A Special Thank You to our Annual Gathering Sponsors
Updated Contact Information
The State Bar annual orange postcard regarding membership fees will be mailed on June 13, 2018 for the July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019 fiscal year. Please be sure to log into the membership portal and verify you contact information by June 1.
Criminal Justice Act Panel Applications
The United States District Court for Southern District of West Virginia is currently accepting applications for appointment to the Criminal Justice Act Panel. Members in good standing of the federal bar of the Southern District who have relevant criminal defense experience and a desire to provide quality representation to indigent defendants in a variety of criminal matters are encouraged to review the current CJA Plan and access a PDF-fillable application from the Court’s website at www.wvsd.uscourts.gov. Both documents are located under the CJA tab. The application is located under the subsection “CJA Panel” or you may click here for the application. Applications are due by April 13, 2018 and can be submitted via regular mail or emailed to Angie Volk, CJA Supervising Attorney for the Southern District, at angie_volk@wvsd.uscourts.gov Ms. Volk is also available to answer any questions regarding the application process via email or by calling 304-347-3191.
Volunteers needed for Tuesday Legal Connect
The Elkins Legal Aid of West Virginia office will be sponsoring the May 2018 sessions of Tuesday Night Legal Connect. Contact Carmen Howell if you are interested in volunteering at 304-635-7600 X2410
NEW on Westlaw: West Virginia Pattern Jury Instructions for Civil Cases
The full text of West Virginia Pattern Jury Instructions for Civil Cases is now available on Westlaw. With Westlaw access you can conveniently integrate this valuable resource with your trial preparation and research workflows to increase ease of use and efficiency.
For more information, contact your Westlaw representative: Contact Sales
MCLE Reminder for the July 1, 2016-June 30, 2018 Reporting Period
The July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018 reporting period ends June 30, 2018. The filing deadline is July 31, 2018. Please login to the member portal at www.mywvbar.org and go to My Transcript to view the credits reported, and to confirm, edit, or delete any pending submissions from the sponsor reporting. Credits filed August 1, 2018 or later will require a $50 late filing fee. Active attorneys are required a total of 24 credits, including at least 3 in legal ethics, law office management, substance abuse or elimination of bias. Newly admitted attorneys admitted between July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 are required 12 total credits, including at least 3 in legal ethics, law office management, substance abuse or elimination of bias. Attorneys admitted on or after July 1, 2017 are exempt for the July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2018 reporting period.
Rules of Professional Conduct Amendment
Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct has been amended by adding that “[A] lawyer may counsel a client regarding West Virginia law and assist the client to engage in conduct that the lawyer reasonable believes is authorized by those laws. If West Virginia law conflicts with federal law, the lawyer shall also advise the client regarding related federal law and its potential consequences.” Click here to view the order.
Public Comment
Request for Public Comment on Legal Ethics Opinion
The following L.E.O. was approved for publication for public comment at the January 26, 2018 meeting of the Lawyer Disciplinary Board. Please submit your comments by May 15, 2018. Please send them to: L.E.O. Public Comments, Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304. Click here for a copy of the opinion.
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Rule Amendment
The Court is considering an amendment to Rule 38 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure regarding the placement of citations in documents filed with the Court. Click here to view the proposed rule amendment.
Upcoming Events
April 19, 2018 5:00 PM
Government Lawyers Reception
All West Virginia lawyers are invited to an April Fiesta Government Lawyers Reception to be held at the offices of Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown and Poe, 901 Quarrier Street, Charleston on April 19th, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. All West Virginia lawyers are invited! Contact Barb Baxter at barb.l.baxter@wv.gov with any questions.
April 20, 2018 8:30-5:00
Family Law CLE
Host:
Kanawha County Family Law Bench-Bar Committee
Location: India Center in Southridge
Please email Lyne Ranson at lyne@lyneranson.com with any questions.
Click here for the schedule and registration form.
April 24, 2018 12:00-2:00
Free and Live
Government Lawyers CLE Seminar 2-Hours general credit
State Bar Center, Charleston, WV and broadcast statewide online via video conference
June 13-14, 2018
Basic Mediation Training
Host: State Bar ADR Committee
Location:
Days Inn and Suites, Flatwoods
Approved for 16.5 CLE credits including 1.0 in Ethics
A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate ($89.99) for the event. In order to receive the discounted rate, inform the hotel that you are attending the WV State Bar’s event when making your reservation. Contact Cathy Shuman at 866-700-7284 X101 to reserve your room
For more information and to register for the event, click
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