2024
Zachariah Spurrier
WVU College of Law Class of 2024
Photo by WVU College of Law .
MEGAN BEVINS
ZACHARIAH SPURRIER , a dedicated and accomplished 2024 graduate of the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law , has had a unique journey from a successful STEM background to beginning a promising career in law .
Spurrier grew up in Wellsburg , WV . With his father working as an engineer and his mother working as a nurse practitioner , there were no legal influences in his family .
After finishing college in 2019 and earning a dual bachelor ’ s degree in bioinformatics and molecular biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute , Spurrier contemplated continuing his education in biological sciences but determined five more years in school and a career in research were not in the cards for him .
Spurrier worked a job in West Virginia politics , where he became more familiar with the state ’ s government and people . His many mentors there — who were lawyers themselves — inspired him to pursue a career in law .
“ They showed me that the law was an avenue to understand our state and make a difference for the better ,” Spurrier says . “ But I had this STEM degree behind me , and after some advice and guidance , I found a suitable union : patent law .”
Attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and living in upstate New York for four years , Spurrier wanted to further his education closer to home . He says the decision to attend the WVU College of Law was easy , not only because of his Mountain State roots but because the
college was so welcoming and supportive .
Spurrier ’ s transition from STEM to law was initially difficult , as everything from solving problems to writing was different .
“ It took a couple of months — and a lot of writing practice — to rewire my brain to better conform to the legal field ,” he says . “ The STEM background was not unhelpful , though , because the precise and logical methods of science made parsing the details of the law easier .”
While at WVU , Spurrier particularly enjoyed the opportunities to get on his feet , like participating in trial advocacy and practicing skills such as opening statements and closing arguments . Spurrier was also a member of the law school ’ s Supreme Court Clinic , where he argued in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the clinic in spring 2024 .
After his extremely successful law school experience , Spurrier graduated as a member of both the Order of the Coif , students who ranked in the top 10 % of their class , and the Order of the Barristers , students with advanced skills in advocacy . He was also honored with a pro bono and community service distinction as he completed 25 hours of each . In addition to his graduation honors , he has received 10 CALI awards , meaning he earned the top grade in a class .
Throughout his journey , Spurrier had two influential people in his life who motivated him to succeed . Ben Salango , Kanawha County Commissioner , who
Spurrier worked for right after college , offered him guidance and encouraged him to attend law school . Amy Cyphert , WVU College of Law professor , was a great source of advice for him and encouraged him to put his all into his work .
Spurrier emphasizes the quality of the WVU College of Law , calling it an excellent place to learn .
“ As anybody will tell you , the people at the College of Law are friendly , supportive and eager to see students succeed ,” he says . “ All of my professors were accessible , and each of them made time to advise me on substantive topics as well as professional goals .”
While in school , Spurrier spent one summer interning at the U . S . District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia ( USDC SDWV ) for Judge Joseph Goodwin and says this experience helped him learn the complexities of federal civil procedure as well as local motion practice .
“ Most importantly , I learned how important it is to know your judge and argue with clarity so your advocacy is most effective ,” he says .
His second summer internship was at Robins Kaplan , LLP in Minneapolis , MN . There , he gained experience researching and drafting filings for his intended field , patent litigation .
Spurrier ’ s next venture will be working in Charleston as a clerk for the USDC SDWV . He looks forward to starting his career , getting into the courtroom more and continuing to learn as much as he can . •
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