In the meantime, she accepted an internship with the West Virginia Secretary of State’ s Office in Charleston, her first time living away from home. There, she worked alongside dedicated civil servants and participated in community outreach programs, gaining valuable insight into how the state government serves its citizens. More importantly, she proved to herself that she could succeed outside the comfort and familiarity of her hometown.
At the conclusion of her internship, Batten set her sights on a personal challenge: running her first half marathon. The process was difficult, but it became a powerful metaphor for her larger journey. She learned discipline, mental endurance and the value of setting goals outside of her comfort zone. Crossing that finish line brought more than a medal; it marked a moment of self-reclamation.
When it came time to reapply, Batten once again submitted her application to only one school: WVU Law. Despite concerns from her family, she held firm in her decision, believing the right school was worth the wait.
“ This time, I received a personal phone call informing me I’ d been accepted,” Batten says.“ I often share this journey with law students and college students as a testament to perseverance.‘ Success is not final, and failure is not fatal.’ That rejection gave me the greatest gift— experiences that shaped me into
the person and advocate I am today. The resilience I built during that time continues to guide me not only in my legal career but in every challenge I face.”
Today, she views that gap year not as a detour but as a vital part of her journey, one that taught her not only how to advocate for others but also how to believe in herself, even when the road forward seemed uncertain.
Batten channels the lessons of her journey into a career rooted in advocacy and impact. She practices as a criminal defense attorney, where she is committed to ensuring every client, regardless of their circumstances, receives fair representation and a voice in the legal system. Batten uses her degree uniquely by focusing on public defense for youth, a sector often overlooked but critical to justice. She not only advocates in court but also works toward systemic reform and education, helping reshape how the legal system treats children and marginalized communities. Her early experiences with the West Virginia Innocence Project have remained a guiding influence in her dedication to serving the most vulnerable.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Her efforts have earned wide recognition, including being named the West Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer of the Year and induction into Shepherd University’ s Finest Under 40. She
has also received the Thomas Stanley Memorial Award for Excellence in Public Defense. She continues to give back to her alma mater, frequently mentoring law students and speaking on panels about resilience, access to justice and navigating the profession as a firstgeneration attorney.
Looking ahead, Batten plans to deepen her impact through policy work and public legal education.
“ My goal is to make the lives of all justice-involved youth in West Virginia better,” she says.“ My efforts go beyond individual cases— they aim to transform youth representation across West Virginia and beyond. By advocating for systemic reform, supporting legal education and pushing for better policies, I hope to continue strengthening protections for justice-involved youth and ensuring they receive the fair treatment they deserve.” •
WWW. WVEXECUTIVE. COM SUMMER 2025 99