Partner, Bowles Rice LLP
Photo by Rick Lee.
By Emily Pellham
Ellen Maxwell-Hoffman, partner at Bowles Rice LLP, is a sixth-consecutive generation lawyer and the fourth-consecutive generation to practice and live in West Virginia. Growing up in Elkins, WV, Maxwell-Hoffman carries wonderful memories of spending time in nature, browsing her local library for books and periodicals and enjoying a multitude of activities with her three siblings, mother and father.
“I was most fortunate in that all my family provided continual support—at the same time, I was encouraged to be independent and taught to be self-reliant,” she reminisces.
Urged by her parents to study a subject that would make her employable, Maxwell-Hoffman received her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology and a master’s degree in audiology from West Virginia University (WVU). After graduating, she practiced as an audiologist for four years, starting in a hospital and then transitioning to private practice with an ear, nose and throat specialist. Subsequently, she attended WVU College of Law in August 1982 and graduated in May 1985.
While in school, Maxwell-Hoffman worked two summers with Goodwin & Goodwin, LLP in Charleston before starting her legal career with the same firm after graduation.
“At Goodwin & Goodwin, I was provided numerous opportunities and experiences in the law, which no doubt provided much of the foundation to become a good commercial lawyer,” she says. “I practiced property law, banking law, family law, criminal defense, election law and bankruptcy law. I did research for and wrote motions, appeared before county commissions, appeared in state and federal court—in civil litigation as well as appeals. I was exposed to a multitude of practice areas, which has in turn been an asset for me as a commercial lawyer.”
Following her time at Goodwin & Goodwin, Maxwell-Hoffman moved to Bowles Rice LLP and was immersed in commercial law and economic development. When she first started with Bowles Rice, she was tasked with learning the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act and was regularly consulted on the professional ethics governing lawyers.
“For more than 25 years, I have provided guidance to lawyers regarding professional responsibilities and have chaired our firm’s conflict committee since its inception nearly 20 years ago,” she says.
Additionally, Maxwell-Hoffman has served twice on the Bowles Rice management committee and has been an equity partner since 1994.
“Each day as I respond to and support our clients, I involve other lawyers—particularly our younger lawyers—so that clients may continue to have trust in the firm and, just as important, so that the lawyers will also appreciate the value of those clients, both professionally and personally,” she says.
Through the firm, she is able to formally and informally mentor and support young lawyers while her firm is in the process of updating and revitalizing its mentor program to maximize lawyer training and retention.
Outside of Bowles Rice, Maxwell-Hoffman has participated in mentoring high school students who are participating in the Youth in Government Program in Charleston.
“I enjoy teaching them how to find the law, what to research and how to present an argument to support the position they have been assigned. It is a small step, but most are not aware of, or understand the extent of, the West Virginia Code,” she says.
Maxwell-Hoffman attributes much of her success and knowledge concerning law to her father’s influence on her life as a child. When she was 10, she recalls a dinner conversation with him that made an impact on her.
“A client had given him a letter for safekeeping,” she reflects. “The client had passed, and my dad was to deliver the letter to his widow. I asked what was in the letter. He did not know. I asked why. He explained something to the effect that it was not for him to know, if the client wanted him to know, the client would tell him.”
She learned the enormous trust clients have in their lawyer, and in particular, to keep their confidences and, when appropriate, to abide by their wishes. Understanding that confidentiality, competence and trust are key, Maxwell-Hoffman strives to address the concerns of her clients through responsiveness and her communication abilities—a personal attribute she believes has had a significant impact on her success.
“Keeping confidence is a trait that I have strived to maintain all of my adult life—not just as a lawyer but as a health care provider, colleague, family member and friend. I do not try to be anyone other than who I am,” she says.
Maxwell-Hoffman is trustworthy, honest and dedicated not only in her career but in her interaction with the community around her. Through nonprofit organizations, she is able to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. She finds joy in helping individuals understand legal documents that can initially appear daunting. Bowles Rice encourages her to provide legal services for free or at a deeply discounted price for public service-oriented clients. Along with this, she currently serves as a member of the 4th Circuit Judicial Conference and is the firm’s representative for the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone.
Outside of practicing law, Maxwell-Hoffman has been actively involved with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for 30 years, having been a member representative, board member and officer. In addition to giving her time, she and her husband contribute to Legal Aid of West Virginia, WVU, church organizations and disaster relief organizations.
“I have been fortunate in my life and so if I am not able to give of my time, we will make a financial contribution,” she says.
Maxwell-Hoffman believes she is fortunate to live in and to practice law in West Virginia. Her brother Earl succeeded her in the practice of law and also remains in West Virginia. She has two children who were born and raised in West Virginia. While proud of the legacy that she has carried on in her family, Maxwell-Hoffman is especially pleased that her daughter is continuing this tradition as the family’s seventhgeneration lawyer in West Virginia.
Holding steadfast to her roots, Maxwell-Hoffman chooses to give back to the Mountain State through her unwavering dedication to the legal community.
“My father had great faith in the legal system and the legal profession,” she says. “I chose West Virginia because I studied here and knew much about the state’s history and about its people. I wanted to remain near my family and Randolph County. It just seemed like the right place to be.”
