2024
David K . Hendrickson
Attorney at Law , Hendrickson & Long PLLC
Photo by Mike Winland Studios .
MEGAN BEVINS
David Hendrickson , attorney at law at Hendrickson & Long PLLC , has made a significant impact on the legal field through his dedication , resilience and community service .
Hendrickson was born in Massillon , Ohio , where his family settled after his father returned home from serving in World War II . His father then passed away when Hendrickson was just seven years old . After this tragic loss , his mother decided to move the family back to Ritchie County , WV , and eventually to Parkersburg .
Hendrickson worked various jobs from the age of 13 , including mowing lawns and working at the Wilmar Cafeteria . As a child he was a fan of the TV show “ Perry Mason ,” which sparked his interest in law and fueled his ambition to become an attorney .
Hendrickson attended West Virginia University ( WVU ) on an Army ROTC scholarship , where he graduated with honors in history . He then decided to attend the WVU College of Law .
When applying for law school , Hendrickson was nervous his LSAT scores would prevent his acceptance . Nonetheless , he was admitted , but financial constraints required him to work 20 hours per week as an academic advisor and complete his difficult coursework at the same time . Knowing he could not afford school without working , he stuck it out .
“ I was warned by one of the professors that I could not do both and complete a law degree ,” Henrickson says . “ Needless to say , fear motivated me , and the rest is history .”
After graduating in 1982 , Hendrick- son fulfilled his military commitment as a prosecutor and trial defense lawyer in the U . S . Army . As few lawyers were on the trial docket , Hendrickson had the opportunity to try numerous cases during his military career . This experience helped solidify his decision to practice trial law .
“ Although I spent , like everyone else , three years in law school and three months at the Judge Advocate General School learning military law , I still felt that while I could spot legal issues , I didn ’ t have the skill set necessary to mechanically solve problems ,” he says .
Hendrickson considered a long-term military career , but the prospect of limited courtroom opportunities led him to transition to the private sector where he could continue his passion for trial work . His return to the private sector began with a brief stint in Hilton Head , SC , before homesickness for West Virginia drew him back .
“ While there may be bigger opportunities outside the state of West Virginia , I think the quality of life here is unmatched anywhere in the country ,” he says .
He began working at Kay Casto & Chaney in Charleston , where he worked alongside experienced lawyers and took inspiration for how to run his own law firm . This firm provided him with his first major clients , many of whom remained with him throughout his entire career .
After leaving Kay Casto & Chaney , Hendrickson joined Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC , working alongside Scott
92
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE