Justice, Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
Photo by Tim Tilley Photography
By Pagett Dusic
In a world where the law often seems distant and impersonal, Bill Wooton, justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, stands out as a beacon of integrity and community commitment.
Wooton’s journey from a small-town upbringing to the highest ranks of the judiciary is a testament to his unwavering dedication to justice, strong work ethic and profound love for his home state.
“I learned early on that in a competitive situation I could usually prevail if I outworked the other competitors,” Wooton says. “That lesson has held true in athletics, academics, politics and the practice of law.”
Wooton’s journey began in Beckley, WV. The oldest of seven children, whose father was in sales and mother worked at the veterans hospital, Wooton came from a close-knit family. There, he developed a deep connection to his community. His mother instilled in him the importance of education and going to college as well as the equal importance of being kind and helping others.
“Mom was the embodiment of love; none of us were her equal, but all of us attempted to emulate her,” says Wooton. “She was always kind and generous to everyone and never missed an opportunity to be helpful to someone.”
He attended undergraduate school at Marshall University, where he became involved in student government. This fostered his desire to become involved in politics. Knowing that many elected officials were lawyers by trade, he broached the idea of going to law school with his dad.
“He was very discouraging,” Wooton says. “I still remember him telling me there were more starving lawyers in Beckley than any other group of people.”
While his father’s opposition gave him pause, after graduating from Marshall, Wooton decided to pursue his law degree so he could make a difference. While law school had its challenges, such as juggling time demands between school, active duty with the Army and a new marriage, law school was one of the best times of his life.
His first foray into the legal field involved working as a law clerk for Judge John Field, Jr., a judge for the Southern District of West Virginia. This role was pivotal, offering Wooton not only an introduction to the intricacies of the judicial system but mentorship from Field, who exemplified the qualities of brilliance, preparation and humility.
“Perhaps more importantly, he was always thoughtful, gracious, kind and polite and enjoyed a good laugh—even at his own expense,” says Wooton. “His work was important and serious, but he never took himself too seriously.”
While serving as a law clerk, Wooton gained valuable insights and guidance from three of Field’s former clerks who constituted the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Warren Upton, U.S. Circuit Judge Robert B. King and Wayne Rich.
Wooton’s career is marked by a series of significant roles, each contributing to his growth as a legal professional and public servant. After his clerkship, he joined the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, representing several key state agencies. This role was instrumental in building his confidence and expertise in handling significant litigation with minimal oversight.
A chance encounter at a social event led Wooton to the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he honed his skills as a trial attorney under the mentorship of Tom Canterbury, a trial attorney and prosecutor. This period was characterized by rigorous trial experience and the commencement of his political career, leading to his election to the House of Delegates. His commitment to justice and fair prosecution was solidified during this time, shaping his approach to law and public service.
Perhaps one of the most impactful periods of Wooton’s career was his tenure as the chair of the West Virginia Senate Committee on the Judiciary from 1993 to 2002. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping significant legislation, demonstrating his ability to influence legal reform and contribute to the betterment of the legal system in West Virginia. His legislative work is a testament to his dedication to legal reform and community service.
In his current role, Wooton reviews lower court decisions and participates in the administration of the state court system. His job involves ensuring justice is served fairly and transparently, a responsibility he embraces with a sense of accomplishment and dedication. The most rewarding aspect of his work is authoring opinions that clearly and cogently explain judicial decisions, contributing to the evolving body of legal precedents.
“Our judicial system has roots about a thousand years old and continues to evolve,” Wooton says. “It is awe-inspiring to think that I have a part in that continuing evolution.”
Wooton’s application of his legal expertise extends beyond traditional private practice. His career is a blend of judicial, legislative and prosecutorial roles, each leveraging his legal knowledge in unique ways. As a legislator, he influenced legal reform; as a prosecutor, he sought justice with integrity; and as a judge, he ensures fair adjudication of cases. This multifaceted use of his law degree underscores his versatility and commitment to public service.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wooton is deeply committed to his community in Beckley. Having lived there most of his life, he values the cooler climate and the presence of his family. His love for West Virginia is evident in his dedication to improving the community through various forms of service, including coaching youth athletics and supporting local activities.
Mentorship is another significant aspect of Wooton’s life. He has guided numerous individuals, including his grandson who is entering law school, and has seen his former legal assistants and legislative interns become successful attorneys. This commitment to mentoring reflects his belief in the importance of giving back and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.
“I’m proud that while in private practice, two of my legal assistants became attorneys, and several of my legislative interns likewise went to law school,” he says.
Looking ahead, Wooton continues to focus on his role as a justice, contributing to the evolution of the judicial system. His plans include seeking re-election in 2032, indicating his ongoing commitment to serving the people of West Virginia. His career is a testament to the impact one individual can have through dedication, integrity and a genuine desire to serve.
“My community has had major influence on my life. I want the community to thrive so it can play a similar role in the lives of younger generations,” he says. “Coaching youth athletics, serving in community service organizations and helping fund local activities that enrich the community is the most effective way to preserve those aspects of community that have been important in our lives.”
Wooton’s story is an inspiration to aspiring legal professionals and a reminder of the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on their community and beyond.
