Attorney at Law, Adams, Fisher and Chappell, PLLC
Photo by Judith Lieving.
By Cathy Bonnstetter
Although Robert Fisher learned the practice of law in other parts of the state and the world, his office is located in downtown Ripley, WV—his hometown. In fact, he and his partner, Leah Chappell, know most of their clients before they even walk through the door.
“The challenge of any small-town practice is keeping everyone happy,” Fisher says. “You generally know your clients on a personal level. “
According to Fisher, growing up in the idyllic town of Ripley in the 1960s was like living in a sitcom. Today, he is a small-town lawyer by choice, but he has traveled the world. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from West Virginia University (WVU) in just two and a half years and attended the WVU College of Law, graduating in 1978. He attended the University of Wales, in Cardiff, Wales, as a Rotary Fellow for one year, an experience that expanded his world view.
After law school, Fisher became an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, during which time he learned a lot about human nature and the demands of practicing law with precision.
“I quickly learned some people are not nice to each other, and I took the prosecution of criminal cases very seriously and was tough on plea bargains,” he says. “I learned to treat victims as people, not case numbers.”
While working as an assistant prosecutor for 10 years, Fisher simultaneously opened a private civil practice with his first partner, Ron Adams, who taught him to be mindful of his clients’ trust in him, never cut corners and treat clients like family. After Adams’ death in 1987, Fisher decided to become a full-time civil lawyer and joined forces with Tom Evans, who later became a circuit judge. In 2000, Chappell joined the firm.
All three of Fisher’s law partners have been outstanding in their own ways and have helped to shape his practice of law. He credits Adams and Judge Oliver Kessel, in particular, for helping shape his professional life. He also credits his family for his success.
“My wife, Judy, and three daughters, Lexi, Alison and Abby, keep me humble and introspective,” he says. “I firmly believe you cannot make it in life without the support of your family and mentors.”
Fisher is a firm believer that charity works, and he has spent a considerable amount of time serving his profession and community with his time, talent and resources. He has served on the board of directors of Jackson General Hospital for 40 years and is currently serving his eighth term as board chairman. His proudest community accomplishment is the merger of WVU Medicine with Jackson General during his chairmanship, which he says will change health care in the region forever.
Fisher’s past volunteerism includes the Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, Community Foundation of Jackson County, Boy Scouts of America fundraising committee and Ripley Rotary. He is also a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church.
He is an American Bar Foundation Fellow and Boy Scouts of America North Star Award recipient. Fisher is also a past president of the West Virginia State Bar, current member and past president of the West Virginia Bar Foundation and current executive council member of the West Virginia Bar Association. Despite these accolades, Fisher says his greatest successes revolve around family and friends.
“I consider raising my three daughters and seeing them married and starting families a great success,” he says. “They are well positioned for their futures, and they all selected jobs in which they can truly help others.”
Fisher also believes West Virginia is a well-kept secret in the field of law, where the industry is rich with intrinsic rewards.
“I cannot imagine practicing anywhere else,” he says.
