Michael J. Basile
Managing Member
Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
SAMANTHA CART
Photo by Rick Lee.
GROWING UP IN FAIRMONT, WV , Michael Basile’s career goals
in his youth included racing cars and playing golf profession-
ally until a career aptitude test—and a very prudent father—
steered him toward the study of law.
“I had a textbook, American-dream upbringing,” he says.
“I had two great parents, two older doting sisters and no
drama. I have only positive memories of fun-filled days riding
bikes, fishing, playing tennis and summering in Grant Town,
a small Marion County coal camp town where my paternal
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
grandmother lived. While law did end up being my chosen
profession, I played a lot of golf and tinkered with a lot of cars
prior to receiving my degree.”
Basile, now the managing member of Spilman Thomas &
Battle, PLLC, began his professional career in the Office of the
West Virginia Attorney General in the appellate and tax divi-
sions. Early on, he had the opportunity to work under several
incredible mentors and argue appeals before the state Supreme
Court while representing state agencies and constitutional