BAR BLAST – August 4, 2015

Annual Membership Reporting & Fees

The deadline for Reporting and Fee payment is midnight, September 1, 2015. For more information on how to complete this process go to www.wvbar.org.

Annual Professional Limited Liability (PLLC) Organization Renewals 

In order to insure that your PLLC is in compliance with the laws of The State of West Virginia, you need to file an annual renewal application with The State Bar. Any change in the corporate organization from the prior year must be reported. COPIES OF CURRENT CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE ARE REQUIRED. Every PLLC must also register an email address.

If your organization renewed online previously click here to login.  PLLC Annual Renewals were due by July 1, 2015.  If you have questions concerning PLLC reporting requirements contact Anita R. Casey at 304-553-7228 or caseya@wvbar.org. If you have questions concerning the process for online filing contact Mike Mellace at 304-553-7223 ormellacem@wvbar.org.

ALPS, the West Virginia State Bar’s endorsed professional liability insurance carrier, is proud to introduce ALPS Attorney Match. Whether you’re nearing retirement and looking to transition your practice or you’re thinking about hanging your own shingle out on Main Street, ALPS Attorney Match can help you connect with others in the field. ALPS Attorney Match is free and sign up is quick and easy.
Create your ALPS Attorney Match profile today. The first 200 West Virginia attorneys to register will be entered to win an iPad mini.

More Information

State Bar Annual Meeting 2016

The West Virginia State Bar 2016 Annual Meeting will be held at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.  Six hours of continuing legal education will be offered onMonday, April 4, for a total cost of $75.  Discounted room rates will be available for the dates surrounding the meeting. Agenda topics are being finalized.  Presenters will include members of our federal judiciary and two nationally renowned speakers.  A buffet dinner will be held on Sunday, April 3. All are invited to attend the dinner where 2015 Fifty Year Bar Members, Past Presidents of the State Bar and award winners for both the State Bar and Legal Aid of West Virginia will be recognized.  The cost for the dinner will be $130/person.  Keep watching the Bar Blast for updates on the Annual Meeting.

The Court entered an order seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the West Virginia Code of Judicial Conduct. The order is available on the Recent Rules Orders page of the Court’s website using this link.

The public comment period ends September 8, 2015. All comments must be in writing and filed with the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office.

On July 13, 2015, the Court entered an order requesting public comment on proposed revisions to the Rules of Appellate Procedure that will likely be of interest to your organizations. Among other changes, the proposed revisions are intended to provide guidance to counsel in criminal appeals, habeas corpus appeals, or abuse and neglect appeals when counsel lacks a good faith belief that an appeal is warranted, and the client demands that an appeal be advanced. The order is available atthis link. The deadline for public comments is September 11, 2015. All comments must be in writing and filed with the Clerk.

The Lawyer Disciplinary Board is soliciting public comments on the following Legal Ethics Opinions:

L.E.O. 2015-01: Use of Stand-In Counsel
Deadline for submissions: September 14, 2015. Please submit your written comments to the following address: Stand-In Counsel Committee, c/o Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304.

L.E.O. 2015-02: Social Media and Attorneys
Deadline for submissions: September 14, 2015. Please submit your written comments to the following address: Social Media
Committee, c/o Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304.

L.E.O. 2015: The Amended Rules of Professional Conduct and the Effect on L.E.I. 98-02
Deadline for submissions: September 14 2015. Please submit your written comments to the following address: L.E.O. Committee, c/o Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304.

On July 22, 2015, the Court approved a sixty-day period for public comment on the proposed amendments to the West Virginia Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The proposed amendments to the Rules reflect the reorganization of Chapter 49 of the Code and incorporate statutory reforms to the juvenile justice system. Comments may be filed, in writing, with the Clerk of the Court on or before September 22, 2015.

Click here for the order

August 13-15, 2015

West Virginia Bar Association Annual Meeting

Host: The West Virginia Bar Association

Location: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA

August 30-September 1, 2015

2015 NARO Appalachia 5th Annual Conference

Host: The National Association of Royalty Owners Appalachia

Location: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

September 24-26, 2015

Appalachian Addiction and Prescription Drug Abuse Conference

Host: The West Virginia State Medical Association and CAMC Health Education and Research Institute

CLE: 16.1 Live Credits in Substance Abuse

Location: Embassy Suites – Charleston, WV

Click Here for the Registration Form

September 25-26, 2015

WVCLE Solo and Small Firm Law Conference (WVU v. Maryland)

Host: West Virginia Continuing Legal Education (WVCLE)

Location: WVU College of Law – Morgantown, WV

CLE: We will apply for MCLE credit in WV, PA, VA, KY, and OH.

More Information: CLICK HERE