This month’s More Than A Lawyer, Rob Aliff, takes his passion for music and performance to his fellow West Virginians with his commitment to the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia. A litigation attorney for Jackson Kelly in Charleston, he has always ensured that music and arts are a part of his community and his family.
Robby’s love of music was sparked at a young age when he was a proud “band geek” and the Field Conductor of the Oak Hill High School marching band. As a student at Washington & Lee, Robby was in a male a cappella group, Southern Comfort, among other choirs, which landed him the role of Che Guevera in the musical, Evita. Upon locating to Charleston, Rob continued to share his love of music with others, joining a local choir, Cantori Montani, and singing as a family group for his church. When he began practicing law, his firm, Jackson Kelly (and most notably John McClaugherty) encouraged him to volunteer in his community which began with a donation of $100 for a brick to support what was then a new facility, the Clay Center. In 2012 Robby joined the Corporate Relations Subcommittee of the Development Committee of the Clay Center and later, he became a member of its Board of Directors. Robby is now the Clay Center’s First Vice Chair, and he is slated to become Chair of the Board in 2025.
“The Clay Center enriches the quality of life for West Virginians, engages the public, and especially school children, in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts, and offers one of the best concert halls in the entire United States” Robby explains. He is especially proud of its recent addition of the Clay2Go travelling science exhibit, which will take hands-on science exhibits to all corners of the state of West Virginia in coordination with public schools and communities. Kathy Bush, Vice President of Development for the Clay Center is grateful for Robby’s contribution. “Robby’s strategic and creative thinking help us tackle even the toughest fundraising challenges. As a natural storyteller, he inspires board members and the community alike, and his genuine passion for the Clay Center’s mission – along with his personal investments of time, talent, and resources – makes him a powerful force in driving our initiatives forward.”
One of his greatest joys is sharing his love of music with his children, who also pursue their interests in music and theater. All three of Robby’s kids, Meredith, Wilkes and Nora, have performed on the Clay Center stage. His daughter, whose name is on the brick he purchased more than 20 years ago, will perform the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast with the Charleston Light Opera Guild on the Clay Center stage October 25-27 and November 1-3.
Robby currently serves as the Vice President of the West Virginia State Bar. He is the Health Care Litigation Group Chairperson for Jackson Kelly and is also on its Executive Committee. Robby was nominated by Jessie Robey and Lindsey McIntosh. Thank you, Robby, for being More Than A Lawyer.
