charleston on Thursday, July 17, 2025.  

CLICK HERE for Submission Guidelines and Application

Amendments to Bylaw 3.04 of the

Bylaw of the West Virginia State Bar

Approved

By order entered May 9, 2025 in 21-Rules-05, the Supreme Court of Appeals approved amendments to State Bar Bylaw 3.04, Authority to Set Other Fees. The amendments authorize the State Bar to apply a convenience fee to credit and debit card payments. By no later than July 1, 2025, a convenience fee of $5.00 will be added to a payment if paid by credit or debit card, as an alternative to payment by cash or check. 

CLICK HERE to review the ORDER adopting the amendments

Amendments to Rule 17 of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules

Approved

On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia adopted amendments to Rule 17 of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules regarding the disqualification and temporary assignment of judges.

CLICK HERE to review the ORDER adopting the amendments

Amendments to Rules 2 and 27 of the Rules of Practice and

Procedure for Domestic Violence Civil Proceedings

Approved

On May 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia adopted amendments to Rules 2 and 27 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure for Domestic Violence Civil Proceedings regarding terminology and telephonic and video conference hearings.

CLICK HERE to review the ORDER adopting the amendments

CLE

CLE Rule Spotlight

Rule 6.05 CLE Credits



Administrative Rule 6.05 provides 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. Attorneys must achieve at least half of the total required CLE credits by a means other than pre-recorded presentations for the 2024-2026 reporting period. The options include:

·        Live attendance in a traditional, in-person setting;

·        A live, interactive webinar where you can ask questions of the speakers;

·        Teaching credit; or

·        Publication credit.

State Bar members are encouraged to carefully review Administrative Rules 6.05 and 6.09 for further details about how to obtain CLE credits and the standards for approval of CLE activities.

CLICK HERE for Rule 6 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

EVENTS

July 9, 2025

Learning Session for Summer Law Clerks/ Associates/Interns/Law Students

Life After Law School: How to Maintain Your Law License

Hosts: WV State Bar, WV Board of Law Examiners, WV ODC, and WVJLAP

CLE: This is not a CLE Program. It is an informational presentation for summer associates/ interns/law clerks/law students.

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

Location: In-person at the State Bar Center, Lower Level Conference Room, Charleston

Cost: Free 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

July 23, 2025

Trust Accounting Do's & Don'ts

and

Productive Attorney/Client Relationships

Host: WV State Bar and ALPS

Location: In-person at the State Bar Center, Lower Level Training Center, and live Webinar

Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon

CLE: 3 credits including 3 ethics credits

Speaker: Mark Bassingthwaighte, Risk Manager for ALPS

CLICK HERE to Register for live In-Person Attendance

CLICK HERE to Register for live Webinar Attendance

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA

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 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.

August 7 - 9, 2025

 The West Virginia Bar Association’s

138th Annual Meeting

HOST: The West Virginia Bar Association

LOCATION: The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV - Live Attendance Only

DATE: August 7-9, 2025  

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  This event is open to lawyers and non-lawyers

COST: WVBA Member $495/ Non-Member $600

CLE: 7.8 credits including 1 credit of legal ethics for West Virginia

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration is required and will be open until August 6^th at 5:00 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

August 19, 2025

2025 WVJLAP Conference & Retreat "Missed Sessions"

Please save the date for the missed sessions from the May 17th WVJLAP Conference. The missed sessions were due to the power outage that occurred at Stonewall Resort. All members of the Bench and Bar are invited to attend in person or join virtually.

Speakers: Brad Deel and Luke Harvey

Date: August 19, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

CLE: 2 credits including1 credit in ethics

Location: Judicial Tower (4700 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304)

Registration: More information on how to register, join virtually, and what floor of the Judicial Tower the CLE will be held, will be sent out soon with registration. 

Please Note: People who previously registered and paid for the WVJLAP Conference & Retreat will not have to pay again for the missed sessions.