2023
Ellen Maxwell-Hoffman
Partner , Bowles Rice LLP
Photo by Rick Lee .
EMILY PELLHAM
ELLEN MAXWELL-HOFFMAN , partner at Bowles Rice LLP , is a sixth-consecutive generation lawyer and the fourth-consecutive generation to practice and live in West Virginia . Growing up in Elkins , WV , Maxwell-Hoffman carries wonderful memories of spending time in nature , browsing her local library for books and periodicals and enjoying a multitude of activities with her three siblings , mother and father .
“ I was most fortunate in that all my family provided continual support — at the same time , I was encouraged to be independent and taught to be self-reliant ,” she reminisces .
Urged by her parents to study a subject that would make her employable , Maxwell-Hoffman received her bachelor ’ s
degree in speech pathology and audiology and a master ’ s degree in audiology from West Virginia University ( WVU ). After graduating , she practiced as an audiologist for four years , starting in a hospital and then transitioning to private practice with an ear , nose and throat specialist . Subsequently , she attended WVU College of Law in August 1982 and graduated in May 1985 .
While in school , Maxwell-Hoffman worked two summers with Goodwin & Goodwin , LLP in Charleston before starting her legal career with the same firm after graduation .
“ At Goodwin & Goodwin , I was provided numerous opportunities and experiences in the law , which no doubt provided much of the foundation to become a good commercial lawyer ,” she says . “ I practiced property law , banking law , family law , criminal defense , election law and bankruptcy law . I did research for and wrote motions , appeared before county commissions , appeared in state and federal court — in civil litigation as well as appeals . I was exposed to a multitude of practice areas , which has in turn been an asset for me as a commercial lawyer .”
Following her time at Goodwin & Goodwin , Maxwell-Hoffman moved to Bowles Rice LLP and was immersed in commercial law and economic development . When she first started with Bowles Rice , she was tasked with learning the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act and was regularly consulted on the professional ethics governing lawyers .
“ For more than 25 years , I have provided guidance to lawyers regarding professional responsibilities and have chaired our firm ’ s conflict committee since its inception nearly 20 years ago ,” she says .
Additionally , Maxwell-Hoffman has served twice on the Bowles Rice management committee and has been an equity partner since 1994 .
“ Each day as I respond to and support our clients , I involve other lawyers — particularly our younger lawyers — so that clients may continue to have trust in the firm and , just as important , so that the lawyers will also appreciate the value of those clients , both professionally and personally ,” she says .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE