West Virginia Bar Association

08/25/2026

The West Virginia Bar Association is pleased to welcome Julian P. Pecora to the Executive Committee. A dedicated litigator, community leader, and advocate for the advancement of young professionals, Julian brings both depth of experience and a forward looking vision to the Association’s leadership.

Julian is an attorney with Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Huntington, where his practice spans commercial litigation, tort matters, creditors’ rights, construction disputes, transportation litigation, estate litigation, and appellate advocacy. His work has earned statewide recognition, including being named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and receiving the Rising Star Award from the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond his litigation practice, Julian is known for his commitment to strengthening West Virginia’s legal community. He is the founder of Counsel Connections, a statewide initiative that brings together attorneys, judges, and law students for mentorship, networking, and professional development. Under his leadership, Counsel Connections has hosted judicial receptions, statewide meet and greets, and collaborative events with WVU College of Law and Marshall University—creating meaningful opportunities for engagement across all levels of the profession.

Julian also serves the broader community through his involvement with MeetUp Tri State and MeetUp West Virginia, organizations he founded to foster connection and civic engagement among young professionals. His dedication to service is reflected not only in his professional accomplishments but also in his ongoing efforts to build a more connected, collaborative, and vibrant West Virginia.

We are delighted to welcome Julian to the Executive Committee and look forward to the insight, energy, and leadership he will contribute to the West Virginia Bar Association.

08/14/2026

Join us September 11 at 12:00 for our virtual Lunch & Learn with the Honorable Jim Douglas

FREE for WVBA Members!

Register Here: https://www.wvbarassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2076289&group=

07/29/2026

07/23/2026

2026 Annual Meeting

07/22/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Raeann Osborne as the newest member of the Executive Council of The West Virginia Bar Association. Raeann’s career in the legal profession reflects a deep commitment to service and advocacy. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bluefield State College, she completed her Juris Doctor at Liberty University School of Law in 2013.

Raeann began her practice at Johnston Holroyd & Associates, where she served clients until 2019 before establishing Osborne & Associates in her hometown of Princeton. Her work focuses on Family Law, Abuse and Neglect Law, and Estate Planning—areas in which she is widely recognized for her compassion, skill, and dedication to the families of southern West Virginia.

Raeann and her husband, Chris, are proud parents of two children. We look forward to the energy, experience, and thoughtful leadership she will bring to the Executive Council. In addition to her new role, Raeann will serve as the Family Law Chair and is already preparing an outstanding program for our Family Law CLE on March 18, 2027. Mark your calendars—we hope to see you there.

07/15/2026

Attend in person or by ZOOM!

Register Here: https://www.wvbarassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2002709&group=

07/09/2026

Next week marks the 139th Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Bar Association, offering attendees the opportunity to earn CLE credits for the last reporting period—or this new reporting period.

We begin with Risks of Exploitation in Guardianships and Conservatorships presented by Jamie Majerus, followed by a panel discussion featuring Jennifer Taylor, Donna K. Downes‑Moore, Andrea M. Doss of Adult Protective Services, and Robert W. Hinzman, founder and sole practitioner of Hinzman Law, PLLC, a veteran‑owned firm based in Morgantown.

Next, enjoy a fantastic updates on the law from Justice Kirkpatrick, Judge Aloi, and Judge Mann—each offering their unique perspectives from the bench. Think federal, criminal, and civil.

07/07/2026

Judge Amy L. Mann brings a powerful blend of experience, compassion, and deep community roots to her presentation Kids in the Courtroom: An Overview of Juvenile Proceedings in West Virginia. As a former prosecutor, longtime Mental Hygiene Commissioner, and now Circuit Judge, she offers rare insight into how children move through the judicial system—and how every decision is anchored in the “polar star” of the child’s best interests. Her background, from teaching to practicing law alongside her father, and her recognition as a 2020 Children’s Hero Award recipient, underscores her lifelong commitment to protecting and uplifting young people.

Join us JULY 17-18th to learn about the framework for understanding the six major types of juvenile proceedings—from abuse and neglect to delinquency, status offenses, guardianships, and adoptions—while demystifying the roles of judges, guardians ad litem, prosecutors, and mental hygiene commissioners. Whether you work in , , , or simply care about the wellbeing of West Virginia’s youth, Judge Mann’s presentation delivers practical clarity, meaningful perspective, and a unified message: when we understand the system, we are better equipped to serve children with fairness, dignity, and purpose. Join us and be part of a conversation that strengthens our entire community.

Register Here: https://www.wvbarassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2002709&group=

06/29/2026

Join us July 17–18 for an exceptional session led by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, where attendees will gain a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look at how forensic evidence is examined, validated, and prepared for the courtroom.

This panel of specialists will walk you through the full lifecycle of evidence—from the moment it enters the lab to the final analytical report—offering real‑world insights into the precision, technology, and scientific rigor that define modern forensic investigation.

If you’re interested in forensic science, evidence processing, or the people who uphold these standards every day, this session is your chance!

Register Here: https://www.wvbarassociation.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2002709&group=