Thank you for your interest in this year’s election.

Please vote only one time. Multiple votes from one person will NOT count.

Voting Ends March 19, 2026.

Region 8 Nominees

Region 8 Counties: Boone, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam

Candidate statement(s) below – Please vote for ONLY ONE candidate.

Anita Casey

I am seeking your vote to serve as an elected member of the Legal Aid of West Virginia (LAWV) Board as I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve in that capacity, having previously served as a Board member from 2008-2022 in my capacity as Executive Director of the West Virginia State Bar.  During my tenure on the Board, I became familiar with the nuances and challenges associated with many of the federal and state funding sources LAWV relies upon to conduct its work across the State.  Upon my retirement from the State Bar, in order to recognize my dedication to the work of LAWV, several State Bar Board of Governor members, Past Bar Presidents, and Friends established a Fellowship to provide supplemental financial support to WVU College of Law students to help defray the costs they incur relocating from Morgantown to Charleston over the summer to serve as a LAWV intern.  Since my retirement, I have continued to work with LAWV administrative staff as a member of the Justice on the Move Committee which was tasked with assisting in locating, renovating and coordinating the move of LAWV staff in Charleston to a state of the art, and client friendly, office location on Charleston’s West Side. 

Richard Gottlieb

Since leading my Law School Legal Aid organization in 1976, I have been a strong supporter of Legal Aid and its mission by giving both time and financial contributions.  That career-long dedication culminated in my being chosen for the State Bar 2023 Kauffman award for Pro Bono Service in recognition of my regular handling complex real estate and landlord/tenant issues raised by Legal Aid clients.  My commitment to the Legal Aid mission, in addition to my extensive experience on various non-profit boards, will allow me to add substantial value to the Legal Aid Board. Now that the demands of my legal practice have slowed down, I have the time, experience, energy, and commitment to do the hard job of securing a strong future for Legal Aid.

Caroline Massie

I believe deeply that access to justice should not depend on someone’s income. As a practicing attorney, though, I see every day just how overwhelming the legal system can be, especially for individuals who cannot afford representation. That reality is why I am seeking election to the Legal Aid of West Virginia Board of Directors – because its commitment to serving vulnerable West Virginians reflects the very best of our profession. I would be honored to support Legal Aid’s mission by contributing my time, perspective, and commitment to ensuring that every member of our community has a meaningful voice in the legal system.

Mary Jane Pickens

I was honestly surprised to get your email, and I’m so honored to have been nominated to this position on the board. I’ve been a member of the West Virginia State Bar for forty years, and I have never felt more concerned about whether our neighbors have access to legal services. I know that resources are increasingly hard to come by and that everyone at Legal Aid has to be smart and creative to ensure that programs are sustained and hopefully grown. I understand the role board members play and their obligations, and I would be proud to help chart the critical path that Legal Aid must travel to help our fellow West Virginians. 

Brittany Dent

As a lifelong Kanawha Valley resident, I understand both the strengths and challenges facing our community, including those related to domestic violence, family law matters, housing instability, and access to benefits and resources. I was involved with Legal Aid of West Virginia as a Public Interest Advocacy Fellow following my 1L year and also previously received services from Legal Aid during a time of need. Through those experiences, I have seen firsthand the profound impact LAWV provides to individuals, families, and our community. I would be honored to give back by supporting the organization’s mission and contributing to its continued service to our region.

Please note:
If you nominated a candidate who does not appear, they were unable to serve at this time. Statements were provided by each candidate.