If you receive an inquiry from a member of the public whom you cannot help, please do not refer them to the State Bar. Rather, please refer them to one of the State Bar’s free legal information services:
Public Notice for Reappointment of Incumbent Magistrate Judge
The current term of office of US Magistrate Judge, Cheryl A. Eifert, at Huntington, West Virginia, is due to expire on August 31, 2018. The US District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight year term. Comments are invited from members of the bar and the public as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court. Comments should be directed to:
W. Michael Frazier, Esquire
Chair of the Merit Selection Panel
Frazier, Oxley & Proctor L.C.
401 10th Street
Huntington, WV 25701
Senior Staff Attorney, Office of the Clerk Position Announcement
The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia seeks an attorney to be employed in the Office of the Clerk for a full-time position. The attorney will be expected to assist the Clerk of Court with various aspects of the clerk’s office operations, including case management, records management, opinion and order processing, publications management, and other matters as assigned by the Clerk. The Office of the Clerk provides guidance and direction to the public and members of the Bar, and renders legal analysis with regard to procedural rules, lawyer admission and disciplinary matters. Click here for further details and to access the application.
Updated Privacy Related Legal Resources
The West Virginia Executive Branch recently updated its HIPPA Preemption Analysis.There is also a summary and flow chart explaining the mechanics of HIPPA preemption. Additionally, the Executive Branch’s Privacy Requirements Document was recently updated, and provides a summary of all privacy laws impacting the enterprise. Both are revised annually to support internal privacy compliance, and may be useful to others as a resource. Any questions may be directed to Sallie Milam, WV’s chief privacy officer, at 304-766–2646 X57624 or sallie.h.milam@wv.gov.
Inmate Legal Mail Policy Change
A special alphanumeric code that changes each business day is now required on all legal (privileged) mail sent to inmates or residents at Division of Corrections, Regional Jail Authority, and Division of Juvenile Services facilities. To comply with this policy, attorneys must be on the Public Defender Services email list. Questions about this policy can be directed to Stacy Nowicki-Eldridge, Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety at 304-558-2930 or stacy.l.nowicki@wv.gov. DMAPS has also issued a press release announcing the policy. Click here to view the press release.
Interest Rate Change
The Administrative Office of The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has set the interest rate at 4.5 percent for judgments and decrees entered during the 2018 calendar year. Click here to view the order.
2018 State Bar Membership Directory
The 2018 edition of the membership directory will be available soon. To advance purchase a paper version, go to www. legaldirectories.com.
Judges Needed for Energy Moot Court Competition
The National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition, hosted March 8-10 by WVU Law, is looking for volunteer judges. Early round judges must be an attorney of good standing licensed to practice law in any state. Final round (March 10 afternoon) judges must be a federal or state appellate judge. Now in its eighth year, the competition attracts exceptional law students from across the country. For details, email wvumoot@mail.wvu.edu with “Judge 2018” in the subject line. For more information on the competition, click here
Public Comment
Request for Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (Addressing the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act) 18-Rules-01
Comments must be filed in writing with the Clerk of Court on or before February 16, 2018. Click here to view a copy of the order.
Upcoming Events
February 9, 2018
Defending the Rights of Your Intellectually Disabled Client