where the practice of law is headed and how best to position the firm to meet those challenges, which I love,” says Hayes.
In many respects, Hayes has become as much a business executive as a practicing attorney. His role also places him in frequent contact with the firm’ s younger lawyers, something he considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his leadership position.
“ Older lawyers, myself included at times, can be jaded or resistant to change, but young attorneys are full of ideas, ambition and drive, and I find that energizing,” he says.
Throughout his own journey, Hayes benefited from mentors who taught him not only how to practice law but how to navigate professional relationships, business development and leadership responsibilities. Today, he feels a responsibility to pass those lessons forward.
That same commitment to service extends beyond Jackson Kelly’ s offices.
For more than two decades, Hayes has dedicated significant time to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, currently serving on the organization’ s executive committee and previously holding the role of board president from 2020 through 2022— a period that coincided with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recognition of his efforts, Hayes received the organization’ s Advocate of the Year award in 2022, an honor he considers among the most meaningful of his career.
His dedication to community service stems from a simple philosophy: successful professionals have an obligation to give back.
“ This community has given more to me than I could ever provide back in return,” Hayes says.
Despite his accomplishments in the courtroom, Hayes says his greatest accomplishment is his family.
“ The practice of law is demanding, and the reality is that sometimes the demands of the job mean you are not able to spend as much time with your family as you would like,”
Hayes says.“ But I believe I have been able to balance those competing demands of work and family to have both a strong career and a strong family.”
When asked what personal characteristics have contributed most to his success, Hayes does not mention intelligence, ambition or competitiveness. Instead, he points to integrity.
“ Integrity is the cornerstone of the legal profession,” he says,“ Without integrity, you will never develop the trust of clients, your colleagues or other members of the bar, and any success you achieve will be short-lived.”
Looking ahead, Hayes remains focused on helping Jackson Kelly navigate the future of the legal industry while continuing to mentor the next generation of attorneys. No matter how much the legal landscape changes, one thing remains certain for Hayes: West Virginia will continue to be home.
After briefly living outside the state following college, Hayes realized there was nowhere else he wanted to build a career, raise a family and invest in a community.
“ There is a sense of pride in West Virginia that I don’ t believe exists elsewhere,” he says.“ West Virginia is a special place. It has its challenges for sure, but the culture, the people and the beautiful scenery more than compensate for its challenges.” •
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