In January, The Governor’s Commission on Fair Taxation issued its Executive Report that contains recommendations for a complete overhaul of the West Virginia tax system. The Report and recommendations are controversial; especially Table D, which indicates that if the recommendations become law, taxes on law firms may quadruple. There will be a special session of the Legislature later this year to consider the changes recommended in the Executive Report.

The West Virginia Bar Association held a tax symposium on May 21 in Charleston to review and discuss the Executive Report. Speakers were Secretary of Tax and Revenue, Robin Capehart, who chaired the Governor’s Commission; Gary Swingle, CPA; Jim Sturgeon, who is a lawyer and a CPA; and lawyers Mike Caryl, vice chair of the Governor’s Commission, John Mairs, and Rich Boyle. Mike Caryl and Rich Boyle previously served as WV Tax Commissioners. The program was interesting and the beliefs and opinions of the speakers were firmly stated and divergent. It is tough to come up with a "fair" plan since most of us believe any tax we pay is unfair.

During the past year, The West Virginia Bar Association has organized a Law Student Division at the West Virginia University College of Law, and 2nd year law student J.T. Hodges is its first President. The Law Student Division and the Senior Lawyers Division have established a program in which senior lawyers will be available for telephone conferences, and, in some instances, face to face conferences with law students who have questions about the practice of law, law school, and other related matters.

Perhaps the most far-reaching and important activity of the organized bar in West Virginia is the State Bar’s pro bono referral program. All West Virginia lawyers should participate in the program, and the State Bar can provide plenty of information as to how to enroll. If you are not a participant in the program, please become one.