West Virginia Executive Summer 2017 | Page 95

SAMANTHA CART

INTRODUCING THE LAWYERS & LEADERS

Class of 2017

In their book , “ The Lawyer Myth : A Defense of the American Legal Profession ,” Rennard Strickland and Frank Read wrote , “ At the most pragmatic level , lawyers are society ’ s professional problem solvers . Lawyers are called upon to make distinctions , to explain how and why cases or experiences are alike or different . Lawyers are expected to restore equilibrium , to be balancers . Every discipline , every profession , every job and every calling has a cutting edge . At that cutting edge , lines are drawn . Lawyers and judges are society ’ s ultimate line drawers . On one side of the line , the conduct , action or inaction is proper ; on the other side of the line , it is not .”
In an effort to celebrate elite lawyers produced by the Mountain State who are solving problems and striving for balance , the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law and West Virginia Executive magazine teamed up to create the Lawyers & Leaders honors program .
This program recognizes the accomplishments of legal professionals who have made a positive impact on the state and the nation , who have dedicated their careers to serving others and their communities and who go above and beyond to make West Virginia and the U . S . better places to live .
“ The WVU College of Law is thrilled to be partnering with West Virginia Executive to honor lawyers across the state of West Virginia and the country who have demonstrated exemplary leadership ,” says Dean Gregory Bowman . “ The Mountain State produces some of the best lawyers in the world . The WVU College of Law has a rigorous curriculum , top-notch professors and a focus on community service . This is our opportunity to thank these members of the legal profession for their hard work , leadership and integrity .”
All nominees were required to either be a graduate of the WVU College of Law or a practicing lawyer in West Virginia .
Award recipients were chosen from a variety of legal fields , including corporate law , public defense , private practice and criminal defense . The honorees are a group of hardworking , generous individuals , and their success is evident in their accomplishments and involvement .
The Lawyers & Leaders Class of 2017 is an exceptional group of professionals invested in advancing the legal profession and empowering the people , organizations and communities they serve . A ceremony honoring the class was held at the WVU College of Law on August 17 , 2017 , with the help of sponsors Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP ; Thomas Combs & Spann , PLLC ; Duffield , Lovejoy , Stemple & Boggs , Attorneys at Law ; and Miller & Amos , Attorneys at Law .
We proudly introduce the Lawyers & Leaders Class of 2017 . •
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