President Abraham Lincoln declared West Virginia a state on June 20, 1863, the only state to join the Union by Presidential Proclamation. The 35th state was also the only one formed during the Civil War. Since 1927, June 20 has been “West Virginia Day,” a legal holiday in the state.
West Virginia has a relatively small population, with only about 1,820,000 residents. Its original capital was at the Linsly Institute in Wheeling, moving back and forth between Charleston and Wheeling, before finally settling in Charleston in 1885. Today Wheeling has a population of about 29,300, while Charleston is not only the capital, but also the state’s largest city, with almost 51,000 inhabitants.
West Virginia Legal Resources
Members of the public and of the legal profession with law-related questions in West Virginia will find the following resources a good starting point for their search.
West Virginia State Bar: The West Virginia State Bar seeks to advance justice and protect the interests of the residents of the state by upholding the state’s constitution and its by-laws. Its website offers information and resources of use to both legal professionals and the public.
Supreme Court: The West Virginia Court System website offers general information about the courts, information for jurors, an online court calendar and a self-help center, among other services.
State Law Library: The WV state law library’s main mission is to aide the staff of the Supreme Court to administer justice. It is also open to the public during posted hours, and the website provides additional useful links for anyone needing legal information.
Resources for Legal Marketers in West Virginia
Legal marketing professionals looking for opportunities in professional development and advancement can find it with the following organizations.
Legal Marketing Association, The Virginias Chapter: Formed in 1999, the Virginias Chapter of the LMA serves legal marketers in both Virginia and West Virginia. It provides professional development, education and networking opportunities to its members.
Association of Legal Administrators: Although West Virginia does not have its own ALA chapter, the national ALA provides education and support, including a Certified Legal Manager Program, to anyone dedicated to improving the quality of management in legal services firms.
Legal Marketing Jobs: Find legal marketing jobs in West Virginia
