Do you know an exceptional attorney who promotes a positive image within the profession and community at large? Nominate them! All awards will be presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony held at the Greenbrier Resort on Thursday, April 3rd. Nominations may be emailed to WVSB Executive Director, Mary Jane Pickens, at pickensmj@wvbar.org by the end of the business day on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Nominations may include letters of recommendations, photos, articles, or other relevant information.
The West Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer Section
Young Lawyer of the Year Award 2025
Criteria for this award are necessarily broad. Along with professional achievements, the selection committee will consider a wide range of public service, e.g., volunteer work, pro bono representation, legislative efforts and service in the public sector. This award should go to the person or group whose efforts have best promoted the advancement of the administration of justice and the protection of interests of the public. Other requirements for the award are that the attorney must be licensed to practice law in West Virginia, have been licensed for no more than 10 years or be 35 years of age or younger, and posses outstanding qualities that include, but are not limited to, professional proficiency and service to the profession and the community.
Nominations should include:
- Name, address, and telephone number of the person or entity nominated.
- A narrative statement describing the individual’s or group’s service contributions.
- A brief biographical account of the nominee’s legal career or a brief description of the group.
- A brief statement, including examples, explaining why the person or group should be considered for the award.
- The identity of the person making the nomination.
Selection Process
The Young Lawyer of the Year Committee will consider all outstanding qualities of each nominee in making its recommendation to the YLS Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section will select a recipient for the Young Lawyer of the Year Award from qualified nominees for consideration.
The West Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer Section Mentor of the Year Award 2025
Who inspires you at work, that makes you want to do and be better? Who commits the time to help young lawyers transition into the practice of law? Who has passion for the law and wants you to have the same passion? This award is meant to honor a seasoned lawyer who has provided mentorship and guidance to young lawyers. Nominations may be made by any young lawyer or by anyone who knows a lawyer who helps mentor young lawyers.
Nominations should include:
- The name and address of the nominee.
- A brief biographical account of the nominee’s legal career.
- A brief statement, including examples, explaining why the nominee is a great mentor.
- The identity of the person making the nomination.
Selection Process
The Mentor of the Year Committee will consider all outstanding qualities of each nominee in making its recommendation to the YLS Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section will select a recipient for the Mentor of the Year Award from qualified nominees submitted for consideration.
The West Virginia State Bar Solo/Small Firm Lawyer of the Year Award 2025
This award aims to recognize solo or small firm lawyers that are doing exemplary work in their practice and communities.
To be considered nominees must:
- Be an active member of the West Virginia State Bar in good standing.
- Be a solo practitioner or employed by a firm of 5 or fewer attorneys.
- Demonstrate professional proficiency.
- Demonstrate service to the profession and the community at large.
- Promote a positive image within the legal profession.
- Promote a positive image of the legal profession within the community at large.
Nominations should include:
- The name, address and telephone number of the person nominated.
- A brief biographical account of the nominee’s legal and professional career.
- A narrative statement describing the individual’s service contributions to the profession and/or community.
- A brief statement – including examples – explaining why this person should receive this award.
- Nominations may, but do not require, letters of recommendation/support.
- Nominations may, but do not require, news articles or social media screenshots of the
nominee’s contributions to the profession and/or community. - The identity of the person(s) making the nomination and contact information.
Selection Process
The reviewing committee will consider all outstanding qualities of each nominee in making its decision.
The West Virginia State Bar Government Lawyer/Public Defender of the Year Award 2025
This award recognizes distinguished lawyers working in the government and public entities.
To be considered nominees must:
- Be an active member of the West Virginia State Bar in good standing, and be either: Employed as a full time federal public defender, full time state public defender, or employed by the Public Defender Services Appellate Division; or in government service by a federal, state, or local government agency.
- Demonstrate professional proficiency.
- Demonstrate service to the profession and the community at large.
- Promote a positive image within the legal profession.
- Promote a positive image of the legal profession within the community at large.
Nominations should include:
- The name, address and telephone number of the person nominated.
- A brief biographical account of the nominee’s legal and professional career.
- A narrative statement describing the individual’s service contributions to the profession and/or community.
- A brief statement – including examples – explaining why this person should receive this award.
- Nominations may, but do not require, letters of recommendation/support.
- Nominations may, but do not require, news articles or social media screenshots of the
nominee’s contributions to the profession and/or community. - The identity of the person(s) making the nomination and contact information.
Selection Process
The reviewing committee will consider all outstanding qualities of each nominee in making its decision.
