Bar Blast - September 1, 2026

If you are a federal or state public defender, federal or state court law clerk, government lawyer, or a lawyer for Legal Aid of WV you may register for a discounted rate of $100. Please arrange to send a check for payment, or pay over the telephone with our Finance Director.

CLICK HERE to Register for CHARLESTON Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for HUNTINGTON Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for CHAPMANVILLE Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for PARKERSBURG Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for FAYETTEVILLE Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for BRIDGEPORT Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for SHEPHERDSTOWN Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for MOOREFIELD Regional Meeting

CLICK HERE to Register for WHEELING Regional Meeting

HOST: Public Defender Services in conjunction with the West Virginia State Bar

Dates: Same as Regional Meetings

Location: Same as Regional Meetings (In-person only)

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

CLE: 2.4 credits including 2.4 in ethics

CLE

CLE Rule Spotlight

CLE Reporting Tip

Tips for Submitting CLE Credit

Click here for information and tips on submitting CLE credits for:

Approved Courses
Non-Approved Courses
Publication Credit
Teaching Credit

CLICK HERE for Rule 6 - Mandatory Continuing Legal Education

MEMBERSHIP

FINAL NOTICE

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP REPORTING & FEE DEADLINE FOR 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR IS TODAY AT 11:59 P.M.

Automatic Penalties of $200 each will be assessed for

late payment of fees, late FRD reporting, and late IOLTA reporting.

The deadline for reporting (FRD, IOLTA & Succession Planning) and paying annual membership fees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is 11:59 p.m. September 1, 2026. All Active and Active not practicing Members must complete the annual reporting (FRD, IOLTA & Succession Planning) and pay annual fees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. In addition, Inactive Members who are under age 65 must pay their annual fees for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The Bylaws of the WVSB and the Supreme Court's Administrative Rules of the State Bar do not provide for the waiver of penalties and reinstatement fees (non-military). Members are obligated to notify the WVSB within 10 days of any change in contact information (Bylaw 2.02). Notice to members is presumptively deemed adequate if transmitted using membership information on record with the WVSB (Bylaw 13.02). It is the duty of every member to keep informed about the payment of membership fees, and failure to receive notice of nonpayment or suspension shall not affect the operation of such suspension (Rule 3.03).

CLICK HERE to PAY your ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEES

and COMPLETE your REPORTING

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

This is not your CLE Reporting

NEWS

"Tuesday Legal Connect"

Earn FREE CLE Credit Providing Legal Information By Phone!

The State Bar needs volunteer attorneys each Tuesday evening in September 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 September, please email David Frercks as soon as possible at dfrercks@lawv.net to reserve your spot.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT PANEL

The United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia seeks experienced attorneys for its Criminal Justice Act Panel. Appointments to defend federal criminal cases are made pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A. The current hourly rate is $177, plus expenses. Hearings are held at the Clarksburg, Martinsburg, Wheeling and Elkins points of holding court. To obtain an application, please contact CJA Panel Administrator Lisa Coleman at (304) 622-3823, or Lisa_Coleman@fd.org.

Please submit applications no later than October 31, 2026.

EVENTS

Opening of the Court Reception

September 2, 2026

Host: The West Virginia State Bar and West Virginia Bar Association

Location: Capitol Complex, House of Delegates Rotunda

Time: 3-5pm

Members of the Bench and Bar are invited to enjoy light refreshments to celebrate the Fall 2026 Opening of the Court in the House of Delegates Rotunda at the Capitol Complex. Questions about this event? Please contact Kevin Baker at bakerk@wvbar.org.

Multicultural Fellowship Reception

September 10, 2026

Co-Hosts: WV State Bar Multicultural Lawyers’ Committee & LBGTQ+ Committee

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Registration: Free

Please join the West Virginia State Bar’s Multicultural Lawyers’ Committee and LBGTQ+ Committee for a Fellowship Reception at WVU College of Law. The purpose of this social gathering is to provide an opportunity for networking and collegiality among law students and members of the bar. The Committees hope attendees will share stories and experiences, make new contacts, and provide support to one another all while enjoying refreshments. Both Committees will also present their program visions for the 2026-2027 academic year. Questions regarding this event can be directed to Isaiah Robinson, Chair of the Multicultural Lawyers’ Committee, irobinson@spilmanlaw.com, or to Jerry Langan and Kaitlyn Samuelson, Co-Chairs of the LBGTQ+ Committee, glangan@langanlawpllc.com and ksamuelson@littler.com.

September 17, 2026

7th Annual WV Estate Planning Institute

Host: WV State Bar Probate Law Committee and WV Bar Association

Location: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center (In-Person and Virtual attendance)

CLE: 7.2 credits including 1.8 credits in ethics

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE to Register and Agenda

Questions? Contact Amanda Fulk at director@wvbarassociation.org

September 17-19, 2026

2025 Appalachian Addiction and

Prescription Drug Abuse Conference

Uplifting Lives and Changing Futures: Evidence, Education, and Hope in Recovery

Host: In conjunction with WV Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program

Location: Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place

CLE: 24.6 credits including 12.3 in ethics/attorney wellbeing

Registration Fee: $199.00

We’re especially excited to welcome U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi and L. Dante’ diTrapano, Esq. to this year’s conference. Judge Aloi will share insights on community, hope, and second chances through the Federal Drug Court Program, while diTrapano will offer a powerful and deeply personal perspective on addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a professional life.

Two compelling voices. Two important perspectives. Conversations you won’t want to miss.

CLICK HERE for More Information

CLICK HERE to REGISTER

A limited number of registration scholarships are available for judges, lawyers, and law school students. Contact Shawnette D'Arco at darco@wvjlap.org. for additional information.

September 18, 2026

Fifteenth Annual Lunch & Laughs With a Legal Legend

Host: WV Bar Foundation

Location: Morgantown Marriott by Waterfront Place

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Cost: See registration link below

The West Virginia Bar Foundation's Board of Directors invites members of the judiciary, the legal profession, and the general public to attend the Fifteenth Annual Lunch & Laughs with a Legal Legend. This year's honored guest will be Professor Vincent P. Cardi, West Virginia College of Law.

CLICK HERE to REGISTER and for More Information

Please contact Stacy McGhee at the WV Bar Foundation (304-807-7598 or stacy@wvbarfoundation.org) if you have any questions.

Save the Date

September 24, 2026

Criminal Law Committee

Free Lunch & Learn Webinar

Host: WV State Bar Criminal Law Committee

Location: Live Webinar only

Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

CLE: Pending

CLICK HERE to Register

October 12, 2026

Par for the Court

Sponsor: WV State Bar Women in the Profession Committee

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

CLE: Pending

Registration: $125

Location: Bridgeport Country Club, Bridgeport, WV

Schedule:

9:30-10:50 am: Social Brunch and Welcome
10:00 to 10:50 am: Free one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) on golf liability cases around the country.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm: 9-hole scramble
2:00: Awards presentation and putting contest

For more information contact Chuck Steele at chuck@steeleresolve.com or Jami Cooper at jami.cooper@cooperlawwv.com

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT INFORMATION

CLICK HERE FOR INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A SPONSOR

All 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 per State Bar Administrative Rule 6.03(a). Attendance to Bridge the Gap is free to newly admitted members of the State Bar. Continuing legal education is available for completing Bridge the Gap program.

Host: WV State Bar Young Lawyer Section

Location: Bridgeport Conference Center, Bridgeport, WV

Cost: Free

CLE: Pendng

CLICK HERE to Register for BRIDGE THE GAP

CLICK HERE for more Information

All questions should be directed to Daniel McCarroll at 816-235-6541

The West Virginia State Bar

www.wvbar.org

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