Bar Blast 1-28-14

Public Service Announcement  

Office of Disciplinary Counsel

The primary purpose of the West Virginia Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel is to protect the public, to reassure the public as to the reliability and integrity of attorneys, and to safeguard its interests in the administration of justice. The public expects lawyers to exhibit the highest standards of integrity and honesty. Lawyers have a duty not to engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, or interference with the administration of justice. Lawyers are officers of the court and must operate within the bounds of the law and act in a manner to maintain the integrity of the Bar.

In light of the recent events, the Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel reminds citizens that there are strict rules that prohibit lawyers or anyone acting on behalf of a lawyer or a law firm from direct in-person or telephone solicitation with prospective clients that the lawyer or law firm has no family or prior professional relationship. Additionally, a lawyer or law firm is permitted to directly solicit prospective clients by mail or by recorded communication, but it must clearly designated as “Advertising Material” and may not involve coercion, duress or harassment.

Violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct should be reported to the West Virginia Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel. You may contact the Office at 304-558-7999 and you may access the website at  www.wvodc.org.

11th Judicial Circuit Vacancy

Board of Governors and Young Lawyers Elections

On January 13, 2014 nominating petitions were mailed via USPS to members in Districts 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10. When signed by the requisite number of members, the petition must be received, by mail, email or fax no later than midnight

February 11, 2014, by the Executive Director of The West Virginia State Bar.

More Information 

2014 Judicial Benchbook  

The 2014 Judicial Benchbook for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings is available for free download at  http://www.wvcip.com/software-download.html.  This resource includes information about court opinions, rules, statutes, and special topics in the child abuse/neglect field.

Moot Court Judges Needed

The National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition at WVU Law is looking for volunteer judges. Now in its fourth year, the competition attracts exceptional law students from across the country. Interested parties should contact Marc Valentine at wvumoot@mail.wvu.edu.

More information

West Virginia Board of Education  

Staff Attorney Vacancy 

The West Virginia Board of Education is currently taking applications for a Staff Attorney position.  The position will remain open and applications accepted until filled by a qualified applicant as determined by the WVBE.

 More information