What is the WV State Bar anyway?
On May 1, 1947, the West Virginia State Bar came into existence as the integrated bar organization for West Virginia lawyers. Every lawyer in West Virginia must be a member of the State Bar.

The State Bar is a part of the Judicial Branch of West Virginia State Government, since it is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Appeals. However, the Bar does not receive any taxpayer funds, relying upon dues from its members and other private sources of income.

The general mission of the State Bar is to improve the administration of justice and increase the legal services provided to the State's citizens. The Bar uses a wide variety of programs, activities and services to achieve this mission.

The State Bar works closely and coordinates many of its efforts with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, the West Virginia University College of Law, the voluntary statewide bar organizations and county bar associations. Many of its programs require interaction with numerous groups and individuals throughout West Virginia.

The State Bar has a proud tradition of serving its members and serving the State. Each year, the Bar enhances its reputation by achieving even more of its objectives.

Who is responsible for the discipline of lawyers?
The Lawyer Disciplinary Board is responsible for the discipline of lawyers. You need to contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at 304/558-7999. Their address is 2008 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25311. For more information on the Office of Disciplinary Counsel please click here.

Who should I contact if I have a fee dispute with my attorney?
More often than not, fee disputes between an attorney and his or her client stem from miscommunication between the two parties. However, there are instances where, even though communication is good, there is still a dispute as to what the client owes the attorney in fees.

As a partial solution to this problem, the West Virginia State Bar has set up a program known as the Voluntary Fee Dispute Resolution Program, which brings in an unbiased attorney who will attempt to resolve the dispute between the attorney and the client.
For more information regarding the Voluntary Fee Dispute Program, please contact Thomas R. Tinder at the WVSB at 304/558-7993 or by email at tindert@wvbar.org.

Who should I contact to report a person who is engaging in the unlawful practice of law?
Please contact Thomas R. Tinder at the WVSB at 304/558-7993 or by email at tindert@wvbar.org

How do I find out information about becoming licensed in WV, the procedure for taking the Bar Exam in WV, Admissions by Reciprocity or what the Rules for Admission to the Bar are?
The WV State Bar does not handle the admissions process. You need to contact the WV Board of Law Examiners at 304/558-7815 or by email rubens@mail.wvnet.edu or greenn@mail.wvnet.edu. Their address is 910 Quarrier Street, Suite 212, Charleston, WV 25301.

How can I make a change to my membership information?
You can change your address, phone, fax, email address or submit a request for a status change by contacting Cheryl L. Petty, Membership Coordinator at 304/558-0828. You may also submit your changes to pettyc@wvbar.org.

How do members submit potential articles for publication in the WV Lawyer?
State Bar members may submit articles for consideration for inclusion in The West Virginia Lawyer. Potential articles should be sent to: Thomas R. Tinder, Editor-In-Chief, The West Virginia Lawyer, 2006 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, WV 25311-2204. All articles submitted are subject to editorial approval and edited for accuracy, length, grammar and conformity to each publication's respective guidelines. For additional editorial information, please contact Thomas R. Tinder, Editor-In-Chief at 304/558-7993 or by email tindert@wvbar.org or Kathy Henning, Editor at 304/558-1044 or by email henningk@wvbar.org

Are there advertising opportunities in the WV Lawyer?
Yes, The WV State Bar offers advertising opportunities in the Lawyer. The Lawyer offers either display or classified advertising - to view an ad rate sheet click here. For more information on advertising in the Lawyer, please contact Kathy Henning, Editor, at 304/558-1044 or by email henningk@wvbar.org

What is the Pro Bono Referral Project?
There are currently over 1,100 attorneys in all parts of the state, who, as part of the Pro Bono Referral program, have agreed to handle civil cases free of charge for low income people.

Assignments to the Pro Bono Referral Project are handled by Legal Aid of WV. Please contact that office at 1-800-642-8279.

What is the Client Protection Fund?
The Client Protection Fund was established by the West Virginia State Bar to provide a means, as a last resort after litigation and all other efforts have been exhausted, for reimbursing clients some or all of their losses, which were induced by misconduct by their individual attorney.

In establishing the Client Protection Fund, the West Virginia State Bar did not create, nor does it acknowledge any legal responsibility for the acts of individual lawyers in their practice of law.

All reimbursements of losses by the Client Protection Fund are a matter of grace, at the sole discretion of the West Virginia State Bar, and not a matter of right.

If you believe that you have suffered a loss due to attorney misconduct, please contact Kathy Henning at the the State Bar at (304) 558-1044 or via email at henningk@wvbar.org.