West Virginia University College of Law

05/26/2026

Since 1926, the Baker Cup has challenged students to step into the courtroom and argue before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.

Students advance through demanding rounds of legal research, brief writing and oral arguments, before culminating in a final appellate showdown judged by the state’s highest court, giving future attorneys opportunities to sharpen their skills before entering practice.

Now celebrating its 100th year, the Baker Cup continues to shape generations of legal professionals across the Mountain State through a tradition rooted in professionalism and public service.

Read more about the history of the Baker Cup and this year's competitors on WVU Stories. ⚖️ https://go.wvu.edu/4gccm

05/15/2026

With that, the Class of 2026 is on its way, diplomas in hand. It was an honor to teach you all and see how much you grew during your time here, and we look forward to seeing what the future brings for all of our wonderful graduates. Never forget: you'll always be part of our community.

Keep in touch, Mountaineers – and Let's Go!

Read our Commencement story: https://www.law.wvu.edu/articles/wvu-law-may-2026-commencement-future-leaders-take-their-next-steps/

05/13/2026

On May 12, the Honorable John T. Copenhaver Jr., senior United States district judge for the Southern District of West Virginia and WVU Law alumnus, passed away at the age of 100. As a veteran, WVU Law adjunct professor, and member of the judiciary – and the longest-serving federal judge in the country – Judge Copenhaver dedicated his life to serving his country and state. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, not least of all the community of WVU Law.

“Even in a profession characterized by public service, Judge Copenhaver brought an exceptional sense of duty to everything he did. His career was the kind to which we should all aspire: one that perfectly reflected his best qualities as a human being. Saddened though we are by his passing, we were fortunate to know him and witness the impact he created during his life. We remember and cherish a century of dedication and service to West Virginia, WVU, our nation, and the law.” - Susan Brewer, interim dean of the West Virginia University College of Law

Read Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk's statement on the passing of Judge Copenhaver: https://www.wvsd.uscourts.gov/news/passing-united-states-district-judge-john-t-copenhaver-jr

05/11/2026

Time for our third and final graduation profile. 🎓 This one's a double-header!

We can't promise that every student will find their spouse at WVU, but Kayla Brown and Parker Stout did. Now they're heading hand-in-hand to Webster County, where they'll hold judicial clerkships and serve a rural West Virginia community in need of legal support.

Read our story: https://www.law.wvu.edu/articles/graduation-2026-kayla-brown-and-parker-stout-in-law-and-in-love/

05/08/2026

Congratulations to 3L Zach Rohrbaugh, who argued in front of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this week! Thanks to his extensive preparation with our U.S. Supreme Court Clinic, Zach was able to demonstrate his legal skills in a high-stakes setting. An incredible opportunity, and achievement, for any law student.

05/07/2026

Time for our second graduation profile! Abigail Paugh is the first graduate of our hybrid program combining a J.D. with a master’s degree in social work, and she's using her new knowledge to serve vulnerable populations in West Virginia.

Read our story: https://www.law.wvu.edu/articles/graduation-2026-abigail-paugh-brings-a-lawyer-s-eye-view-to-social-work/

05/01/2026

Graduation is 2 weeks away! 🎓 We’re taking a look at some of the students who will walk the stage, starting with Class of 2026 President Chris Payne.

Payne’s family has a storied legacy in West Virginia and the legal profession, starting with his great-grandfather. Now getting ready to serve his home community as a public defender, Payne may be one of the first 4th-generation Black lawyers in the country.

Read on to learn more about Chris: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/resources/meet-the-grads-chris-payne-follows-trail-his-forefathers-blazed

04/30/2026

WVU Law clinics are lifting off! 🚀

For almost 50 years, our clinics have empowered WVU students through experiential learning while providing pro bono legal aid to West Virginians across the state. Professor Marjorie McDiarmid was instrumental in growing the program – and now the WVU Foundation is launching a campaign in her honor, boosting financial support for future attorneys and the communities they serve.

Read our feature to learn more about Professor McDiarmid’s clinical work and how we’re continuing her efforts today bit.ly/3OXhvUf

The West Virginia University College of Law is launching a fundraising effort to boost experiential learning, public service in honor of ‘trailblazer’ Marjorie McDiarmid. 👏

"Support for our clinics helps us provide legal aid to more clients, regardless of income level, and equips our graduates with the real-world experience they need to become West Virginia’s future community leaders.”

More ➡️ bit.ly/3OXhvUf

04/27/2026

We support our state with minds 💡 and muscles 💪! Last fall, our Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic collaborated with WVU Civil and Environmental Engineering students to help repair flood damage in Mingo County, gaining insight into the unique problems facing rural areas. Read the feature from WVU Stories: https://go.wvu.edu/4gc7h

04/22/2026

An incredible gift from one of our incredible alums. Thank you, Kay, for your generosity and support for our community! We're thrilled to meet the future Mountaineers whose legal educations your gift will make possible.

“I want to encourage young people to open their eyes, dream big and go for it. I hope to see them fulfill that dream through whatever benefit the scholarship can provide.”

A $500,000 gift from retired attorney Kay Bayless will benefit West Virginia University College of Law students for years to come. Thank you, Kay, for your generosity!

More ➡️ bit.ly/41Pa04y