“This Recovery Month, I hope we will celebrate the resilience of those in recovery, support second chances, and work together to break the stigma surrounding substance use disorders,” says Kaylie Allen, attorney with Legal Aid of WV (LAWV). “Every person deserves the opportunity to be recognized for their progress, potential, and the future they are building.”

September is National Recovery Month, and Kaylie works with West Virginians in recovery as LAWV’s statewide barriers to employment attorney, solving legal issues that keep West Virginians from getting, keeping, or improving their jobs

Her position is part of a partnership with Jobs & Hope WV, a statewide program that began as a resource for those in recovery. Now, the program assists all West Virginians get jobs or improve their careers through training, employment opportunities, and collaboration among community partner agencies.

Together, Jobs & Hope and Kaylie help remove barriers that stand between individuals and their employment goals.

Kaylie started as an attorney with LAWV just 12 days after she graduated from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law.

She moved from Indianapolis back to her hometown of Parkersburg, WV, to join the LAWV office as an attorney on our substance use disorder services team.

“The role seemed tailor-made for my interests and experiences,” Kaylie explains. “In law school and undergrad, I worked on projects examining substance use disorder programs and resources. The opportunity to combine those interests through LAWV’s work was incredibly appealing.”

A large part of the work is spreading the word that help and resources exist. Kaylie is a fixture in Parkersburg and recovery resource efforts across the state.

She also hosts both online and in-person clinics that educate attendees on expungement (sealing a criminal record), sealing CPS records, and other civil legal issues.

Beyond outreach, Jobs & Hope refers clients who could benefit from legal help directly to Kaylie.  

“Through these efforts, we are able to reach more individuals, remove barriers to opportunity, and help participants move closer to their goals,” she says. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing a client’s hard work and perseverance pay off. As an attorney, I have the opportunity to highlight my clients’ successes and advocated for second chances.”

Kaylie serves her clients as more than a lawyer—she meets them as people. Her clients are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who have a larger story than their current legal issues.

“Treating people with dignity and recognizing their full humanity not only leads to better legal outcomes but also helps build trust and empower clients.”

As a result of Kaylie’s thorough and sometimes creative approach, she has expanded what is possible from LAWV and its partnerships.

“I recently opened a free court clothing closet for clients in need of professional attire,” she says about the closet. The clothes mean clients do not have to buy expensive clothes for only one use. “It helps not only their outward appearance but also boosts their confidence.”

Kaylie credits her family for starting her community service efforts young.

“My parents have always emphasized the importance of kindness, respect, and standing up for what we believe in. In fact, my sister also works for a nonprofit organization in Wheeling, which I think speaks to the values our parents instilled in us.”

She employs those values and skills far beyond the reach of LAWV’s walls with a long list of community organizations where she volunteers or supports in some way, like the Parkersburg Women’s Club, the Wood County Bar Association, and Save a Life Day events.

“My work has given me a deep appreciation for our state and the people who call it home. Every day, I meet hardworking individuals who are striving to build better futures for themselves and their families.”