Robert “ Rob ” D . Fisher
Attorney at Law , Adams , Fisher and Chappell , PLLC
Photo by Judith Lieving .
CATHY BONNSTETTER
ALTHOUGH ROBERT FISHER learned the practice of law in other parts of the state and the world , his office is located in downtown Ripley , WV — his hometown . In fact , he and his partner , Leah Chappell , know most of their clients before they even walk through the door .
“ The challenge of any small-town practice is keeping everyone happy ,” Fisher says . “ You generally know your clients on a personal level . “
According to Fisher , growing up in the idyllic town of Ripley in the 1960s was like living in a sitcom . Today , he is a small-town lawyer by choice , but he has traveled the world . He received his bachelor ’ s degree in finance from West Virginia University ( WVU ) in just two and a half years and attended the WVU College of Law , graduating in 1978 . He attended the University of Wales , in Cardiff , Wales , as a Rotary Fellow for one year , an experience that expanded his world view .
After law school , Fisher became an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County , during which time he learned a lot about human nature and the demands of practicing law with precision .
“ I quickly learned some people are not nice to each other , and I took the prosecution of criminal cases very seriously and was tough on plea bargains ,” he says . “ I learned to treat victims as people , not case numbers .”
While working as an assistant prosecutor for 10 years , Fisher simultaneously opened a private civil practice with his first partner , Ron Adams , who taught him to be mindful of his clients ’ trust in
him , never cut corners and treat clients like family . After Adams ’ death in 1987 , Fisher decided to become a full-time civil lawyer and joined forces with Tom Evans , who later became a circuit judge . In 2000 , Chappell joined the firm .
All three of Fisher ’ s law partners have been outstanding in their own ways and have helped to shape his practice of law . He credits Adams and Judge Oliver Kessel , in particular , for helping shape his professional life . He also credits his family for his success .
“ My wife , Judy , and three daughters , Lexi , Alison and Abby , keep me humble and introspective ,” he says . “ I firmly believe you cannot make it in life without the support of your family and mentors .”
Fisher is a firm believer that charity works , and he has spent a considerable amount of time serving his profession and community with his time , talent and resources . He has served on the board of directors of Jackson General Hospital for 40 years and is currently serving his eighth term as board chairman . His proudest community accomplishment is the merger of WVU Medicine with Jackson General during his chairmanship , which he says will change health care in the region forever .
Fisher ’ s past volunteerism includes the Jackson County Habitat for Humanity , Community Foundation of Jackson County , Boy Scouts of America fundraising committee and Ripley Rotary . He is also a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church .
He is an American Bar Foundation
Fellow and Boy Scouts of America North Star Award recipient . Fisher is also a past president of the West Virginia State Bar , current member and past president of the West Virginia Bar Foundation and current executive council member of the West Virginia Bar Association . Despite these accolades , Fisher says his greatest successes revolve around family and friends .
“ I consider raising my three daughters and seeing them married and starting families a great success ,” he says . “ They are well positioned for their futures , and they all selected jobs in which they can truly help others .”
Fisher also believes West Virginia is a well-kept secret in the field of law , where the industry is rich with intrinsic rewards .
“ I cannot imagine practicing anywhere else ,” he says . •
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