MEET GINNY CONLEY

Law school. Prosecution. Private Practice.

I vividly remember my first session of law school many years ago. Having just graduated from West Virginia University at 21 years old, I sat in the auditorium at Wake Forest University School of Law not knowing one person or what to expect.

Thirty-plus years later, I have a successful and exciting legal career, using my experiences and passion for helping people to fight for families as one of WV’s top-rated family law attorneys. 

Early years as a prosecuting attorney

In the early phase of my legal career, I was elected to serve three terms (twelve years) as a Prosecuting Attorney. I began with little to no experience, but I left with convictions under my belt. My responsibilities included trying thousands of cases, from traffic tickets to murders, with too many child abuse and domestic violence cases in between.

Evaluating the facts and evidence, applying the law, preparing witnesses, trying the case before a jury, or negotiating a plea was what I did with the kind of enthusiasm that young lawyers only dream about. I truly enjoyed the season of my life in the prosecutor’s office – serving my county with fervor and heart. Eventually, as the season turned, so did my practice. I landed in private practice, and I intend to remain here for the duration of my career – helping one family at a time.

My reputation as a Prosecuting Attorney led many people to trust me with their families, so moving toward Family Law was a natural inclination.

I recall a divorced client explaining her violent, spiteful, and manipulative spouse. She was concerned that no one could handle him in a divorce and custody battle. She wanted to know if I could. My response? “I put murderers away for years. I feel pretty sure I can handle your spouse”. And I did.

On finding agreements and mediation

Most of my career has been spent in a courtroom or preparing a case so well that we did not need to go to the courtroom after all. In those cases, we reached an agreement which means that the parties decided their own fate rather than a Judge or a Jury.

Many cases in family law also end with agreements and not a court order. I encourage agreements when they serve my client’s best interests because they allow a client to control the decisions made for their family rather than a Judge who is essentially a stranger to your life, your children, and you. But before you reach an agreement, I will ensure you understand the law and evidence we have in your case. I will give you options to consider. I may even nudge you along the way. In the end, you decide whether to agree or present your case to the court.

I see how vulnerable a person can be when they come to see me about divorce or a custody matter. As each client sets their family’s confidences out on the table, I want to protect that family’s future. I begin by understanding my client’s story, and then we work together to write (or right) the next chapters. The advice I give is direct and unfiltered so that you can make the best decisions. My clients learn what the law allows and does not allow and the risks along the way.

I bring a wealth of experience, confidence, and continued passion to each client. If a client comes to me with rose-colored glasses about the divorce process, they will leave with a clear, realistic view of their case. In every family law case, there are dips, turns, and sometimes craters in the way. I lead a well-informed client through each step as they untangle their family and finances.

I look forward to working with you and your family every step of the way – no matter where that journey may lead us.