Charleston, W.Va. — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that Joseph A. “Jay” Ford, Member attorney in the law firm’s Charleston office, was named the 2024 “Young Lawyer of the Year” by the West Virginia State Bar. This prestigious honor recognizes Ford’s exceptional contributions to the legal profession and his leadership in the legal community.

“I am both honored and humbled to be recognized by the State Bar,” Ford said. “This award is a testament to the mentors, colleagues, and clients who have shaped my career, and I look forward to continuing to serve and contribute to the legal community.”

Ford’s primary area of practice is complex civil litigation, including commercial litigation, product liability, and class actions. He has extensive experience representing employers and commercial clients in high-stakes litigation involving business disputes, fatalities and serious personal injuries. Additionally, he provides counsel to health care entities and businesses in a wide range of disputes. He also drafts and promotes legislation and administrative rules before the West Virginia Legislature and Executive Branch. Ford plays a vital leadership role within Spilman, serving as Chair of the firm’s Associate Program and Co-Chair of the E-Discovery Practice Group.

In 2023, Ford was appointed by Governor Justice to the West Virginia Commission on Uniform State Laws, on which he works to ensure uniformity in state laws to the benefit of West Virginians. In the same year, he was named to The State Journal’s “Generation Next: 40 under 40” list, recognizing his impact as an emerging leader in the state.

Throughout his career, Ford has been active with the American Bar Association, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Expert Witness Subcommittee of the Commercial & Business Litigation Committee and as Co-Chair of the Chemical Subcommittee of the Products Liability Committee. He has also held key leadership roles within the West Virginia legal community, including as Chairperson for the Young Lawyers Division of the West Virginia Bar Association and as District 8 Representative for the Young Lawyer Board of the West Virginia State Bar.

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; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Roanoke, Virginia; and Jacksonville, Florida.