and her colleagues resolve disputes and decide cases that come before them , as well as manage administrative decisions and processes necessary for judicial branch operations .
“ Since winning the election , I have been highly motivated to ensure the judicial branch in West Virginia maintains the trust and confidence of the citizens we serve . I continue to prioritize transparency and accountability in the administration of the courts ,” she says . “ The challenges facing our court early in my tenure also taught me the crucial importance of respect and civility with my colleagues , teamwork and close-working relationships with the other two branches of government .”
Now serving as chief justice , Walker is the administrative leader of the entire West Virginia judiciary . She is responsible for the branch ’ s 1,500 employees who work in every county and serve West Virginians in the trial courts , including circuit court , family court and magistrate court , and the appellate courts — which includes the Intermediate Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Appeals .
“ I am honored to serve in a public role ,” she says . “ I love my job . Upholding the rule of law and deciding the cases that come before us in a fair and impartial way is meaningful and rewarding . It is a great honor to be chief justice .”
Walker ’ s dedication to West Virginia doesn ’ t stop with public service . She continues to take leadership roles that propel the Mountain State forward . She ’ s been inducted as a fellow of the West Virginia Bar Foundation , served on the education committee of the Appellate Judges Education Institute and chaired the West Virginia Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being since 2018 , which promotes cultural change in the legal profession to prioritize well-being among lawyers and judges and better serve clients .
She is also a member of the board of trustees for the University of Charleston and has served in various leadership roles on the board of directors of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council and as chair of the board of directors of Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center .
Walker is active on social media and is passionate about public engagement and civics education . Along with Justice Rhonda Wood of Arkansas and now-retired Michigan Chief Justice Bridget McCormack , she is a founding co-host of “ Lady Justice : Women of the Court ,” a podcast discussing the judicial branch of government and their personal experiences within their states ’ highest appellate courts .
“ I have always been committed to doing excellent work — first for my clients and now for the citizens of West
Virginia ,” she says . “ It is crucial for women to serve in leadership roles in our communities and state , and I try to set a good example of that .”
While some in the profession may have one mentor , Walker says she has had many , all of whom have had a significant impact on her .
“ While I appreciate that some folks have one primary mentor for their entire careers , I personally think that personal and professional growth results from learning from a wide variety of people and relationships during different stages of a career ,” she says .
Walker is highly motivated to make a positive difference in West Virginia and the legal profession .
“ I have lived in both Charleston and Morgantown and the reason I have stayed in West Virginia all these years is the quality of people here ,” she says . “ My public service and community service is in gratitude for the professional and personal opportunities I have had in West Virginia .” •
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