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Address
Empire Building - 400 West Main Street, P.O. Drawer 2040
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26302-2040 (Harrison Co.)
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(Main Office) McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner, L.C. was established in 1913 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, as Robinson and Robinson. History has seen the following firm name changes: 1935, Robinson and Stump; 1965, Robinson, Stump, Highland and Morgan; 1967, McWhorter, McNeer and Highland; 1974, McWhorter, McNeer, Highland and McMunn; 1976, McNeer, Highland and McMunn... and finally, since December 1995, McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner, L.C. Throughout the years, the firm has strived to bring professionalism and knowledge to its clients in all various facets of law. We have expanded our services over the years to meet the demands of our clientele, and are able to service our clients in and throughout the State of West Virginia, as well as in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Ohio. Currently, the firm has five offices strategically located throughout West Virginia. In addition to the Clarksburg office which continues to be the firm's central location, we have offices in Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Kingwood and Elkins. McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner, L.C. is well-known for meeting the challenges of its clientele in a very straightforward manner, while maintaining a close attorney-client relationship. The attorneys on staff provide dedication to detail and professionalism to each client in a variety of practice areas. Our attorneys are committed to teamwork, are dedicated researchers, and are creative in their approach to legal problems in the following areas: Civil Litigation (Personal and Business) Insurance Coverage Disputes Real Estate Issues Domestic Relations Mediation Appellate Practice Commercial Law and Transactions Criminal Matters Bankruptcy Corporate Matters General Practice Personal Injury / Wrongful Death Products Liability Professional Negligence and Malpractice Taxation Wills, Trusts and Estates. Statement of PracticeGeneral Practice in State and Federal Courts. Insurance, Corporation, Commercial, Labor, Probate, Real Estate, Coal, Oil and Gas, Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Banking and Tax Law. Trials. Year Established: 1913
Firm Size: 24
Firm Affiliations THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF PRIMERUS LAW FIRMS Representative Clients:Branch Banking & Trust Company
Bruceton Bank
The Harrison County Bank
Clarksburg Publishing Co.
State Automobile Mutual Insurance Co.
American & International Insurance Co.
ALPS
Safeco
Cincinnati Insurance Co.
CIGNA
Home Insurance Co.
Gerling Global Insurance Co.
Great American Insurance Co.
Westfield Cos.
CELINA Group Insurance Co.
G.E. Capital Corp.
St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance
Liberty Mutual
Aetna Life
USFG CNA
Erie Insurance Co.
Colonial Insurance Co.
Hartford Insurance Co.
Utica Mutual Insurance Co.
West Virginia Fire & Casualty
Colonial Penn Insurance Co.
Empire Fire and Marine Insurance Co.
Federal Kemper Insurance Company
Lumbermans Mutual Insurance Co.
Republic Mutual Insurance Co.
Royal Globe Insurance Co.
Royal Insurance of Canada
Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Co.
Century Insurance Co.
Victoria Insurance Co.
Texas Farmers Insurance Exchange
Celtic Insurance Co.
Progressive Insurance Co.
GEICO
Prudential Insurance Co.
Gulf Insurance Co.
Farmers Insurance Group
Panhandle Insurance Co.
Farmers and Mechanics Insurance Co.
West Virginia National Auto Insurance Co.
Security Mutual Insurance Co.
United National Insurance Co.
Universal Underwriters Insurance Co.
Zurich Insurance Co.
West Virginia Coals, Inc.
Lumberport-Shinnston Gas Co.
Swift Energy Co.
Hydrocarbon Energies, Inc.
Coronado Transmission Co.
Halliburton Services Co.
Dresser Industries
ORIX Financial Services, Inc.
Stuart-McMunn Co. (mechanical contractors)
Sutter Roofing & Metal Co., Inc.
Armstrong World Industries
Fisher Controls International
U.S. Cellular, Inc.
CWS Company
Swanson Plating Company
West Virginia Aviation Foundation
Harrison County Commission
TMARO Corporation
Fisher Auto Parts
Canal Insurance Company
Linn Operating, Inc.
ClientsAPPROVED ATTORNEYS FOR: Lawyers Title Insurance.
APPROVED AGENTS FOR: Lawyers Title Insurance.
Reference:Branch Banking & Trust Company.
AddressEmpire Building - 400 West Main Street P.O. Drawer 2040
Clarksburg, WV 26302-2040, (Harrison Co.)
PhonePhone: 304-626-1100
Fax: 304-623-3035
Website
http://www.wvlawyers.com
Firm/Affiliate OfficesElkins, West Virginia: One Randolph Avenue, P. O. Box 1909, 26241-1909. Telephone: 304-636-3553. Facsimile: 304-636-3607.
Kingwood, West Virginia: 107 West Court Street, P. O. Drawer 585, 26537. Telephone: 304-329-0773. Facsimile: 304-329-0595.
Martinsburg, West Virginia: 275 Aikens Center, P. O. Box 2509, 25402-2509. Telephone: 304-264-4621. Facsimile: 304-264-8623.
Parkersburg, West Virginia: 404 Market Street, Suite 204, P. O. Box 1507, Parkersburg, WV 26102. Telephone: 304-422-7193. Facsimile: 304-422-7196.
(For complete biographical data on other personnel, see Professional Biographies at: Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Kingwood, and Elkins, West Virginia)
C. David McMunn (Former Director, President and Chairman) born Clarksburg, West Virginia, October 29, 1939; admitted to bar, 1964, West Virginia, U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit and U.S. Tax Court. Education: West Virginia University (B.A., cum laude, 1961; J.D., 1964). A former director, president and chairman of the Executive Committee of the firm, Dave concentrates on the business practice areas of the firm. The reported cases in which he has participated are: M.W. Kellogg Co. v. Concrete Accessories Corp., 157 W.Va. 763, 204 S.E.2d 61 (1974); Berry v. Union Nat'l. Bank, 164 W.Va. 258, 262 S.E.2d 766 (1980). Dave is a native of Clarksburg, graduated from Washington-Irving High School, and returned to Clarksburg after attending West Virginia University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors in Philosophy, followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1964. Initially practicing with the Clarksburg firm of McReynolds and Caplan for three and one-half years, he then joined this firm where he has devoted his practice since 1967. For many years Dave has been active in the service work of Rotary International, including as President of the Rotary Club of Clarksburg and District Governor of the northern West Virginia area. He has further served and represented Rotary in local, national and international activities, and is a recipient of the highest award presented to a Rotarian for service by the Rotary International Board of Directors. Dave's other activities have included: General Receiver of the Circuit Court of Harrison County. Governing Council of the West Virginia Law Institute; Court-Appointed trustee; Board of Trustees, West Virginia Wesleyan College; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia, Inc.; President and Board of Directors of the Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation, Inc.; Founding Chairman of the Community Arts Partnership in Education; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Lay Leader and Chairman of the Administrative Board of First United Methodist Church; Corporate Member of United Hospital Center, Inc. and United Health System, Inc.; Board of Directors of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors and Secretary of the Association for Industrial Development of Harrison County and subsidiary corporations; Board of Directors and Secretary of HCC Inc., a community organization which constructed the Harrison County Correctional Center; Board of Directors of Harrison County YMCA; Division Chairman of the Harrison County United Way; Local Advisory Board for Goodwill Industries; Member and Vice Chairman of the City of Clarksburg Planning and Zoning Commission; President, Secretary and Board of Directors of Clarksburg Country Club; and Board of Directors of several area businesses. Member: Harrison County (Secretary; Member, Board of Directors; President, 1982) and American Bar Associations; West Virginia State Bar. Reported Cases: M.W. Kellogg Co. vs. Concrete Accessories Corp., 157 W. Va. 763, 204 S.E.2d 61 (1974); Berry vs. Union Nat'l Bank, 164 W. Va. 258, 262 S.E. 2d 766 (1980). Practice Areas: Business Law; Commercial Law; Construction Law; Corporate Law; Natural Resources; Energy Law; Commercial and Residential Real Estate; Taxation; Wills; Trusts and Estates.Email: C. David McMunn
J. Cecil Jarvis (1949-2007).
James A. Varner, Sr. (Director/President) born Fairmont, West Virginia, August 10, 1946; admitted to bar, 1976, West Virginia; 1987, Pennsylvania. Education: Fairmont State College (B.S., cum laude, 1968); Arizona State University (M.S., magna cum laude, 1974); West Virginia University (J.D., 1976). As the Litigation Department Chairman of the firm, Jim works out of the firm's Clarksburg Office. He is a Director and the current President of the firm. Litigating cases for 33 years, Jim handles cases in both state and federal courts, in the areas of Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Defense, Wrongful Death, Catastrophic Loss and Professional Negligence. Having tried over 100 cases, Jim is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), where he currently serves as the President of the West Virginia Chapter. Jim has been recognized as a West Virginia SuperLawyer, and is listed in the Best Lawyers In America in the areas of Personal Injury and Professional Negligence. He has tried cases in counties throughout the State of West Virginia and multiple federal courts, as well as state courts in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. A member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC), Jim previously served as a Vice President and Board member of that organization. He served as its National Chairman of the Special Defense Project on Defense of Nursing Homes, as well as a panel and committee member of the Punitive Damage Task Force. In the past, Jim has served as a faculty member of the FDCC's Litigation Management College. He has received the designation of Fellow of the West Virginia State Bar Foundation. During the course of his career, Jim has been invited to speak at seminars and training sessions on various topics, including trial practice, punitive damages and claim handling. He has authored numerous articles including: FDCC Quarterly - Winter 2007, Institutional Bad Faith: "The Darth Vader of Extra-Contractual Litigation," with Debra Tedeschi Herron; FDCC Quarterly - Fall 2006, "Developing Areas of Commercial Bad Faith; Constructing Defenses - He Who Ignores History is Doomed to Repeat It," with Debra Tedeschi Herron and Natalie A. Givan; FDCC Quarterly - forthcoming issue, "If It Bleeds, It Leads," with Jeffrey D. Van Volkenburg; "The Ever Shrinking World of Civility What Would Their Mothers Say" with Debra Tedeschi Herron; and "Settling a Case Without Compromising Your Ethics: The Ethical Considerations in Settlement Negotiations," with Allison S. McClure. By way of education, Jim has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Fairmont State College, a Master of Science Degree from Arizona State University, and received his Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University College of Law. Jim has also served as an expert witness in the areas of bad faith and professional negligence. He has been qualified in both state and federal courts. Jim also serves as a mediator for complex litigation. Member: Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia State Bar; Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, Inc.; Defense Research Institute; Lawyers for Civil Justice; American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); American College of Trial Lawyers. Fellow: West Virginia State Bar. Reported Cases: Strahin v. Sullivan, 220 W.Va. 329, 647 S.E.2d 765 (2007); Dairyland Ins. Co. v. Conley, 624 S.E.2d 599, 218 W.Va. 252 (2005); Clark v. Druckman, 624 S.E.2d 864, 218 W.Va. 427 (2005); Jackson v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 215 W.Va. 634, 600 S.E.2d 346 (2004); Strahin v. Cleavenger, 603 S.E.2d 197, 216 W.Va. 175 (2004); Moore v. CNA Ins. Co., 215 W.Va. 286, 599 S.E.2d 709 (2004); W.Va. Fire & Cas. Co. v. Stanley, 602 S.E.2d 483, 216 W.Va. 40 (2004); Findley v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 213 W.Va. 80, 576 S.E.2d 807 (2003); Klettner v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 205 W.Va. 587, 519 S.E.2d 870 (1999); McCammon v. Oldaker, 205 W.Va. 24, 516 S.E.2d 38 (1999); Lawyer Disciplinary Bd. v. Kupec, 204 W.Va. 643, 515 S.E.2d 600 (1999); State ex rel. Erie Fire Ins. Co. v. Madden, 204 W.Va. 606, 515 S.E.2d 351 (1998); State ex rel. West Virginia Fire & Cas. Co. v. Kari, 202 W.Va. 471, 505 S.E.2d 210 (1998); Elmore v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 202 W.Va. 430, 504 S.E.2d 893 (1998); Miller v. Fluharty, 201 W.Va. 685, 500 S.E.2d 310 (1997); Spangler v. Armstrong, 201 W.Va. 643, 499 S.E.2d 865 (1997); Metropolitan LIfe Ins. Co. v. Gatson, 200 W.Va. 656, 490 S.E.2d 743 (1997); Ohio Farmers Ins. Co. v. Video Bank, 200 W.Va. 39, 488 S.E.2d 39 (1997); State ex rel. West Virginia Fire & Cas. Co. v. Karl, 199 W.Va. 678, 487 S.E.2d 336 (1997); Interstate Drilling v. Parcoil Gathering Sys., 199 W.Va. 359, 484 S.E.2d 475 (1997); Brannon v. Riffle, 197 W.Va. 97, 475 S.E.2d 97 (1996); McCauley v. Merrimac, Inc., 194 W.Va. 349, 460 S.E.2d 484 (1995); Jackson v. Donahue, 193 W.Va. 587, 457 S.E.2d 524 (1995); In re State Pub. Bldg. Asbestos Litig., 193 W.Va. 119, 454 S.E.2d 413 (1994); Estate of Helmick by Fox v. Martin, 192 W.Va. 501, 453 S.E.2d 335 (1994); Farmers & Mechanics Mut. Fire Ins. Co. v. Hutzler, 191 W.Va. 559, 447 S.E.2d 22 (1994); Jolynne Corp. v. Michels, 191 W.Va. 406, 446 S.E.2d 494 (1994); Yeager v. Morgan, 189 W.Va. 174, 429 S.E.2d 61 (1993); Estate of Helmick v. Martin, 188 W.Va. 559, 425 S.E.2d 235 (1992); Buckhannon-Upshur County Airport Auth. v. R&R Coal Contracting, 186 W.Va. 583, 413 S.E.2d 404 (1991); Pristavec v. Westfield Ins. Co., 184 W.Va. 331, 400 S.E.2d 575 (1990); Thomas v. LaRosa, 184 W.Va. 374, 400 S.E.2d 809 (1990); Moore Business Forms v. Foppiano, 181 W.Va. 305, 382 S.E.2d 499 (1989); Hardman Trucking v. Poling Trucking Co., 176 W.Va. 575, 346 S.E.2d 551 (1986); Handley v. Shinnston, 169 W.Va. 617, 289 S.E.2d 201 (1982). Practice Areas: Insurance Bad Faith; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Construction Law; Labor and Employment; Insurance Liability; Insurance Coverage Defense; Insurance Litigation; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Products Liability; Professional Negligence; Professional Malpractice.Email: James A. Varner, Sr.
James N. Riley (Director/Vice President) born Clarksburg, West Virginia, September 1, 1952; admitted to bar, 1982, West Virginia; 1982, U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia; 1982, U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia. Education: West Virginia University (B.A., 1974; J.D., 1982). Jim graduated in 1974 from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. After receiving his degree, he worked for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources where his last position was Supervisor for Family and Children's Services. He entered the West Virginia University College of Law in 1978 where he graduated in 1982. Upon graduation from law school, he began his professional practice with the Clarksburg firm of Young, Morgan, Cann & Romano. He later worked for the Law Offices of David J. Romano. In 1988, he went to work as a law clerk for the Honorable William M. Kidd, Judge, United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia where he served for one year. In November, 1989, he accepted an associate position at what was then known as McNeer, Highland and McMunn. He became a partner on January 1, 1993. He was elected to the firm's Executive Committee in 2000, where he continues to serve. He is also Vice-President of the firm. Jim's practice areas of law include general civil trial practice, including personal injury, products liability, wrongful death, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, insurance issues and litigation, and property damage cases. He has appeared in numerous circuit courts throughout West Virginia, the West Virginia Supreme Court, the Northern and Southern United States District Courts, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Member: Harrison County Bar Association (Member, Board of Directors; President, 2006); American Bar Association (Member, Torts and Insurance Practice Section); West Virginia State Bar; Defense Research Institute. Reported Cases: Clark v. Druckman, 2005 W.Va. LEXIS 151, September 20, 2005; West Virginia Fire & Cas Co. v. Mathews, 209 W.Va. 107, 543 S.E.2d 664 (2000); State Auto. Mut. Ins. Co. v. Alpha Eng'g Servs., 208 W.Va. 713, 542 S.E.2d 876 (2000); Harper v. Rogers, 182 W.Va. 311, 387 S.E.2d 547 (1989); Chamberlaine & Flowers v. McBee, 177 W.Va. 755, 356 S.E.2d 626 (1987); Buckhannon Sales Co. v. Appalantic Corp., 175 W.Va. 742, 338 S.E.2d 222 (1985); Mutafis v. Erie Ins. Exch., 174 W.Va. 660, 328 S.E.2d 675 (1985); Turner v. Heston, 172 W.Va. 80, 303 S.E.2d 718 (1983). Practice Areas: Consumer Law; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Construction Law; Insurance Liability; Insurance Coverage Defense; Insurance Litigation; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Products Liability; Professional Negligence; Professional Malpractice; Domestic Relations.Email: James N. Riley
Dennis M. Shreve (Director/Treasurer) born Buckhannon, West Virginia, December 12, 1958; admitted to bar, 1984, West Virginia. Education: West Virginia Institute of Technology (B.S., cum laude, 1980); West Virginia University (M.P.A., 1982; J.D., 1984). Dennis was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia, on December 12, 1958. In May 1977, he graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School. Dennis graduated cum laude from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery, West Virginia, in July 1980, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, minor in Economics. He graduated from West Virginia University, December 1982, with a Master of Professional Accountancy, and May 1984, with a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Dennis worked as a Summer Clerk for law firms Dailey & Miller and Ronald R. Brown, summer of 1984 and 1985, Kingwood, West Virginia. He was a full-time lecturer in Business Law at West Virginia University from 1984 to 1985, and a Senior Tax Accountant for KPMG Main Hardman (later KPMG Peat Marwick), from September 1985 to April 1988. Dennis joined McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner in April 1988. Dennis has been an Adjunct Lecturer at Fairmont State University since 1986, lecturing in Business Law, Criminal Law, Computer Application for Paralegals, Federal Tax Preparation, and Federal Income Tax Accounting, teaching 3-9 hours per semester. He is a charter member and past president (twice) of the Harrison County Rotary Club, and District Governor of District 7530 of Rotary International from 1997 to 1998. Dennis is the current District Secretary/Treasurer for District 7530 and Chair of Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Conference for District 7530. Dennis has been a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, West Virginia, since 1985. He is also a Sunday School teacher, Certified Lay Speaker and instructor at Wesleyan District Lay Leadership Academy. Member: Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia State Bar. Practice Areas: Collections; Taxation.Email: Dennis M. Shreve
Geraldine S. Roberts (Director) born Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1949; admitted to bar, 1977, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. Education: Seton Hill College (B.A., 1971); West Virginia University (J.D., 1977). A director at the firm since 1994, Gerry is primarily involved in the firm's litigation department and her practice covers both state and federal courts throughout West Virginia. She acquired her law license over 31 years ago. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Norwin Senior High School in North Huntington Township, Pennsylvania. In 1971, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and International Relations from Seton Hill College. Upon graduation, she moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, and taught school in Preston and Tucker Counties. She left her teaching position in 1974 to attend West Virginia University College of Law. Following her graduation from law school, Gerry joined the law firm of Goodwin & Goodwin in Charleston, West Virginia. In 1980, Gerry moved to Elkins, West Virginia, and shortly thereafter, she began her tenure as Senior Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert E. Maxwell, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. During her time as Judge Maxwell's law clerk, she helped coordinate the first settlement week in West Virginia, and was trained as one of the first group of court-approved mediators in 1987. She returned to private practice in Elkins in 1988. She joined this firm in 1992 and in January 1994, she became a partner. Her primary practice areas are insurance defense litigation and all aspects of civil litigation. She has represented numerous insurance companies in all aspects of defense litigation, including defense of insureds, insurance coverage issues and insurance bad faith. In the area of practice, she has had numerous cases involving the defense of trucking companies or owner/operators. She has served as an adjunct professor at West Virginia University College of Law, where she taught appellate advocacy. When not at work, Gerry has been engaged in a variety of community-related activities, including the Elkins City Council, Mountain State Forest Festival, Elkins Youth Soccer, Randolph County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Elkins YMCA. Gerry is also a long-standing member of the West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority. Ben is currently the owner of his own construction and homebuilding company and Kate is a recent WVU law school graduate, clerking for the Honorable Louis Bloom, Circuit Judge for Kanawha County, West Virginia. Member: Randolph County, Harrison County and American Bar Associations; West Virginia State Bar (Former Member, Board of Governors, 1988-1991; Mediator); West Virginia Defense Trial Counsel; Defense Research Institute. Reported Cases: Elrick v. Brown, 198 W.Va. 97, 479 S.E.2d 607 (1996). Practice Areas: Consumer Law; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Insurance Liability; Insurance Coverage Defense; Insurance Litigation; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death.Email: Geraldine S. Roberts
Michael D. Crim (Director/Secretary) born Clarksburg, West Virginia, November 16, 1967; admitted to bar, 1994, North Carolina; 1995, U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina; 1996, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia; 1998, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina; 2000, U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia; 2003, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. Education: Fairmont State College (B.S., 1991); North Carolina Central University School of Law (J.D., 1994). An equity Director at the firm, Michael also serves as the firm's corporate Secretary. In addition to maintaining his law license in West Virginia, Michael is also licensed in North Carolina and is admitted to practice and has practiced before a number of Federal Courts. Prior to joining the firm, Michael worked for two other defense firms: Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Bowles, Rice, McDavid, Graff & Love in Charleston, West Virginia, and worked a number of years for Taft, Taft & Haigler, a plaintiff's law firm with offices in Greenville and Wilmington, North Carolina, where he concentrated his practice on personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. Michael was born and raised in North Central West Virginia. He attended Washington Irving High School, graduating in 1986. Thereafter, Michael attended and graduated from Fairmont State University in 1991 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a minor in Political Science. He also attended Marietta College to pursue his interest in baseball at the collegiate level, but was unable to continue after suffering a serious leg injury. Michael obtained his law degree from North Carolina Central University in 1994. Michael is a member of a number of legal organizations including the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC). Michael is active in IADC, currently serving as co-Chair of Newsletters for the Professional Liability Committee, where he has published two articles and oversees the preparation of articles by other committee members. Michael also serves as Chairman of the Product Liability Committee for Primerus. Michael maintains a general civil trial practice with an emphasis on complex litigation matters, toxic torts, products liability, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, construction litigation, oil and gas litigation, wrongful death and personal injury. Michael has had the opportunity to try more than 20 cases to verdict in State and Federal Courts in both West Virginia and North Carolina. In addition to his professional endeavors, Michael has been an active member of the Mt. Clare Lion's Club where he has served a President on multiple occasions. Michael has also been a supporter of the United Way of Harrison County, twice serving as the Chairman of the attorney section for the annual campaign fund drive. In addition, Michael is extremely active in his church, Duff Street United Methodist Church, where he has served on the Administrative Council, the finance committee, building study commission and currently on the building committee. Michael has also been a constant supporter of youth athletics and activities in his home town, including the Robert C. Byrd High School football and wrestling teams, Harrison County Youth Soccer and the Stealey Swim Team. Member: West Virginia State Bar; North Carolina State Bar; North Carolina Bar Association; Harrison County Bar Association; American Bar Association; International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC); Defense Research Institute (DRI); Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia. Practice Areas: Construction Law; Insurance Coverage and Defense; Civil Trial Practice; Personal Injury and Wrongful Death; Product Liability; Mineral Law; Professional Malpractice.Email: Michael D. Crim
Debra Tedeschi Herron (Director) born Paterson, New Jersey, January 19. 1968; admitted to bar, 1993, Pennsylvania; 1994, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. Education: William Paterson College of New Jersey (B.A., 1990); University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 1993). As a Director of the firm, Debra works out of the Clarksburg Office. She is a member of the firm's Litigation Department, handling cases in both state and federal courts, in the areas of Insurance Coverage, Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Defense. She has tried cases in counties throughout West Virginia. In addition to an active trial practice, Debra focuses on appellate practice and has argued cases before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. A member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), Debra previously served as the Chairperson of the Appellate Law Section and is currently the Chairperson of the Amicus Committee. She is active in the FDCC Leadership Institute, currently serving as the Program Chair. Debra also now serves as a faculty member of the FDCC's Litigation Management College, providing instruction in Appellate Practice. Debra is also licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a part of her practice, Debra routinely presents seminars and training sessions to insurance companies and corporate executives on claim handling and discovery throughout the country. Debra has also authored the following articles: FDCC Quarterly - Winter 2007, Institutional Bad Faith: "The Darth Vader of Extra-Contractual Litigation," with James A. Varner; FDCC Quarterly - Fall 2006, "Developing Areas of Commercial Bad Faith; Constructing Defenses - He Who Ignores History Is Doomed To Repeat It@ with James A. Varner and Natalie A. Givan; Co-Author: "The Best Defense is a Good Offense - The Ultra Punitive Case - When the Facts Can't Get Any Worse,"; "Expert Witnesses: To Be or Not to Be,"; "West Virginia's Bad Faith: Tidal Waves in the Reflecting Pool,"; "West Virginia's Bad Faith: Antaxerxes Legend.," In 1999, Debra received a special appointment as the Family Court Judge, 21st Judicial Circuit, Randolph, Tucker and Grant Counties, West Virginia, and served until 2001. A graduate of University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law, Debra also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from William Paterson College, having completed college in three (3) years. Member: Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel; Randolph County and Harrison County Bar Associations; West Virginia State Bar; Defense Research Institute. Reported Cases: Brown v. City of Fairmont, 221 W.Va. 541, 655 S.E.2d 563 (2007); Strahin v. Sullivan, 220 W.Va. 329, 647 S.E.2d 765 (2007); Dairyland Ins. Co. v. Conley, 624 S.E.2d 599, 218 W.Va. 252 (2005); Clark v. Druckman, 624 S.E.2d 864, 218 W.Va. 427 (2005); Strahin v. Cleavenger, 216 W.Va. 175, 603 S.E.2d 197 (2004); W.Va. Fire & Cas. Co. v. Stanley, 216 W.Va. 40, 602 S.E.2d 483 (2004); Gulas v. Infocision Mgmt. Corp., 215 W.Va. 225, 599 S.E.2d 648 (2004); Findley v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 213 W.Va. 80, 576 S.E.2d 807 (2002); Estate of Davis by Casey v. Farmers Mut. Ins. Co., 207 W.Va. 400, 533 S.E.2d 33 (2000); Mallet v. Pickens, 206 W.Va. 145, 522 S.E.2d 436 (1999); Mulledy v. West Virginia Ins. Co., 201 W.Va. 195, 495 S.E.2d 566 (1997); Self v. Queen, 199 W.Va. 637, 487 S.E.2d 295 (1997); State ex. rel. Cavender v. McCarty, 198 W.Va. 226, 479 S.E.2d 887 (1996); Cavender v. Fouty, 195 W.Va. 94, 464 S.E.2d 736 (1995). Practice Areas: Insurance Coverage; Insurance Defense Litigation; Domestic Relations; Consumer Litigation; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death.Email: Debra Tedeschi Herron
Judy L. Shanholtz (Director) born Webster County, West Virginia; September 5, 1947; admitted to bar, 1997, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia; U.S. Tax Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. Education: Fairmont State College (B.S., 1989); West Virginia University (J.D., 1997). Judy is a member of the Board of Directors of the firm, and practices in our Clarksburg office. A native of Webster County, she attended Fairmont State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989. Judy went on to study at West Virginia University, where she received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1997. She was also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia that same year. Additionally, in 1997, Judy was admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court, and the United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. She is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in West Virginia. Judy focuses her practice in the areas of Taxation, Estate Planning, Business Law, Bankruptcy, Commercial and Residential Real Estate, and Guardianship. Member: Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia State Bar; West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Reported Cases: In re Williams, 213 W.Va. 780, 584 S.E.2d 922 (2003). Practice Areas: Taxation; Estate Planning; Business Law; Bankruptcy; Commercial and Residential Real Estate; Guardianship.Email: Judy L. Shanholtz
Sam H. Harrold, III (Director) born Clarksburg, West Virginia, February 2, 1974; admitted to bar, 2002, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. Education: West Virginia Wesleyan College (B.A., 1997); West Virginia University (M.B.A., 1999; J.D., 2002). Sam is a Director and litigation attorney in the Clarksburg office, and a Clarksburg native. Sam graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he also obtained his private pilot's license in his spare time. Sam then attended West Virginia University, where he received his Masters of Business Administration in 1999. In 2002, Sam received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the West Virginia University College of Law. He is also a 2006 graduate of the University of Virginia Trial Advocacy College. Sam is a member of the West Virginia State Bar, and is admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. His practice experience includes insurance and corporate defense, contracts, oil and gas partitioning, and criminal law, and he has successfully represented clients throughout the State of West Virginia. Before joining the firm, Sam worked as a general manager for West Virginia Coals in Clarksburg where he oversaw real estate development projects. He was later employed by Pinkerton Security in Washington, D.C. as a risk assessment intern analyst where he developed intelligence reports for international threat management analysis, and authored comprehensive reports concerning international security issues for corporate and federal agency clients. When not at work, Sam is an active member of the Harrison County Rotary Club where he formerly served as Treasurer. Sam is also a member of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and owner of the West Virginia Firearms Training Academy, where he is an active certified firearms instructor through the NRA and LFI. Member: West Virginia State Bar; American Bar Association; Harrison County Bar Association. Practice Areas: Litigation; Property Law; Criminal Defense; Oil and Gas Law.Email: Sam H. Harrold, III
Natalie A. Givan (Associate) born Winchester, Virginia, March 3, 1978; admitted to bar, 2004, West Virginia, U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia and West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Education: Wheeling Jesuit University (B.S., Psychology, Laut Honors, magna cum laude, 1999); West Virginia University (J.D., 2003). Natalie is a native of Petersburg, West Virginia. She attended college at Wheeling Jesuit University, graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, magna cum laude, with Laut Honors. She then went on to study at West Virginia University College of Law, where she obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 2003. During law school, Natalie was a Mary Jane Smith Geary Scholarship Recipient. She also received the CALI Award for Ethics and Employment Law. She was in the Top 15% of the West Virginia University College of Law Class of 2003, and a Member of the 2003 West Virginia University College of Law Moot Court Team. Natalie was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar in 2004, and was also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia that same year. After serving for two years as a Law Clerk for Judge Thomas A. Bedell in the 15th Judicial Circuit, in Harrison County, Natalie joined McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner in 2005. At the firm, Natalie focuses her practice on civil litigation and insurance defense, along with abuse and neglect cases. Natalie has authored the following articles: "Developing Areas of Commercial Bad Faith; Constructing Defenses - He Who Ignores History is Doomed to Repeat It," with James A. Varner, Sr. and Debra Tedeschi Herron, for the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, FDCC Quarterly - Fall 2006; and "Sanctions: A Word to the Wise," with Michael D. Crim for the International Association of Defense Counsel, Defense Counsel Journal - November 2007. Member: West Virginia State Bar; Harrison County and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Insurance Coverage; Insurance Defense Litigation; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death.Email: Natalie A. Givan
Jeffrey D. Van Volkenburg (Associate) born Erie, Pennsylvania, 1979; admitted to bar, 2006, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia; 2008, U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia. Education: College of Wooster (B.A., History, 2001); Duquesne University (J.D., 2006). Jeff is an associate in the firm's Clarksburg office. He completed a clerkship with the Honorable Judge John L. Henning, Circuit Court of Randolph County, West Virginia after graduating from the Duquesne University Law School in June 2006. While in law school, Jeff was an Executive Editor of the Duquesne University Business Law Journal and received numerous awards including the ABA Award for Excellence in the Study of Labor and Employment Law. He also completed a clerkship with each of the Pennsylvania intermediate appellate courts. Prior to law school, Jeff obtained his Bachelor of Arts, with a major in History, from the College of Wooster in 2001. He also obtained his teaching certification while completing his undergraduate studies and taught high school social studies in Virginia public schools for two years, while working towards a Masters of Science in Education Administration at Old Dominion University. Jeff has published the following: What Public Education Should Learn From Major League Baseball: Spending Caps, Luxury Taxes and Fiscal Accountability, Thurgood Marshall Law Review, Spring 2007, Volume 32; Asleep at the Switch: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's Acceptance of The Telecommunications Act and the Resulting Elimination of State Court Review, Duquesne Law Review, Summer 2007, Volume 45, No. 4; If It Bleeds, It Leads, with James A. Varner, Sr. for the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, FDCC Quarterly - Winter 2009. Jeff currently sits on the Board of Directors for the North Central West Virginia Community Action Association. Member: West Virginia State Bar; Harrison County and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Civil Litigation; Insurance Defense; Personal Injury.Email: Jeffrey D. Van Volkenburg
Richard R. Marsh (Associate) born Clarksburg, West Virginia, 1983; admitted to bar, 2008, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia. Education: West Virginia University (B.S., Agribusiness, Management and Rural Development, summa cum laude, 2005); West Virginia University College of Law (J.D., 2008) Order of the Coif. Richard was born in January 1983 and lived in Clarksburg until college. He attended West Virginia University for his undergraduate work and graduated in May 2005 with a degree in Agribusiness Management and Rural Development (B.S.). Richard stayed in Morgantown and attended West Virginia University College of Law and, in May 2008, graduated summa cum laude with the honor of Order of the Coif. While in law school, Richard earned CALIs in Constitutional Law 1, Real Property 1, Appellate Advocacy, Professional Responsibility, and Wealth Transfers. He also served as an associate editor on the West Virginia Law Review for Volume 109 and as an editor on the articles selection team for Volume 110. Richard was a summer clerk for McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner during the summers of 2006 and 2007, and returned as a law clerk in September 2008 until he was admitted in West Virginia on October 21, 2008. His areas of concentration are trusts and estates, wills, contracts, property law, bankruptcy, and commercial law. Richard is currently admitted to practice in West Virginia and also before the United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. Member: Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia State Bar; Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. Practice Areas: Trusts and Estates; Wills; Probate; Bankruptcy; Business Law; Commercial Law; Commercial Real Estate; Contracts; Property Law; Real Estate.
Allison S. McClure (Associate) born Charleston, West Virginia, March 5, 1984; admitted to bar, 2008, West Virginia and U.S. District Court, Southern District; U.S. District Court for the Northern District. Education: West Virginia Wesleyan College (B.S., Accounting, summa cum laude, 2005); West Virginia University College of Law (J.D., 2008). Allison was born on March 5, 1984 in Charleston, West Virginia. She is a lifelong West Virginia resident and lived in Charleston and Morgantown before moving to Clarksburg in 1989. Allison graduated from Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 2002. She then went on to West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. While at Wesleyan, Allison was a member of 2FM and a sister of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta, serving as its Assistant Financial Vice President and Financial Vice President. She also received the Alpha Xi Delta Slaymaker-Kinsey Academic Achievement Award for having the highest GPA in her chapter. In May 2005, Allison graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Allison began her legal studies at the West Virginia University College of Law in August 2005. While at the law school, Allison was a member of the Marlyn E. Lugar Trial Association, serving as its Vice President her third year. She also traveled to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a member of, respectively, Steptoe & Johnson's ABA Labor and Employment Section trial team and Lugar's Texas Young Lawyers Association trial team. During her third year, Allison also practiced as a student attorney for the West Virginia University College of Law Clinical Law Program, focusing her practice on divorce and child custody, and served as the Class of 2008's Vice President. In September 2008, Allison began her practice at McNeer, Highland, McMunn and Varner, L.C. On October 21, 2008, she was admitted to practice law in West Virginia and the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Soon thereafter, on November 25, 2008, she was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. Allison authored "Settling a Case Without Compromising Your Ethics: The Ethical Considerations in Settlement Negotiations," with James A. Varner, Sr. Member: West Virginia State Bar; Harrison County and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Appellate Practice; Civil Litigation; Trial Practice; Insurance Coverage; Insurance Defense; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Family Law.
OF COUNSELJames E. McNeer (1924-2006).
Cecil B. Highland, Jr. (1918-2002).
William L. Fury (Of Counsel) born Weston, West Virginia, June 21, 1917; admitted to bar, 1948, West Virginia. Education: Potomac State College; West Virginia Wesleyan College (B.S./B.A., 1941); Washington & Lee University (J.D., 1948). Phi Alpha Delta. Judge of the 26th Judicial Circuit of West Virginia, 1969-1984 (Retired). Member: West Virginia and American Bar Associations; West Virginia State Bar; West Virginia Judicial Association; American Judicature Society; National Association of Juvenile Court Judges.
Catherine D. Munster (Of Counsel) born Washington, D.C., February 20, 1952; admitted to bar, 1984, West Virginia. Education: University of Maryland (B.A., high honors, 1973; M.Ed., high honors, 1975); West Virginia University (J.D., 1984). Phi Kappa Phi; Order of the Coif. Member, 1982-1984 and Member, Board of Editors, 1983-1984, West Virginia Law Review. Editor-in-Chief, Journal of College and University Law, 1983-1984. Member: Harrison County Bar Association; West Virginia State Bar. Reported Cases: Dairyland Ins. Co. v. Fox, 550 S.E.2d 388 (W.Va. 2001); Harbaugh v. Coffinbarger, 543 S.E.2d 338 (W.Va. 2000); State Automobile Insurance Co. v. Alpha Engineering Services, Inc., 542 S.E.2d 876 (W.Va. 2000); WV Fire & Casualty Co. v. Mathews, 543 S.E.2d 664 (W.Va. 2000); Dalton v. Doe, 208 W.Va. 319, 540 S.E.2d 538 (2000); McCammon v. Oldaker, 516 S.E.2d 38 (W.Va. 1999); State ex rel., Erie Fire Insurance Co. v. Madden, 515 S.E.2d 351 (W.Va. 1998); State ex rel., West Virginia Fire & Casualty Co. v. Karl, 202 W.Va. 470, 505 S.E.2d (1998); Jolynne Corporation v. Donald G. Michels, et. al., 446 S.E. 2d 494 (W.Va. 1994); Alexander vs. State Auto. Mutual Ins., 415 S.E.2d 618 (W. Va. 1992); Parcoil vs. NOWSCO Well Service, 887 F.2d 502 (4th Cir. 1989); Cannelton Industries, Inc. v. The Aetna Casualty and Surety Company of America, et al., 194 W. Va. 186, 460 S.E.2d 1 (1994); Haba, et a., v. The Big Arm Bar and Grill, Inc., et al., 196 W. Va. 129, 468 S.E.2d 915 (1996); Elmore v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 202 W.Va. 430, 504 S.E.2d 893 (1998). Practice Areas: Appellate Practice; Insurance Liability; Insurance Coverage Defense.Email: Catherine D. Munster
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