Chief Counsel, Office of Counsel

Administrative Office of

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia

Position Announcement

OFFICE OF COUNSEL – KANAWHA COUNTY

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position open until filled

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has an immediate professional opportunity for Chief Counsel in Charleston, West Virginia. This position directly reports to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Chief Counsel

Position Summary

This position reports directly to the Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals and supervises all work of the lawyers and staff in the Office of Counsel. The Office of Counsel reviews all cases and other matters filed with the Supreme Court of Appeals, conducts in-depth legal research and analysis, and prepares written recommendations and drafts proposed decisions to present to the Court. The Office of Counsel also assists the Chief Justice in matters of disqualification of judges and magistrates statewide, and temporary assignments. Chief Counsel is responsible for the quality and accuracy of the work performed by the attorneys who work in the Office of Counsel and supervises workflow and timeliness. Chief Counsel is responsible for the training and professional development of the attorneys and staff in the Office of Counsel. Chief Counsel regularly interacts directly with the Justices regarding urgent and time-sensitive matters.

Essential Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises and makes assignments to Office of Counsel staff to facilitate timely review of all cases and matters filed with the Supreme Court of Appeals, including civil, criminal, administrative, child abuse and neglect, workers’ compensation, extraordinary writs, emergency, and personal cases and petitions.
• Oversees the preparation of memorandum decisions assigned to the Office of Counsel.
• Works in partnership with the Clerk of the Court and the Chief Justice in scheduling the work of the Supreme Court of Appeals, including case conferences.
• Oversees training and professional development of the lawyers and staff in the Office of Counsel.
• Provides administrative supervision of the Office of Counsel.
• Provides assistance to the Chief Justice and supervises the Administrative Recusal Clerk regarding disqualification of circuit court judges, family court judges, magistrates, temporary assignments, and assignment of cases.
• Maintains a commitment to the rule of law and a high level of confidentiality in the work of the Office of Counsel and the Court.

Requisite Qualifications, Education, and Credentials

• Experience in supervision and administration.
• Must be in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar.
• Ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney (preferred).
• Ability to prioritize a large number of petitions, motions, pleadings and legal issues coming before the Court to allow their presentation on an orderly and time‑sensitive basis.
• Knowledge of and ability to oversee cases in all areas of the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.

Skills and Knowledge

The job requires the ability to work effectively with the Court’s Administrative Director and the Clerk of Court.

Licensure Requirements

Active license with the West Virginia State Bar.

Working Conditions (Physical/Mental Demands, and Environmental Factors)

• Extended time spent on computer requiring prolonged sitting during work hours.
• Professional office environment.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Secure annual training hours required to meet CLE requirements.
• Maintain good standing with the West Virginia State Bar.

Criminal Background Check

Successful candidates must submit to a criminal background check.

Compensation and Benefits include

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical Insurance.
• Optional Flexible Benefits Coverage (dental, vision, disability, and excess medical).
• Life insurance.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Section 457 deferred compensation plan.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Annual leave and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity in Employment

It is the policy of the West Virginia judiciary to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons, and to recruit, select, train, promote, retain, and discipline without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin. Further, it is the policy of the West Virginia judiciary to maintain a professional workplace in which individuals are accorded respect, and an environment free of harassment, including verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment for any individual on any prohibited basis. As an employer with an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan, the Court complies with government regulations and related Equal Employment Responsibilities where applicable.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please direct the completed West Virginia Judiciary Application for Employment (available on Court website at along with a letter of interest highlighting applicable experience, a writing sample, and a resume, including professional references to:

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.