Charleston, W.Va. — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that James Bailey, current Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, will join the law firm as a partner later this month.

Bailey brings extensive public sector experience and will focus on government relations, government contracts, public finance, and general corporate law at Spilman. His addition will bolster the firm’s already strong capabilities in navigating the complex intersection of business and government.

“I'm truly blessed to be joining such a great team and the institution that is Spilman,” Bailey said. “With my experience in state government, I look forward to helping our clients achieve their business goals.”

In his current role, Bailey was instrumental in recruiting new businesses to West Virginia and expanding existing operations in the state. In fact, he served as lead counsel for West Virginia in negotiating and formalizing numerous deals that brought large employers to the state, including the largest single economic development agreement in the history of West Virginia.

“Secretary Bailey’s extensive experience in state government offers our clients invaluable perspectives,” said Michael J. Basile, Managing Member of Spilman. “His unique ability to navigate the intersection of public and private interests perfectly aligns with Spilman’s commitment to delivering strategic, client-focused solutions.”

Basile continued, “With Secretary Bailey joining our team, Spilman’s government relations group further strengthens its legacy of public service and legal proficiency, positioning us to effectively guide clients through the complex and ever-evolving intersection of government and business.”

Bailey’s experience spans multiple high-profile roles in West Virginia state government, including as Deputy Secretary and General Counsel of the Commerce Department, Counsel to the President of the West Virginia Senate, Senior Counsel for Policy and Legislation in the Governor’s Office, and Committee Counsel to the West Virginia Senate. Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Kanawha County.

Bailey earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from West Virginia University. He officially joins the Spilman team on October 21, 2024.

About Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
Spilman Thomas & Battle is a full-service, super-regional law firm serving local, regional, national, and international businesses. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Wheeling, West Virginia; Roanoke, Virginia; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and St. Augustine, Florida.